We sat down with leading designers to get a directive on decorating in 2021. Whether it's imprinting traditions with trends or swapping solitaries for rubies, these commandments are just what you need to build your very own a capsule collection of treasures that double up as heirlooms for future generations.
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jaipur
The style
Yash Agarwal, partner and creative director at Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jaipur feels, “Today, brides are going for classic designs rather than elaborate jewels. They are looking to purchase multi-purpose/modular jewellery that can be repeated and re-styled post the wedding festivities. Among different styles, cocktail rings, animal motif necklaces, lariats and chokers will be popular in 2021.”
The colour & craft
“Most trends are evergreen, so we encourage brides to select pieces based on their personalities and preferences. Gold is one of the most versatile metals. We strive to balance Indian art forms with a modern approach by marrying traditional designs with innovative techniques. Stones like uncut diamonds, emeralds and rubies continue to be a favourite.”
The cut & setting
“We primarily work with uncut (polki), rose-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds. Our latest collection 'Rajbari' symbolizes the cultural amalgamation of European and Indian ideologies through flawless jewels. Embracing the intricate setting and imagination of the Victorian era, the collection recreates the era of palatial luxury.”
Mahesh Notandass
The style
Vandana Jagwani, creative director of Mahesh Notandass shares, “Millennials prefer pieces that are timeless and have repeat value. For a bridal trousseau, I would opt for a tennis bracelet, a pair of solitaire studs and statement earrings. A diamond necklace is a must-have too.”
The cut & setting
"With the advancements in technology, customisable cuts of diamonds will trend in 2021. Now, buyers can opt for unique shapes like hexagons, trapeziums or even Christmas trees. For coloured gemstones, emerald and oval cuts will be very popular."
The colour & craftsmanship
"Diamond jewellery has become lighter and more malleable with a refined shift in craftsmanship. Speaking of gold jewellery, temple jewellery is held at the utmost regard. Emeralds and rubies will always be classic, crowd-pleasers. This year, multi sapphires are gaining traction."
White: Maison De Couture
The style
Vikas Jain, founder of White: Maison De Couture says, “Diamond stud earrings are timeless. A pair of statement chandbaali earrings, choker and rings are trousseau staples. A Rajputi aadh or multi-string pearl choker with kundan or meenakari work will go well with your lehenga as well as your Benarasi sari.”
The cut & setting
"Round, heart, Asher and cushion cut diamonds are trending this season. You can also consider rose cuts, mutual cuts, brilliant pear shapes and fancy yellow in an open setting. We have created a special collection for the upcoming trend."
The colour & craftsmanship
"With metals, gold and platinum are trending. Our artisans use handmade as well as modern machine techniques to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Brides today want to have fun with their jewellery. While we love diamonds, brides are leaning towards coloured stones, especially emeralds."
Anmol Jewellers
The style
Ishu Datwani, founder of Anmol Jewellers recommends, “For pheras, brides can wear an uncut diamond necklace earrings set with a maang tikka and nath. For cocktail, opt for a contemporary diamond necklace, and statement earrings and tikka for mehndi. For down the road, pick a tennis bracelet, solitaire ring, and stud earrings.”
The cut & setting
"Brides usually prefer gold, but titanium, a very lightweight material, can also be considered. Today, we are really doing cutting-edge work. We are doing 3D printing and pieces with an old-world charm. There have five new bridal collections—you’ll see polki, rose-cut diamonds and briolettes."
The colour & craftsmanship
"The use of pastel gemstones will be huge in 2021. We have dedicated a special collection where we have used Russian emeralds, light pink sapphires, moganites and other precious stones. Brides can complement pastel jewellery with their pastel bridal outfit."
Sunita Shekhawat Jaipur
The style
Niharika Shekhawat, creative director of Sunita Shekhawat Jaipur reveals, “Versatile jewellery will rule 2021. We do a lot of detachable, reversible pieces that can be worn in different ways. Invest in a multipurpose haathphool that doubles up as a bracelet and choker. Sunita Shekhawat’s heirloom open-setting earrings with diamonds and polkis are must-haves.”
The cut & setting
"Simple settings will continue to reign supreme. The diamond shape may vary, like Lily Collins’ rose-cut diamond or Jasmine Tookes’ oval diamond, but the settings be clean, without a lot of intricate detail. The use of coloured gemstones in jewellery will not subside anytime soon."
The colour & craftsmanship
"Meenakari remains extremely valuable. Among the noteworthy trends are precious metals, pearls and a turn towards silver. Brides are now opting for jewellery with rare stones like tanzanite, Russian emeralds, Zambian emeralds and tourmalines. Contrasting jewellery and the bridal trousseau in different hues is also trending."
Raniwala 1881
The style
Abhishek Raniwala, co-founder of Raniwala 1881 discloses, “Chandelier, jhumka and chaandbali earrings will enjoy continued favour. Choker, haram and long haar necklaces will be big in 2021. Brides can wear a big, bold set comprising a maang tikka, chandelier earrings, polki bracelet, choker strung with pearls and emeralds, and nath.”
The cut & colour
"Open setting is a new trend that millennial brides should bookmark. Keeping the latest trends in mind, we have experimented with a pastel colour palette, navratnas, Russian emerald and morganites in our latest collection."
The craftsmanship
"We have started using a new technique, CAD, which not only gives a stunning look to the jewellery but also makes it very light in weight. We have also introduced a new daily wear line called ‘Ready to Wear’."
Mehta & Sons
The style
Narendra Mehta, owner of Mehta & Sons shares, “I love the navratan and uncut polki (co-ord sets) complemented with pearls, rubies and emeralds. Both these styles encompass an old world charm that’s still relevant in current times. Another must-haves in trousseaus is diamond hoops and tennis bracelet.”
The cut & setting
"Asscher cut is a rare style kind of diamond and will be a hot trend among brides when it comes to their engagement rings. While they look glamorous in any setting, it best complements with baguettes and round shape diamonds."
The colour & craftsmanship
"Since yellow was announced as the Pantone Colour of the Year, there will be an increase in jewellery with yellow stones complemented with diamonds. Another shade that seems to be a long-favourite is emerald as it works with traditional and contemporary settings."
As seen in Khush Wedding 28. Buy this issue here