The Best Diamond Looks at the Ambani Pre-Wedding Celebrations

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding festivities have captured the attention of the entire world. We watched as Jamnagar airport was declared an international airport for 10 days just for the Ambani wedding. We drooled as Rihanna performed live after seven years after which she thumka’d to Zingaat with Jahnvi Kapoor (what in the multiverse?!). Our hearts rejoiced as Diljit Dosanjh serenaded Kareena Kapoor Khan on stage while singing his smash hit song Proper Patola. But most of all, we collectively gasped when we saw the bride—Radhika Merchant was shining brightly for more reasons than one. Her piles of natural diamond jewelry glittered enough to be seen from outer space. Beau Anant Ambani wasn’t far behind, pairing each of his looks with opulent diamond brooches and ultra-luxurious watches. It’s no wonder then that Rihanna belted ‘shine bright like a diamond’ as the finale to her act.

The three-day extravaganza boasted a star-studded guest list—all dressed to the nines. But the biggest star of the night was the natural diamond as attendees chose the biggest and brightest gems to adorn themselves with. Since our invite got lost in the mail, we scanned the internet and combed through hundreds of paparazzi shots to show you our favorite diamond looks from the Ambani bash.

The Bride: Radhika Merchant

Radhika Merchant broke the internet as she revealed her cocktail night look—a custom haute couture Versace gown reminiscent of the frock worn by Blake Lively to co-chair the Met Gala in 2022. If that didn’t stop you in your tracks, Miss Merchant’s diamonds surely will as she paired the iconic look with a statement white and yellow diamond necklace featuring multi-carat sized solitaires, complete with matching earrings.

The Groom: Anant Ambani 

Take a seat everyone, for we’re presenting the Ambani brooch—three times the size of any brooch you’ve ever seen, covered with natural diamonds and turning all heads in the room. The ganpati motif makes it particularly special given its religious significance, while also highlighting the commendable craftsmanship that goes into creating the brooch.

Shloka Ambani 

Styled by her sister Diya Mehta Jatia, Shloka Ambani looked positively gilded in her gold Manish Malhotra lehenga. Maximalism took centre stage as she opted to accessorise this statement look with an almost poetic looking cluster of natural diamonds. Set to look like interlocking twines with bursts of floral diamonds, we audibly gasped on seeing the ear cuffs.

Mrs. Ambani

Just when we thought we had seen it all, Nita Ambani wore this ornate white and yellow diamond set on the last day of the celebrations. The maang tikka especially stands out given its juxtaposition of varied diamond cuts. Please give us a moment (or many) because we’re still processing the carats on each of those diamonds.  

Rihanna

For her first live performance in India, the pop star made a statement in a body-hugging fluorescent green and pink outfit by the Attico, accessorized with two layered polki diamond necklaces—dotted with precious stones. Her ears were adorned with natural diamond and ruby earrings to complete the look.

Deepika Padukone

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Deepika Padukone, and uncut diamonds are a match made in heaven. The actor’s polki earrings, set in gold and featuring pearl embellishments, have our hearts.

Natasha Poonawalla 

In one of the most standout looks of the night, Natasha Poonawalla styled her sparkly silver Manish Malhotra skirt with a structural metal dome top from Bloni studio. A look this unconventional calls for standout jewellery and Natasha delivered with a statement, fanned out diamond ear cuff set in white gold. Interestingly, her other ear featured only a solitaire and the mismatch worked beautifully for the look. Not to be missed was Natasha’s diamond embellished, spiky, contemporary hathphool.

Mira Kapoor 

We love when an outfit takes the backseat, and the diamonds do all the talking. Tonight, we’re going to dream about Mira Kapoor’s geometric earrings with delicate, dangly diamonds that shimmer with every movement.

So, What Will Radhika Wear On Her Wedding Day?

If the pre-wedding festivities were any hint at the pomp and circumstance coming our way for the actual nuptials, the soon-to-be-member of the Ambani family is slated to wear loads and loads of mind-blowing natural diamond jewels. But what kinds of diamonds will she wear?

The timeless adage, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” has echoed through the corridors of fashion lore for generations. Yet, for Merchant, these stones transcend mere accessories – they are cherished companions in her journey through style, empowering her to express her distinctive identity while ensuring she stands out in every crowd.

From the majestic splendour of her pre-wedding festivities to the captivating allure she exudes at soirées, Merchant effortlessly commands attention as the epitome of grace and style. And at the heart of her signature looks? The undeniable brilliance of natural diamonds, her ultimate choice for adornment.

Take a peek into her dazzling treasure trove as we unveil our selection of her most spectacular natural diamond looks as we ponder what to expect on the big day.

Regal Romance

Radhika’s ability to select iconic pieces that mirror her unique personal style, particularly when they’re versatile enough to be styled repeatedly is a skill that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Demonstrating her individuality and self-expression, she adorned a magnificent necklace featuring square-cut yellow sapphires and pear-shaped diamond accents, paired with matching earrings, on two separate occasions – her engagement ceremony and playing bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding. 

For the former, she elevated her Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla ensemble with a maang tikka, a diamond kaan chain, and an exquisite sapphire cummerbund, embellished with oval diamonds. Meanwhile, as a bridesmaid, she draped herself in a six-yard floral masterpiece from Sabyasachi, featuring an intricately embellished border, adding a touch of regal elegance to her attire.

Magnificent Maang Tikka

Perhaps a dedicated feature is in store to chronicle all of Merchant’s stunning ensembles leading up to her momentous wedding. However, her choice of a pastel-blue Anamika Khanna lehenga for her first event, ‘Lagan Lakhvanu,’ perfectly sets the tone for the celebrations to follow. Adorned with a three-tiered diamond necklace, matching earrings, and a sparkling diamond maang tikka, this look is a noteworthy inspiration for brides-to-be.

Glam All The Way

Within the rich fabric of fashion, there exist moments where a singular treasure reigns supreme: behold the breathtaking diamond choker, an epitome of timeless allure that resonates with unmatched eloquence. This was particularly evident in Radhika’s appearance at NMACC’s India In Fashion Gala, where she was draped in an aqua blue chiffon saree, elegantly paired with a Swarovski crystal blouse—a bespoke creation from the ateliers of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Embracing the ever-popular trend of sequined sarees, she added her personal touch with a long pleated drape, cinched by a belt, and carefully selected jewels. Safe to say, she always brings the bling. 

All That Glitters

Each year, the nation eagerly anticipates the grand Ganpati celebrations at the Antilia residence, knowing well that no one orchestrates the event quite like them. Radiating grace and glamour, Radhika stepped into the festivities adorned in an ombre metallic saree, a masterpiece crafted by Manish Malhotra, distinguished by its enchanting linear pattern. In a stroke of brilliance, she added a multi-layered diamond choker necklace and diamond-studded jhumkas to the mix, previously worn by the eldest Ambani bahu, the beautiful Shloka Mehta. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the practice of repurposing family jewels not only pays homage to tradition but also champions a sustainable ethos in fashion—something we definitely can get behind.