Bvlgari’s exquisite Mangalsutra is designed for the modern bride
- Published by Bvlgari | Words by Vanshika Jain
Sparkling with symbolism, the new Bvlgari Mangalsutra brings together modernity and tradition in one beautiful piece of jewellery
Year after year, the wedding season brings with it a familiar sense of excitement loaded with a generous dose of tradition. From palatial ceremonies to intimate moments, weddings harbour faith, new beginnings, and everlasting love. And a small but precious testament to this union, is the jewellery worn by the bride and groom, one of the most important being the Mangalsutra.
Sure, wedding jewels and gems signify seminal moments, but for the women of today, a Mangalsutra is more than just a shining splendour. It is an emblem of their sartorial sense, a token of love that is reminiscent of their culture, and the one little thing that has the power to make them feel unique all while being a storied jewel. If you ask us who a modern bride is? She is fiery, she is bold and she is unstoppable. And here to celebrate the breath-taking symbol of strength and poise that they are, is Bvlgari.
A timeless testament
In India, we’ve had a long, storied legacy with the Mangalsutra. Given how culturally entrenched the Mangalsutra is, it seems pivotal to reimagine the necklace with a modern retelling befitting the women of today. And who better than Bvlgari – a brand known for weaving the conventional with the contemporary, to redefine this revered symbol of love. By honouring tradition and creating a jewel that celebrates independence and unconventionality, Bvlgari has commemorated their egalitarian philosophy by launching their first-ever India inspired and exclusive jewellery statement piece with their global brand ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas – the Bvlgari Mangalsutra.
Women today are forging their own path both personally and professionally. And when it comes to stepping away from the generational narrative, the new-age brides are looking to intertwine their traditional roots with a personalised touch. Case in point: from Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, to Anushka Sharma, and even Deepika Padukone – our favourite A-listers who have all made the mangalsutra their own by giving the design their own unique touch. If you’re looking for some more inspiration to breathe an individualistic essence to this sacred jewel, here’s what Chopra Jonas has to say about what it means to be a modern woman, “I think we, as the women of today, are a contradiction of how we have been raised versus how we want to be – and in my fight as a feminist, I would rather be an amalgamation of modernity and the traditions that I’ve been raised with. My version of smashing the patriarchy? Investing in anything I want, especially the Mangalsutra, with the money I make”.
Set in 18ct yellow gold and adorned with round black onyx inserts and pave diamonds, the Bvlgari Mangalsutra reinterprets a traditional and sacred ornament to a contemporary and chic jewel. From the auspicious black beads that are said to ward off evil spirits to the Roman coin that epitomises power and prestige, the Mangalsutra is deep-rooted in culture while being a classic testament to the cosmopolitan aspirations of a modern bride.
Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Mauro Di Roberto, Managing Director – Jewelry Business Unit at Bulgari, said, “It took us several years to design our interpretation of the Mangalsutra for the modern Indian woman, for whom this piece is often one of the most important pieces of jewellery she wears. While working hard to maintain its traditional appeal, we have worked closely with our team in India and Priyanka Chopra Jonas to ensure that it resonates with the lifestyles of the modern bride today – that she can wear from morning to night, every day and everywhere, pairing it with ease with Indian as well as western wear”.
An elevated essential
It’s fascinating to see how Bvlgari has evolved this sacred piece by giving women the option to wear it in their own unique ways that honours their cultural legacy while allowing their personality to shine. The piece is unique to the women who buy it, and is something that goes well with any outfit and style. Whether it’s with jeans and a staple white shirt, embellished saris, or even red-carpet ensembles, “the Mangalsutra is such a contemporary cool piece that beautifully honours tradition”, adds Chopra Jonas.
As a lifestyle, fashion, and beauty blogger, Roshni Bhatia (@thechiquefactor) has built an empire in her own right, with her style amassing over half a million followers. Embodying the spirit of Bvlgari, she shows us how the Mangalsutra is one such sartorial consort that will transcend your look from meetings to soirees. Whether nestled among studded necklaces or complemented beautifully with statement rings, take a page from Bhatia’s look-book and walk the layered path.
Furthermore, celebrity stylist Sanjana Batra (@sanjanabatra) shows us how the Bvlgari Mangalsutra walks the high-fashion road regardless of the outfit you pick. Be it with pantsuits, summer dresses, ethnic attires, or better yet, with a stunning off-shoulder golden hued gown as Batra’s, the Bvlgari Mangalsutra honours culture while being unapologetically fashion-forward – just like the women of today. What’s more? Whether you need guidance on how to achieve bold looks and statement-making silhouettes or details about the vibrant ensembles she arms fashion artillery with, her Instagram account will push you in the direction you need.
An unconventional yet cultural echo
Fashion has historically been used as a space for self-expression and cultural celebrations alike, and the stories about the bond between women and Mangalsutras continues to reign supreme. Today, every piece stands strong as a tribute, a story of sorts – evoking an emotional connection that fills you with unbounded elegance. A Mangalsutra’s symbolism, with the people who own them, the people who buy them, and the legacies who pass them on, is one that eternalises commitment. As for the brides of today, it goes a step further – bringing forth their fiercely individualistic styles and independent spirits.
As the global ambassador for the brand, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, says, “I have always admired and been fascinated by Bvlgari’s magnificent works of arts, so many of which celebrate some of the most precious resources of my homeland. From the rare coloured gemstones used in Bulgari’s timeless jewellery creations to the scented flowers which become the main ingredients of its luxurious fragrances, we connect so organically over our love for India and the beauty it has to offer”. Speaking at the launch of the Mangalsutra, Chopra Jonas says, “I remember the first meeting with Bvlgari and talking to them about the Mangalsutra and the importance of it being black and gold. To see it coming to life as a traditional yet modern representation of the sacred vows of marriage is something I will treasure forever”.
Creating a unique distillation of culture with modern creativity, the Bvlgari Mangalsutra is eponymous with what you and your relationship stand for – unconditional affirmation, endless inspiration, and undivided affection. However, while they are conspicuously sacred on the inside, the bling it comes with is an ode to the shine you emanate. Expressing romance in the most delicate way, the Mangalsutra breaks new grounds in terms of versatility and transformability and is designed to be worn with a myriad of ensembles. To wear the Bvlgari Mangalsutra is to wear your spirit like treasure everyday.
Discover more about the Bvlgari Mangalsutra, and their Wedding Edit here.
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