Traditional wedding jewellery around the world and the stories behind it

Jewellery is more than shimmer and shine for a bride; it’s symbolic of ancestry, deep-rooted in cultural anecdotes, while simultaneously serving as a vestige of generational wealth and future financial security. The cross-cultural, unified stance on jewellery as an integral part of wedding ceremonies comes as no surprise then. Some serve as ritualistic relics, whilst others are auspicious with a Midas touch, emanating a vintage aesthetic eternally set in stone. Read on to explore these hidden wedding jewellery traditions from across the world!

Japan: Kanzashi

Complementing the kimono is kanzashi, a formal wedding hair ornament adorned by Japanese brides. This pop of colour is typically a floral accessory that features seasonal motifs such as chrysanthemums or cherry blossoms. It can be made from lacquered wood, pearls, gold for a more luxe touch, or even silk for that soft glam look. The flowers stand as symbols of prosperity, longevity and joy, all the makings of a happy marriage.

India: Kaleera

You’ve spotted these in Bollywood movies and for good reason. Kaleera, conventionally worn on the wrist, are ornamental bangles which the bride wears during pre-wedding ceremonies in North India. They are tied to the chooda (red and white bangles) by her female relatives and friends, symbolising blessings, fertility, and prosperity. The most fun yet significant part involves the bride shaking the kaleeras over the heads of her unmarried sisters, cousins, and friends. If a kaleera falls on one of them, they are believed to be next in line for marriage! A lighthearted moment for the bride and her loved ones which makes for the best memories.

China: Lóng fèng shǒu zhuó

The dragon and phoenix bangle duo forms an integral part of Chinese weddings, with the former as the masculine symbol (the emperor), and the latter as the feminine one (the empress). Together, they represent a harmonious and fruitful marriage. Either gifted to the bride during the wedding ceremony or passed down as a family heirloom, this beautiful piece of jewellery is gold with notes of jade. Deemed the epitome of prosperity and a blissful marriage, this customary wedding pick is also seen on earrings, pendants and even candles.

Greece: Stefana

Stefana translates to “crown”, which is exactly what this decorative accessory is! A staple at orthodox Greek weddings, this delicate wreath symbolises the “crowning” of the couple, who are considered the king and queen of their new family kingdom. It makes for the dreamiest pictures, and is made using flowers, precious metals and is connected with a ribbon or olive branch to represent peace. The priest places this dainty hair accessory on the bride and groom’s heads during a special ceremony, which later forms a gentle reminder of the sacred marital bond for the couple in the years to come. Originally worn by Olympic victors, the stefana eventually found its way into Greek weddings and is now synonymous with the nation’s culture.

Nepal: Tilhari

Strictly worn only by married women in Nepal, this stunning green necklace features a cylindrical gold pendant (or tilhari) surrounded by pote, which is a string of small, round, vibrant glass beads. Seen as a prayer for her husband’s long life, the bride can also customise the length and colour of her tilhari, though red, green and yellow remain favourites. The groom’s family typically gifts this to the bride, who may choose to wear it daily or on special occasions. A rite of passage for married Nepalese women, the treasured tilhari is the ultimate mark of holy matrimony.

All images: Getty

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