When it comes to wedding jewellery, brides have seemingly endless options. Maang tikkas, chokers, raani haars, hath phools, paasas, kaleeras, and then some. But for men, you rarely think beyond the gold band, a string of pearls or a gemstone if you're feeling especially adventurous. It’s worth revisiting the ivory-coded Alia–Ranbir wedding in 2022, when the groom's single diamond stud became a national talking point. Or Ranveer Singh at Lake Como, wearing a jadau neckpiece with an animal-motif pendant layered with a ruby necklace for his wedding with Deepika Padukone.
So to say, wedding jewellery for men should no longer be an afterthought. “Grooms today are becoming far more experimental and expressive with their jewellery. They are moving beyond the traditional strings of pearls and embracing statement pieces that reflect their personality, be it with a handcrafted kalgi, gemstone buttons or heirloom brooches,” says Sunita Shekhawat, founder and CEO of Sunita Shekhawat.
Below, India’s leading jewellery designers get into some classic, other new-age and a few modular jewels for the modern-day groom.
Layering is the name of the game
Chokers are no longer just the bride’s territory. Grooms are now styling chokers with long necklaces and even ranihaars that elevate their look by many folds. Extra points for colourblocking. Think kanthas, whether monotone or multicoloured, in tumbles of emerald, rubies and other precious gemstones that can be paired with polki chokers.
Pull out the kamarbandhs
Jadau kamarbandhs are having a moment. Although a tad out there, when it comes to wedding jewellery for men, grooms are styling them on sherwanis to tie up the look. It is a multifunctional piece that can later be used as a necklace by both the bride and the groom.
A gem for your heart
Brooches today come in a wide range of themes, from animal motifs and floral-inspired designs to sleek geometric forms. Polki and jadau brooches featuring striking centre gemstones such as classic rubies and emeralds, as well as playful, vivid stones like lapis and tourmaline, sit really well on neutral-toned sherwanis. They also transition seamlessly into modern wardrobes, making them heirlooms worth investing in.
Arm candy
Think beyond the watch. Layer bracelets or kada sets that blend gold with gemstones. It adds a regal touch without feeling overdone.
Bespoke rings for the win
A signet ring is timeless; it carries a strong sense of identity and legacy when customised, engraved with initials, a family crest or studded with a gemstone that resonates with the wearer. It’s a piece that truly becomes a part of you and easily transcends into your occasionwear wardrobe.
Word to the wise
Choose one statement piece and build around it. For instance, if you’re wearing a heavy necklace, go lighter on the brooch and buttons. Also, make sure your jewellery complements your outfit’s tone–gold for warmer hues and silver or platinum for cooler shades.
Plume in the cap
A sarpech or kalgi is an ornament for the groom’s safa that will always be iconic. It carries an old-world charm and can be passed down for generations to come. One set with uncut diamonds and emeralds can also be pinned on the stole, or later, styled as a brooch.
A few failsafe finds
A strand of pearls has remained a mainstay in many a bijoux box and for good reason. It is regal, gender-neutral and elegant. Even a string of uncut diamonds works wonders on both neutral and jewel-toned outfits.
Gem of a button
When they say the devil is in the details, they’re talking about gemstone buttons. Vintage-inspired sherwani buttons encrusted with gemstones of choice make for a regal addition to the groom’s look. While emerald buttons usually take the centre stage, ones with meenakari (coloured enamelling) are also being favoured now.
Cuffs, but make them luxe
Trust polki cufflinks featuring uncut diamonds or enamel detailing to add a subtle yet regal touch to the groom’s ensemble. Get them engraved with the groom’s initials to make for a bespoke accessory.
Modular jewellery leads the way
Pieces that can be detached, adjusted and layered to fit multiple occasions offer versatility that’s second to none. A polki necklace that can be worn as a single statement strand or in layers is a gift that keeps giving. Similarly, sherwani buttons that can be transformed into cufflinks for a more pared-down look for the post-wedding events are ingenious ways to make the most of your jewels.
Colour theory to the rescue
Complement the bride’s jewels and apparel tones without replicating them. And what of the groom’s own fit? Lighter pastels pair beautifully with emeralds and Polki, while deeper hues shine with uncut diamonds or sapphires.
Also read:
23 modern mehendi designs for brides (and grooms) looking to update a centuries-old ritual
Indian weddings have gotten bigger, bolder and wildly specific
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