A necklace not only complements the bridal outfit but also brings glitter and charm to the face of a bride. Grace your neck with an arresting piece for that oh-so-gorgeous look. We attempt to explore the relationship between the bride and her neckpiece and bring to you a few neck-worthy facts.
If there’s one piece of ornament in the entire jewellery ensemble of an Indian woman that has an unmatched sense of appeal and a distinct sentimental value attached to it, it is the necklace or the haar. Ask any bride what’s so special about that neckpiece in her trousseau, and she will share with you a story that says it all. In India, the necklace has enjoyed place of pride not just in private affairs but in political posturing as well. In the times of the ‘Delhi Durbar’, a necklace was presented to Queen Mary by the Maharani of Patiala to mark the first visit of the British Queen-Empress to India in the year 1911. A century later, this elegant adornment still rules the heart of every woman.
“A necklace being the most visual piece of jewellery is very important for a bride who wants to show her best on her big day. At the same time, it could be one of those special gifts from a mother to her beloved daughter which she takes as a blessing to her new home,” says Akanksha Arora, CEO, Amrapali Jewels.
Available in various lengths, sizes, materials, colours and designs, a neckpiece accentuates the charm and beauty of a woman as it adorns her slender neck. “There are various types of necklace styles prevalent in the market. The most common ones being the V shape, Y shape and the round shape. These are named according to the silhouette of the necklaces and are worn to complement the necklines accordingly,” explains Manju Kothari, Creative Director, Entice.
Selection of the right necklace will give that stunner look to your bridal wear. Here’s a guide to picking one when planning out your jewellery for a special occasion.
Up-close with Charming Chokers
A choker is a neck piece that is set very close to the neck and fits snugly around. Keep it simple with a light string of pearls or get grandiose with a silver/gold piece, studded with diamonds. Gold, silver and pearls are some of the most popular choices for chokers. A polki, jadau or antique finish gold choker studded with precious stones and embellished with floral pendent is ideal for reception. “Reception and cocktails have taken a modern twist over time, where the brides wear garments from traditional lehengas and sarees to elaborate designer dresses. The contemporary style of necklaces like chokers with asymmetric craftsmanship works wonders,” according to Manju Kothari.
When choosing a choker, always keep the neckline of the outfit in mind. Attires with high necklines are suitable for chokers when compared with long necklaces that go well with deep necklines. For cocktail evenings, try a choker made of lustrous white or mauve pearls beaded with white silver. A hansli style-necklace, which is a ring-like piece of choker or collar length, would also do well for cocktails. Sangeeta Dewan, head designer for Zoya, observes that “the look is more modern these days. So women prefer light versions of necklaces such as pendant sets and hansli-style tubular neckpieces.”
An ornate designed pure silver/gold chocker would strike the right chord for sangeet and reception, depending on the outfit. “For reception function, people choose to wear something that is not over-blingy but it should look elegant, something mesmerising,” opines designer and gemologist Gursimran Chadha of Jagat Jewels.
Grandiose Haars
The bridal pattahaars are long necklaces made of 22k gold and studded with rubies, emeralds, polki stones and meenakari work. The patta is also available in filigree designs and is usually a 24-inch long adjustable necklace.
If you believe in living life queen size, then make a statement with the statement necklace of queens – the rani haar! This haar was originally made in pure gold and precious stones. But the new-age bride has some easy-on-the-pocket options available in various semi-precious stones. The classic rani haar is mostly a combination of choker and large royal necklaces made of rubies, gold, pearls and diamonds. Remember those ostentatious neckpieces that Aishwarya Rai flaunted in the film Jodha Akbar? That’s exactly how a classic rani haar looks like.
The exquisite pattahaars and rani haar go well with both sarees and ghagras/lehengas, and are apt for grand occasions, preferably the wedding day or the reception.
Sterling Strands of Pearls
Created by the skilled artisans of Hyderabad in the 19th century, the Satlada or the seven-stringed pearl necklace typically made in Basra, is a masterpiece of pearl jewellery. It is also embedded with emeralds, diamonds and rubies. These necklaces are designed without a clasp and the strands are attached at either end to two triangular-shaped terminals, usually made of gold. The length of the strands in the necklace decreases from the outer strand to the inner strand. Reserve this regal jewellery for D-day or the reception. While the Satlada is best suited for khadadupatta (upright stole) worn by the traditional Hyderabadi Muslim brides, it looks equally royal with a traditional saree.
Simple strands of pearls are suitable for cocktails. “People prefer to wear stylish, light weight and modern jewellery for cocktails,” informs Gursimran Chadha. Go modish with a matinee necklace (resting on top of the cleavage) and opera neckpiece (sitting on the breast bone) or a pearl lariat, which is a very long necklace that could be crossed over, looped or knotted in various ways.
Retro Inspirations
From being an adornment of gods and goddesses to ornamenting the contemporary danseuse and bride, temple jewellery has come a long way. Intricately designed traditional neckpieces, inspired from temple jewellery, are in vogue and every bride craves to have one in her trousseau. You can find plenty of imitations of these designs in the market.
You could pose an ethnic look for your sangeet with a simple-and-pretty manga necklace designed with red and green kemp stones. These mango stones necklaces, known as manga-malas, would also do well for sagan, depending on how ceremonial the occasion is. “The sagan jewellery really depends on the function that has been planned. If there is a huge invite list, more formal jewellery will be in place. Tastefully designed necklaces can be lighter as earrings for this occasion can be long chandeliers which will also get noticed. Add a winsome bracelet, bangle or kada to complete the outfit you will wear,” suggests Chetna Nanda, jewellery designer for Chitih Sparkling Gems. However, Akanksha Arora feels that the necklace for the sagan should be deliberately underplayed: “Sagan ceremony focuses mainly on the ring and therefore all other jewellery should be kept to a minimal. A subtle choker or a matinee necklace which is not too heavy and does not grab too much attention is suitable.”
Divine Danglings
Some necklaces hold a symbolic significance and become an integral part of one’s daily wear. Mangalsutra, sanctifying the holy union of marriage for an Indian bride, is one such neckpiece. It is usually made of a string of small black beads with a small pendant or locket in the centre. Also known as thali, thali or mangalyam, the designs vary from culture to culture. The locket could be tulsi-shaped or that of the shape of Vishnu. Chettinad women wear heavy stone-studded lockets in their mangalyam.
Worn by Tamilian, Keralite, Kannadiga and Andhra women, the kasumala is a gold string of coins, usually having goddess Lakshmi embossed on it. People of different faiths wear necklaces of designs that have different symbolic significance – the Christian cross, Jewish Star of David or Islamic inscriptions. Whether it is the mangalsutra or any other religious necklace, get it custom made such that it coordinates well with outfits for all occasions.
Necklace being the most attention-seeking element of bridal trousseau, there’s more to picking the right one than meets the eye. So choose a style and design that best complements your outfit and suits the mood of the occasion.
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“A necklace being the most visual piece of jewellery is very important for a bride who wants to show her best on her big day. At the same time, it could be one of those special gifts from a mother to her beloved daughter which she takes as a blessing to her new home,” says Akanksha Arora, CEO, Amrapali Jewels.
Available in various lengths, sizes, materials, colours and designs, a neckpiece accentuates the charm and beauty of a woman as it adorns her slender neck. “There are various types of necklace styles prevalent in the market. The most common ones being the V shape, Y shape and the round shape. These are named according to the silhouette of the necklaces and are worn to complement the necklines accordingly,” explains Manju Kothari, Creative Director, Entice.
Selection of the right necklace will give that stunner look to your bridal wear. Here’s a guide to picking one when planning out your jewellery for a special occasion.
Up-close with Charming Chokers
A choker is a neck piece that is set very close to the neck and fits snugly around. Keep it simple with a light string of pearls or get grandiose with a silver/gold piece, studded with diamonds. Gold, silver and pearls are some of the most popular choices for chokers. A polki, jadau or antique finish gold choker studded with precious stones and embellished with floral pendent is ideal for reception. “Reception and cocktails have taken a modern twist over time, where the brides wear garments from traditional lehengas and sarees to elaborate designer dresses. The contemporary style of necklaces like chokers with asymmetric craftsmanship works wonders,” according to Manju Kothari.
When choosing a choker, always keep the neckline of the outfit in mind. Attires with high necklines are suitable for chokers when compared with long necklaces that go well with deep necklines. For cocktail evenings, try a choker made of lustrous white or mauve pearls beaded with white silver. A hansli style-necklace, which is a ring-like piece of choker or collar length, would also do well for cocktails. Sangeeta Dewan, head designer for Zoya, observes that “the look is more modern these days. So women prefer light versions of necklaces such as pendant sets and hansli-style tubular neckpieces.”
An ornate designed pure silver/gold chocker would strike the right chord for sangeet and reception, depending on the outfit. “For reception function, people choose to wear something that is not over-blingy but it should look elegant, something mesmerising,” opines designer and gemologist Gursimran Chadha of Jagat Jewels.
Grandiose Haars
The bridal pattahaars are long necklaces made of 22k gold and studded with rubies, emeralds, polki stones and meenakari work. The patta is also available in filigree designs and is usually a 24-inch long adjustable necklace.
If you believe in living life queen size, then make a statement with the statement necklace of queens – the rani haar! This haar was originally made in pure gold and precious stones. But the new-age bride has some easy-on-the-pocket options available in various semi-precious stones. The classic rani haar is mostly a combination of choker and large royal necklaces made of rubies, gold, pearls and diamonds. Remember those ostentatious neckpieces that Aishwarya Rai flaunted in the film Jodha Akbar? That’s exactly how a classic rani haar looks like.
The exquisite pattahaars and rani haar go well with both sarees and ghagras/lehengas, and are apt for grand occasions, preferably the wedding day or the reception.
Sterling Strands of Pearls
Created by the skilled artisans of Hyderabad in the 19th century, the Satlada or the seven-stringed pearl necklace typically made in Basra, is a masterpiece of pearl jewellery. It is also embedded with emeralds, diamonds and rubies. These necklaces are designed without a clasp and the strands are attached at either end to two triangular-shaped terminals, usually made of gold. The length of the strands in the necklace decreases from the outer strand to the inner strand. Reserve this regal jewellery for D-day or the reception. While the Satlada is best suited for khadadupatta (upright stole) worn by the traditional Hyderabadi Muslim brides, it looks equally royal with a traditional saree.
Simple strands of pearls are suitable for cocktails. “People prefer to wear stylish, light weight and modern jewellery for cocktails,” informs Gursimran Chadha. Go modish with a matinee necklace (resting on top of the cleavage) and opera neckpiece (sitting on the breast bone) or a pearl lariat, which is a very long necklace that could be crossed over, looped or knotted in various ways.
Retro Inspirations
From being an adornment of gods and goddesses to ornamenting the contemporary danseuse and bride, temple jewellery has come a long way. Intricately designed traditional neckpieces, inspired from temple jewellery, are in vogue and every bride craves to have one in her trousseau. You can find plenty of imitations of these designs in the market.
You could pose an ethnic look for your sangeet with a simple-and-pretty manga necklace designed with red and green kemp stones. These mango stones necklaces, known as manga-malas, would also do well for sagan, depending on how ceremonial the occasion is. “The sagan jewellery really depends on the function that has been planned. If there is a huge invite list, more formal jewellery will be in place. Tastefully designed necklaces can be lighter as earrings for this occasion can be long chandeliers which will also get noticed. Add a winsome bracelet, bangle or kada to complete the outfit you will wear,” suggests Chetna Nanda, jewellery designer for Chitih Sparkling Gems. However, Akanksha Arora feels that the necklace for the sagan should be deliberately underplayed: “Sagan ceremony focuses mainly on the ring and therefore all other jewellery should be kept to a minimal. A subtle choker or a matinee necklace which is not too heavy and does not grab too much attention is suitable.”
Divine Danglings
Some necklaces hold a symbolic significance and become an integral part of one’s daily wear. Mangalsutra, sanctifying the holy union of marriage for an Indian bride, is one such neckpiece. It is usually made of a string of small black beads with a small pendant or locket in the centre. Also known as thali, thali or mangalyam, the designs vary from culture to culture. The locket could be tulsi-shaped or that of the shape of Vishnu. Chettinad women wear heavy stone-studded lockets in their mangalyam.
Worn by Tamilian, Keralite, Kannadiga and Andhra women, the kasumala is a gold string of coins, usually having goddess Lakshmi embossed on it. People of different faiths wear necklaces of designs that have different symbolic significance – the Christian cross, Jewish Star of David or Islamic inscriptions. Whether it is the mangalsutra or any other religious necklace, get it custom made such that it coordinates well with outfits for all occasions.
Necklace being the most attention-seeking element of bridal trousseau, there’s more to picking the right one than meets the eye. So choose a style and design that best complements your outfit and suits the mood of the occasion.
SGpalace is Singapore's very own online Incredible Shopping paradise. You can shop here for newest products, latest trends and bestselling items from all over the world , highly discounted!
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