IIJW 2011: Must-Haves for an Indian Bride

Sonam Kapoor inaugurates IIJW 2011 in Mumbai

The second edition of India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) kicked off in style with actor Sonam Kapoor lighting the traditional lamp and Bollywood beauties Bipasha Basu, Riya Sen and Soha Ali Khan walking the ramp for the Gitanjali show at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. We, however, fell in love with the wedding collection showcased by Amrapali and the Bangalore-based C Krishniah Chetty & Sons.
 
The jewellery on display has a lot to offer the modern, as well as the traditional, bride. While Amrapali showcased tribal as well as traditional designs, C Krishniah Chetty & Sons showcased cocktail pieces and traditional jewellery. Here are our style takeaways from Day 1 at IIJW 2011:
 
"Every bride should have polki and jadau necklaces in her trousseau," says Tarun Arora, head of design at Amrapali. These can be paired with almost everything. Other versatile pieces are silver and gold earrings with uncut diamonds. "These can be easily worn with almost anything as well," he goes on to say.

Women, especially brides, are sceptical to go for pieces with tanzanites or neelam, adds Arora. But they are going to be the "next big thing, after diamonds and emeralds," he says.

Bangles and Bracelets

Bangals, bracelets and cuffs were showcased during the Amrapali (L) and C Krishna Chetty (C-R) shows. Image courtesy: Viral Bhayani

Other pieces we loved were the bangles, cuffs and the cummerbundhs. Make sure you include one jadau-work cuff or bangle in your trousseau. We like how models wore traditional gold chains around their wrists as bracelets.
 
Hair Accessories

Kangana Ranaut for Amrapali and Angela Jonsson for Gehna. Image courtesy: Viral Bhayani

In vogue are hair pieces that brides can add to the top of their braids or as pins to hold their buns together. This was also the highlight of the bridal show by C Krishniah Chetty & Sons. Angela Jonsson also chose to wear a stunning diamond diadem from Gehna.
 
Ganesh Narayan, joint managing director of Krishniah Chetty & Sons says, "No South Indian bride's ensemble is complete without a hair piece." So make sure you get a piece studded with precious or semi-precious stones for your big day. You could get yourself a jada hara (hair piece) that starts from the top and goes on to the tip of the braid.

Maang tikkas or netti chuttis was another piece that wowed us. Studded with emeralds, rubies and diamonds, these are usually passed down as family heirlooms. This is another jewel to add to your collection to look like a true princess on your wedding.

A model showcases jewellery by C Krishna Chetty & Sons. Image courtesy: Viral Bhayani