From ancestral jewels to vintage silks, all that went inside New Delhi’s celebration of heirloom and heritage

⁠⁠In India, heirlooms have always been more than just jewellery; they are vessels of memory and legacy, and a reminder of our deeply rooted culture. From temple jewellery passed down in South Indian households to Mughal-inspired polki and kundan pieces treasured in the North, heirlooms often carry with them stories of the people who wore them, the hands that made them, and the history they’ve witnessed. Many such jewels, crafted with uncut diamonds, emeralds, rubies and gold coins—some even dating back to the British Raj or earlier princely states—have been lovingly preserved and passed from one generation to the next. Today, these pieces not only represent traditions but are also a large part of personal expressions of style.

Set against the backdrop of The Oberoi, New Delhi, an Editor’s High Tea, hosted by Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue India, brought together an intimate, stylish crowd. As a prelude to the Vogue Wedding Atelier presented by HSBC, the gathering was a celebration of this very legacy and personal style. With considered gifting by Nicobar and refined decor by The Wedding Design Company, the evening unfolded as a thoughtfully curated experience, where heritage, storytelling and style converged.

Guests arrived in pieces steeped in memory: vintage saris, heirloom jewels and handcrafted accessories that traced personal histories across generations. Ahead, a closer look at the meaningful heirlooms that lent depth and distinction to the evening.

All images: Six Ways to Sunday