Have you ever wondered what makes a wedding truly unforgettable? While love, of course, tops the list, there’s something else that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression: Jewellery. And when it comes to the Ambani family, their weddings are nothing short of an emerald-studded spectacle.
The title of this lavish affair reads: “Ambani Wedding Jewellery: A Love Affair with Emeralds.” The Ambani family, known as one of India’s wealthiest, has an undeniable obsession with this verdant gemstone. Let’s decode their unwavering fascination with emeralds, providing you with a front-row seat to this fascinating love story—pun intended.
The Symbolism of Emeralds in Indian Culture
Emeralds are more than just another shiny rock; they hold deep-rooted significance in Indian culture. Traditionally, emeralds symbolize rebirth, fertility, and eternal youth. For a family as monumental as the Ambanis, these symbolisms resonate deeply with their own legacy and aspirations.
Emeralds: A Symbol of Rebirth and Fertility
Emeralds have always been associated with life and rejuvenation. The lush green color of emeralds mirrors nature in its prime—vivid, flourishing, and ever-renewing. Given that the Ambanis have built their empire from the ground up, it’s no wonder that these symbols hold a special place in their hearts.
The Wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai was a jewel-studded affair. Anant, the youngest son of Nita and Mukesh Ambani, tied the knot with Radhika Merchant in a ceremony that highlighted their commitment to tradition while displaying unmatchable opulence.
Radhika Merchant’s Garba Night Outfit
During the Gujarati dance night, Radhika chose a stunning traditional polki jadau jewellery set. The choker and round necklace boasted Zambian emerald drops, weighing a staggering 407.14 grams. Matching karn phool jhumar earrings completed her ensemble, making her look as if she had stepped straight out of a royal palace.
Nita Ambani’s Couture
Nita Ambani wore a custom outfit by designers Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, accentuating her ensemble with exquisite emerald jewellery. Pieces from her personal collection, designed by renowned jeweller Viren Bhagat, added an unforgettable touch to her attire, like an emerald armband that screamed regality.
Heritage and Heirloom: Family Jewels
Radhika’s wedding set included a five-row rani haar necklace by Mumbai jeweller Nisha Mehta, featuring uncut diamonds and Zambian emeralds. Completing her look with antique family jewels, Radhika embodied tradition, heritage, and impeccable taste.
The Love Affair Over Generations
The Ambanis’ love for emeralds isn’t limited to a single occasion or family member. It’s a multi-generational affair, showing no signs of waning.
Nita Ambani’s Iconic Necklace
Who could forget Nita Ambani’s legendary emerald necklace, valued at an astounding $48-60 million? She wore this piece to her son’s pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar, and it featured cascading emeralds and diamonds punctuated by block pendants. This necklace highlights the family’s unwavering love for this precious gem.
Reappearing Family Heirlooms
Fast forward to July 3, 2024, during the bride’s mameru ceremony, Nita wore another stunning emerald necklace—a family heirloom that had graced significant events in the past. This specific necklace featured three magnificent emeralds suspended from a diamond-studded chain, making it a conversation piece.
Isha Ambani’s Contributions
Carrying forward her mother’s legacy, Isha Ambani has made quite an impression with her emerald-studded choices.
Historic Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace
At her brother Anant’s haldi ceremony, Isha flaunted the historic Nizam of Hyderabad necklace. This vintage piece, a blend of diamonds, emeralds, and gold, displayed Isha’s knack for blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics.
Manish Malhotra Emerald Set
Most recently, at another pre-wedding event in March 2024, Isha was seen wearing a striking emerald set from Manish Malhotra, comprising a necklace, earrings, and a ring. The green hue of the emeralds contrasted beautifully with her red outfit, making her look both bold and elegant.
Shloka Mehta’s Emerald Ensembles
The emerald fascination doesn’t end with Isha and Nita. Shloka Ambani, wife of Akash Ambani, rounded out the family’s emerald theme with her own dazzling choices.
Layered Emerald Necklace
Shloka wore a layered emerald necklace stacked with an emerald-studded choker. She paired this with an emerald maang tikka and beaded bracelets, embodying the family’s luxurious taste while upholding Indian traditions.
The Craftsmen Behind the Creations
What makes these pieces extraordinary isn’t just their material value but also their craftsmanship. Many pieces are designed by Viren Bhagat, a fourth-generation jeweller who merges Art Deco and Mughal influences to create mesmerizing jewels cherished by global elites.
The Contribution of Viren Bhagat
Viren Bhagat’s designs are the epitome of luxury, often blending historical inspirations with contemporary aesthetics. His reputation within the world’s elite circles stands as a testament to his skill and creativity. From Nita’s armlet to Isha’s parure, Bhagat’s touch transforms emeralds into unbeatable statements of wealth and style.
Other Notable Jewelry Houses
Besides Viren Bhagat, other notable names like Jaipur Jewels and Birdhichand Jewellers have also contributed to the Ambani collection. These jewellers are celebrated for their unparalleled craftsmanship, offering the Ambanis bespoke pieces that are more than just jewellery—they are works of art.
Jaipur Jewels
Jaipur Jewels’ traditional designs have beautifully complemented the Ambanis’ love for heritage. These designs harness the richness of Indian culture while incorporating modern design elements, making them perfect for significant occasions.
Birdhichand Jewellers
Birdhichand Jewellers specialize in custom-made pieces. Their mastery in using a variety of gemstones, from diamonds and sapphires to rubies and emeralds, creates intricate designs that are often seen adorning the Ambani women.
The Hidden Stories: Each Piece Has a Tale
When you closely examine the Ambanis’ jewellery, each piece tells a fascinating story. Whether it’s a familial symbol, a blessed heirloom, or a legendary design, the charm of these jewels goes far beyond their intrinsic value.
Emerald Tales from Familial Heirlooms
Family heirlooms passed down generations carry historical significance and emotional weight. For example, the three-emerald necklace worn by both Nita and Isha signifies continuity and the passing of a legacy.
Historic Connections
Some pieces, like the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace, come with their own historic and cultural significance. These jewels have survived through the ages, making them not just ornaments but relics of historical narratives.
Modern Stories: New Beginnings with Old Charms
Even newly crafted pieces like those by Viren Bhagat incorporate elements from previous eras, creating a beautiful harmony between past and present. These pieces become new heirlooms for future generations, carrying forward the family’s love affair with emeralds.
Why Emeralds?
Amidst all the diamonds and pearls, you might wonder: why emeralds? The luscious green of emeralds offers a striking, unique appearance. This gemstone, rare yet rich, symbolizes everything the Ambani legacy stands for—luxury, prosperity, and a timeless appeal.
A Palette of Colors: The Unique Shade of Green
Emerald’s distinct green hue sets it apart. While diamonds and pearls offer classic elegance, the vibrant green of emerald offers boldness and a statement of confidence.
A Table of Symbolism and Meanings
| Gemstone | Symbolism | Cultural Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Emerald | Rebirth, Fertility, Eternal Youth | Strength and longevity in Indian culture |
| Diamond | Purity, Love, Strength | Traditional choice for engagement rings |
| Pearl | Purity, Innocence, Wisdom | Preferred for special occasions like weddings |
The Eco-Luxury Factor
In recent times, emeralds have also become symbols of eco-conscious luxury. As conversations about sustainable living gain momentum, gems like emeralds symbolize a connection with nature, making them both desirable and meaningful.
Anticipating Future Weddings
One thing is certain: as more Ambani weddings unfold, the family’s love for emeralds will continue to be showcased. Each wedding provides an opportunity to unearth new designs, re-discover historical pieces, and blend tradition with the grandeur of the modern world.
What Can We Expect Next?
The next Ambani wedding will undoubtedly feature even more breathtaking displays of emeralds and other precious stones. As designers continue to innovate and ancient heirlooms find their way into new ceremonies, we can expect to see timeless traditions paired with pioneering designs.
Conclusion: The Everlasting Allure
In the grand scheme of things, the Ambani family’s emerald collection is more than just a display of wealth—it’s a tribute to heritage, culture, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Their jewellery choices reflect a deep-rooted connection to Indian traditions and the jewelled promise of a bountiful future.
Through each piece, the Ambani women not only celebrate their love for emeralds but also immortalize the family’s legacy, making sure it shines bright for generations to come. And as we look forward to future nuptials, one thing remains certain: amidst all the diamonds and pearls, the deep green glow of emeralds will continue to shine, keeping alive their enduring love affair with this captivating gemstone.
