GILDED IN GRACE
GILDED IN GRACE
Eighth-generation jeweller & director of Aaloki by CH, Siddhant Mandaliya in conversation with Poorvi Singhal. They talk must-haves for your bijoux box, personalising jewellery & the oft-overlooked jewels for the modern groom.
In a world of fleeting trends where statement styles reign supreme, Aaloki by CH is making a case for timeless high jewellery that champions traditional Indian techniques fused with contemporary design sensibilities. An offspring of Vadodara-based legacy brand CH Jewellers, Aaloki is designing collectables for the entire bridal party with the rarest of rare gemstones, fine meenakari and jadau settings, and the commitment to make every piece bespoke and unique to the wearer. Here, Aaloki by CH’s director and chief creative officer, Siddhant Mandaliya talks Bridal Asia through some of his key insights on the wedding jewellery scene:
Failsafe Finds
“You can never go wrong with a jadau or polki necklace, it is after all a true emblem of tradition. Next up, diamond earrings. Studs or chandeliers make for versatile pieces that can be styled up or down,” says Mandaliya. “A larger-than-life cocktail ring and stackable bracelets are arm candies you’ll find yourself wearing time and again. And, finally, the evergreen charm of chand balis and jhumkis is truly unmatched.”
Show Up In Style
For bridesmaids and serial wedding attendees, it’s time to shine with trend-forward pieces such as coloured gemstone chokers or bold earrings that can become the centrepiece of your look. “For mothers of the couple, nothing exudes understated elegance like vintage-inspired kundan necklaces and classics such as a satlada, rani haar or tevta,” suggests Mandaliya.
Family Legacies
Should you wish to breathe fresh life into your family jewels, Mandaliya suggests pairing an ancestral necklace with a minimal blouse, or styling vintage earrings with a modern silhouette. This melange of the old and new makes for a unique, never-before-seen look. Aaloki by CH also works closely with brides to help reimagine or refresh their heirloom jewellery through minimal design tweaks ensuring that the piece still narrates tales of love and la familia.
Let’s Talk Trends
Jadau, meenakari and uncut diamonds are all the rage now. They are also cultural treasures that will only appreciate in value and appeal over time. Shapeshifting pieces or modular and detachable jewellery that you can wear in multiple ways is also gaining popularity these days. Mandaliya also finds storytelling becoming the beating heart of bridal jewellery with monograms, personalised engraving and custom symbolism.
Make Room For The Groom
Jewellery for grooms is all about character. Be it a regal sarpech or a kalgi, multi-strand gemstone malas or a signature brooch, adding any of these details can make a world of a difference to the look. Mandaliya shares, “Aaloki has been customising pieces for grooms that also subtly complement the bride’s jewels. For the groom squad, well-chosen rings and cufflinks can leave a lasting impression.”
