If you’re still obsessed with Margot Robbie wearing Elizabeth Taylor’s famed Taj Mahal necklace by Cartier at the premiere of Wuthering Heights, join the heart-cut-gemstone-worshipping club! The necklace that has made it to every bride’s wishlist is, of course, studded with Nur Jahan’s 17th-century legendary heart-shaped diamond pendant, which was then gifted by her son Shah Jahan to Mumtaz Mahal, and after many centuries, the heirloom found its way on the red carpet and flooded our feeds (just in time for wedding shopping season)!
The heart-shaped gem, however, has been building momentum for a while now; think Isha Ambani’s heart-cut emerald set by Kantilal Chhotalal that she wore as the co-chair of the British Museum’s Pink Ball or Kiara Advani making her MET gala debut last year in triple heart-drop diamond earrings also by Kantilal Chhotalal. This cut, celebrated by everyone from the Mughals to our modern style icons, is definitely leading our 2026 bridal trousseau wishlist.
Heart, yes! But is it bridal?
In Indian wedding jewellery, where symbolism reigns supreme, and every gemstone carries a blessing, meaning and value, the heart is quietly and confidently claiming its place. Historically, Indian bridal jewellery has leaned into flora with lotuses for purity, paisleys for fertility, and celestial motifs for eternity. The heart, that we now think of as pop culture shorthand for love, was even recently considered too literal, even slightly saccharine, and maybe just not serious enough.
But if it worked for Nur Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, we need to reassess how we’re looking at this unique and beloved cut. Add to that, we’re past the coy bride stage and that today’s bride loves a literal romance. She is wearing her heart on her sleeve and is loud and proud about it. She wants her jewellery to say what she means, and a heart-shaped gemstone is saying it best.
Enter the modern bridal heart
From engagement rings where you throw in a heart-cut diamond and you have a statement piece for life–think, Rose’s emerald-crowned heart-cut diamond ring. To Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas’ diamond-studded set, where the heart shape appears as a bright red solitaire pendant in the statement necklace that can catch the flickering flames during your pherās. For the sangeet, the Hazoorilal Legacy Hearts of Eden emerald and diamond necklace and earrings sit perfectly around your neck. And for your reception, Goenka India taps into royal blue heart cuts, lined with diamonds. There’s a heart-cut for every wedding occasion.
