Once upon a time, a ‘bridal trousseau’ meant gold so heavy it could double as home security. You’d wear it once, maybe twice—then sentence it to a lifetime of solitary confinement in the back of a locker. This was the investment logic our mothers and grandmothers swore by: jewellery was a financial asset first, a fashion choice second. However, we’ve evolved past the point of needing a multi-layered satlada with matching earrings that can only be deployed for a mandap or the rare charity gala.
Of course a couple of opulent, once-in-a-lifetime sets still have their place—they’re your emergency couture, ready for any high-stakes occasion that may pop up intermittently. But blowing your entire trousseau budget on things you physically cannot wear to dinner, work, or a beach honeymoon is… well, terrible ROI. The smarter bride is building a jewellery wardrobe she can actually live, work and play in: Light, versatile pieces that look just as right with a lehenga as with a white tee and jeans—the kind that don’t need a wedding stage or a special occasion to shine. Designers are in on it too, creating minimalist heroes that you can reach for every day.
Start with earrings that work overtime, like minimalist sapphire hoops from Hazoorilal, petite diamond huggies, or solitaire studs from Kantilal Chhotalal which are the ultimate wear-anywhere investment. Dangling cluster earrings are a great option too—they frame your face with a sari as elegantly as they do with a slip dress, and they won’t scream ‘wedding set’ when you wear them to a dinner. A well-made pair like the one below from Alok Lodha can last decades without ever feeling dated.
