The global pandemic slowed down the wedding business during the first half of last year, but we saw couples rush to tie the knot once the country resumed normalcy towards the year’s end – a time also touted to be the wedding season. Given the current state of the country, we may once again see the pattern repeat in 2022.
While some couples are waiting for the wave to ebb, some are throwing caution to the wind and getting hitched in intimate gatherings amidst the chaos. Whether you want to wait it out or simply take the plunge, the one thing that every wedding is incomplete without is jewelry. Here’s looking at some of the hottest wedding jewelry trends of 2022.
Double-layered Gold Necklace
A statement piece that does complete justice to the heavy bridal ensemble is the chunky double-layered necklace. Adding a royal touch to the overall look as these were fashioned by the maharanis of different dynasties that ruled India, today’s modern-day bride can easily add a traditional touch without compromising on an overall contemporary look. Either studded with stone or craftily woven self-designed ones, this season, we’re bringing back the over-the-top style with these hefty necklaces that are surely every bit worth their weight in gold.
Matha Patti
Loved Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s look in Jodha Akbar? How about stealing it for your big day? The Matha patti – a chain-like headpiece that runs across and to the back of the head – was a popular fit in every Mughal woman’s jewelry box. Couple these with big naths, and you have the perfect recipe for an elegant look without layering on numerous items.
Choker
Choker has made a massive comeback in the last few years, with women flaunting these necklaces with casual and party wear alike. For weddings this year, statement thick chokers will steal the show. You can opt for a choker that covers half of the neck or a sleek one layered with different sized necklaces for a grand look. Either way, be prepared to see brides and the guests adorn chokers at weddings, engagement ceremonies, and even cocktail parties.
Cocktail Rings
Some brides prefer to keep it simple and subtle without compromising on style. For them, instead of being laden with jewellery, a large cocktail ring will do the job just fine, especially if their wedding lehenga or saree is on the heavier side.
Temple Jewellery
Besides a touch of faith, temple jewellery boasts of conveying the rich cultural heritage as well. These are gold-plated jewelry with figurines of gods and goddesses delicately crafted on them. They are adorned with precious stones and typically a favorite among South Indian brides. But they can also transcend geographies and find their way in the trousseau of anyone looking to skirt away from traditional designs but carry a touch of legacy.
Some of the other trends to keep an eye on are diamond-studded heavy necklaces or earrings sans the neckpiece, sapphire and emerald studded jewelry set, and chunky maang tikka, especially for Sangeet and Mehendi functions.
While jewellery and bullion such as gold coins and bars are among its most familiar forms, gold also turns up in places that have little to do with ornamentation. It helps electronic connections work, protects equipment in space and appears in everything from eyewear to dentistry.
Gold purity is commonly shown as 24K, 22K, 999 or 999.9. But these numbers cannot be confirmed by looking at the colour, shine or weight of gold. They need to be tested. This testing process is called gold assaying. The result of which helps determine its purity and supports processes such as refining and hallmarking.
Look closely at a piece of gold and you may find tiny numbers, letters or symbols stamped on it. A jewellery piece may show 22K 916 or 18K 750. A gold bar may carry 999 or 999.9. Hallmarked jewellery in India also carries a BIS mark and HUID.