Weddings in India are grand affairs, filled with tradition, culture, and a dazzling display of wealth and style. One of the most buzzed-about events recently was the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. This union of two prominent families was truly spectacular, with every detail meticulously planned and executed. One of the highlights of this high-profile wedding was the stunning jewelry worn by the bride and guests, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and the modern sophistication of contemporary jewelry design. From Ambani ladies to the Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities, the choice of jewelry showcases a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, tradition, and a commitment to setting new standards of elegance.
So, let’s delve into the captivating world of the Ambani family jewels that adorned these women, turned heads, and redefined luxury.
Before the D-Day
Before Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant tied the knot, a series of grand celebrations took place. These events were marked by opulent decorations, exquisite attire, and, of course, stunning jewelry. Here are some of our top jewelry picks from the various wedding festivities:
Mehendi Ceremony: Shloka Ambani in her grandmother’s Kaliganthi necklace
During the Mehendi Ceremony, Shloka Ambani, the eldest daughter-in-law of the family, adorned herself in a sentimental family heirloom. She chose to wear her grandmother’s antique gold necklace that looked like a traditional Gujarati Kaliganthi necklace.
The Kaliganthi necklace, often linked to the Gujarat region, is made up of amulet-shaped units crafted in gold. It features intricate techniques like filigree and is adorned with gemstones and pearls in beautiful kundan work. Accompanied by a maang-tika, earrings, and bangles, Shloka Mehta showcased her affinity for bold jewelry choices, opting this time for understated elegance.
Her grandmother’s necklace also held a sentimental value which beautifully complemented her attire. Stylist and Shloka’s sister, Diya Mehta Jatia, expressed her joy: “Feeling all the feels because we styled this look using nani’s jewelry! Love when there’s a blend of tradition and fashion!”
Haldi: Radhika Merchant’s “phool jewelry”
For the Haldi ceremony, Radhika Merchant’s elegance was truly radiant, enhanced by beautiful floral jewelry designed by Srishti Kapur of Floral Art. Crafted from fresh white tagar kalis, her jewelry set included earrings, tassel-adorned tops, a double necklace with a choker, floral kaleeras, and haath phool (hand ornaments).
Haath phools are ethnic hand accessories originated from Persia, and were brought to India by the Mughals, They are also known as hath kamal, hand chain, or hath panja, depending on the religion. Over the years, Hathphool Designs has introduced many new varieties, gaining popularity.
Radhika’s captivating look was completed with three types of flowers: fragrant tagar kalis, cheerful yellow button daisies, and delicate Thai rui (crown) flowers.
After Haldi-Bash: Isha Ambani’s gold braid
Embracing cultural elegance, Isha Ambani was seen sporting a traditional Tamilian jadai hairstyle, adding a touch of South Indian charm to the extravagant affair.
According to Vaishnavi Gollapinni, founder and CEO of Core Concept, the jadai is not just a hairstyle but “a representation of cultural heritage and a celebration of the bride’s new journey in life.”
This choice not only showcases the family’s appreciation for diverse Indian traditions but also sets a trend for incorporating regional styles into high-profile events. Crafted with diamonds and gemstones by Birdhichand, Isha wore a waist-length gold choti around her ponytail at the after-haldi bash, ending in a kunjalam with three tiny baubles.
Isha completed the look with jimmkis (earrings) and golden sun and moon ornaments on either side of her hair partition.
Sangeet: Radhika Merchant’s Pear-Opal Necklace with Diamond Earrings
For her sangeet look, Radhika chose to wear an opal and diamond necklace, a piece she also adorned during her pre-wedding celebrations in Cannes earlier this May.
This necklace holds special personal significance for Radhika, as opal is her birthstone. She complemented this with diamond earrings, which happen to be the birthstone of her husband, Anant Ambani.
Shiv Shakti Puja: Nita Ambani in Jadau Jewelry
Nita Ambani looked resplendent in Jadau Jewellery for the Shiv Shakti Puja, donning a stunning long necklace adorned with large polkis and complemented by exquisite Jadau bangles. Her choice of jewelry highlighted intricate craftsmanship and added a touch of elegance to the auspicious occasion.
Wedding Ceremony
Now, let’s take a glimpse of the stunning jewelry worn by the Ambanis and other celebrities during the wedding ceremony.
Radhika Merchant’s Heirloom Necklace
The intimate details of Radhika’s wedding pheras added a nostalgic touch to the emotionally charged occasion. Radhika Merchant, the bride, adorned a cherished necklace passed down through her maternal lineage. This precious choker had adorned the necks of her grandmother, mother, and sister on their wedding days.
Embellished with emeralds and strands of polki, it combined the grace of a rani haar with the refinement of a satlada necklace. This heirloom not only held deep sentimental value but also highlighted exquisite craftsmanship, adding a timeless elegance to her bridal attire.
Anant Ambani’s Hulking Emerald
For his wedding, Anant Ambani chose a majestic panther brooch adorned with a massive emerald and diamonds. Designed by Heeramaneck & Son, the brooch featured a panther encrusted with the finest diamonds, resting atop a breathtaking 720-carat Zambian emerald.
This special piece was crafted specifically for Anant, reflecting his deep affection for animals. It added a touch of regal charm and personal significance to his wedding ensemble, making it a memorable part of the celebration.
Nita Ambani’s “Surya Shakti Necklace”
Nita Ambani, renowned for her passion for exquisite jewelry, dazzled in the ‘Surya Shakti necklace’ designed by Kantilal Chhotalal. This masterpiece, meticulously crafted over 1000 artisan hours, showcased a stunning 100-carat yellow cushion diamond complemented by an 80-carat emerald-cut solitaire drop.
Surrounding the central motif were portrait-cut diamonds, reminiscent of styles favored by Mughal royalty. Completing her ensemble were yellow diamond Nizami earrings and a sparkling yellow pear diamond tikka, enhancing her radiant appearance.
Isha Ambani’s two different earrings
For Anant and Radhika’s Shubh Ashirwad, Isha Ambani made a bold fashion statement by embracing the mix-and-match trend with a pair of two different earrings. She opted for a playful yet elegant look, wearing floral-shaped earrings in two distinct colors: an emerald green earring in one ear and a white diamond earring in the other. Despite the mix-and-match approach, these stunning earrings beautifully complemented her multi-colored Navratna choker, creating an eye-catching ensemble.
Janhvi Kapoor’s Temple Jewelry
Janhvi Kapoor made a striking impression in a custom lehenga by Falguni & Shane Peacock, featuring a blouse crafted from real gold temple jewelry. Embracing the trend of jewelry as clothing, she adorned herself with a statement choker, sparkling chaandbalis, and a maang tika. Delicate bangles and rings added the final touches, transforming her into the golden girl of the evening.
Deepika Padukone’s Antique Choker
Deepika Padukone looked stunning in a custom red Zardozi Torani salwar kameez, but it was her choker that stole the spotlight. This exceptional piece, originally a bazuband from the Sikh Empire, had been repurposed into a necklace.
Adorned with white sapphires and a large spinel, the centerpiece resembled the historic Timur Ruby, once owned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sourced from Chand Begum, this vintage treasure carried significant historical value, lending a majestic charm to Deepika’s entire look.
Kim Kardashian’s Diamond Statement Necklace
Kim Kardashian added a touch of Indian tradition to her look with face jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz. Her pearl and diamond necklace, which was particularly eye-catching, boasted 170 carats of diamonds, including pear-shaped drops.
Her earrings featured 62 carats of pearl and diamond briolettes, while her bindi headpiece included an 8-carat pear-shaped drop. Her nose shimmered with cushion old cut diamonds totaling 70 carats, completing her dazzling ensemble.
Conclusion
Ambani’s wedding wasn’t just about two people coming together; it was a celebration of family bonds and cherished traditions. The jewelry worn by the Ambani ladies holds profound meaning—each piece symbolizes tradition, heritage, and family legacy. Passed down through generations, these exquisite jewels embody the rich cultural heritage of the Ambani family, serving as a testament to their illustrious lineage and enduring traditions.
As the festivities draw to a close, the sparkling jewelry adorned by Nita Ambani, Radhika Merchant and other guests remains unforgettable. These pieces signify not just wealth and grandeur, but also love, unity, and togetherness, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed the celebration.
