New-age brides are wearing their investments

For decades, bridal jewellery in India followed a familiar trajectory: bought in bulk, worn on the wedding day, then promptly stowed away in a bank locker. It was financial insurance more than fashion. Shruti Sushma wants to edit that script. The label, led by mother–daughter duo Sushma Chhajer and Shruti Chhajer Ranka, is positioning its newest work as “no locker jewellery”, a phrase that signals daily wearability without diluting the craftsmanship or materials.

That pattern no longer fits. Today’s brides are younger, globally exposed, and often buy their own pieces. They’re less interested in occasion-only sets and more in pieces that adapt across their week: studs that move from desk to dinner, diamond hoops that don’t feel out of place at school pick-up, and cocktail rings worn on a Monday. International maisons have long catered to this; Indian ateliers are now catching up, offering versatility without compromise on weight, clarity, or detail.

“No locker” doesn’t mean costume or demi-fine. Shruti Sushma’s collections stay rooted in high jewellery—hand-finished settings, certified stones, heritage techniques—but shift the lens to relevance and ease. Lighter in feel, simpler to style, and designed for rotation rather than storage.

It’s a small turn of phrase that signals a larger shift: fine jewellery earning its place in a bride’s life, not her locker.

Colour as an accent

Jewellery with colour has always walked a fine line: too little and it disappears, too much and it tips into costume. Right now, the smartest approach is to use colour as an accent, rather than overdoing it. Emeralds and rubies are making the strongest case; both carry a sense of heritage but feel unexpectedly fresh when paired with sleek bridal silhouettes. Think diamond necklaces with just a touch of green, cluster earrings that bring in a whisper of red, or cocktail rings where the gemstone does the talking.

Brides are also leaning towards tonal restraint: a single hue threaded through the look feels sharper than a rainbow mix. Some still favour bold, maximalist jewellery, but the trend now is all about balance. A vivid stone framed by diamonds, or a jewel-toned earring styled against neutral makeup, allows the colour to hold the spotlight. If diamonds are forever, colour is the moment, and using it sparingly makes it all the more impactful.

Sharp on the ear

Earrings are still the most effective way to sharpen a bridal look, precisely because they sit closest to the face. Every bride knows this is where most of the camera action happens, and the jewellery should rise to the occasion. The strongest trend is clarity of line: drops with art deco shapes, chandeliers that feel balanced rather than excessive, and studs with just enough sculptural edge. Ear cuffs and climbers are also moving from experimental to bridal mainstay; they add a contemporary accent without detracting from the rest of the jewellery suite. Length is worth considering carefully. Shoulder-dusting pieces can elongate and dramatise, but they work best when the outfit is pared back. Conversely, shorter diamond drops or gemstone studs allow more elaborate clothing to hold its space. Brides are less interested in the old rules about matching necklace and earring sets and more drawn to the idea of proportion; one sharp earring can reframe an entire outfit.

Hands in focus

Wedding rings are no longer operating in isolation. Today’s brides are layering: engagement bands flanked by slim diamond pavé, cocktail rings stacked with heirloom pieces, or even mixing metals in a way that once felt gauche but now reads as experimental Gen Z. The hand is, after all, one of the most visible features across the wedding. It makes sense that brides are choosing to make the most of that attention.

A sculptural ring with floral detailing or a strong gemstone centrepiece adds personality to the standard band. Even minimalists are playing with scale, opting for one oversized motif rather than multiple dainty accents. Stacking remains a major language, but it’s less about quantity and more about curation, mixing widths and alternating textures. In an era where every close-up lands on Instagram, the message is clear: treat your hands as a focal point, not an afterthought. The right ring—or assortment of them—can anchor an entire bridal look.

The most useful pieces are those that stay in rotation. Necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets are designed to complement a range of looks, layer without effort, and move across events. They reward repeat wear and quietly carry value through style rather than spectacle, becoming part of a bride’s wardrobe rather than a one-time purchase.