The multicultural tapestry of Malaysia and Singapore means weddings often include a fascinating blend of traditions.

Meer Habib, group executive chairman of Habib Jewels, which opened in Malaysia more than 60 years ago, highlights the unique customs among the various ethnic groups. In Chinese weddings in Malaysia, the bride is often presented with a “Nine Treasure Box” filled with gold items, which may include bangles and necklaces. “Each piece carries auspicious meanings, wishing the couple a prosperous and harmonious life together,” he says. In the country’s Indian community, “The bride wears the most elaborate jewellery at her wedding, from maang tikka [accessory] worn in the hair, payal anklets, a layered haar necklace and mangalsutra neck chain; as well as a kamarband belt and bichiya toe rings.”

For Malay weddings, jewellery plays a significant role before the wedding. “Prior to the solemnisation ceremony, or akad nikah, there’s adat merisik, which is the traditional Malay way for arranging marriages. Typically, a simple ring is gifted from the mother-in-law to signify the family’s acceptance of the future bride,” he explains. For the engagement or adat merisik, more extravagant jewellery is presented. “The wedding ring or batal air sembahyang ring is gifted to the bride from the groom to mark the beginning of the married couple’s new life [along with] jewellery in gift trays, that can be a set of necklaces, earrings and bangles,” he adds. And while the wedding ring is traditionally set in yellow gold, Habib says, “White or rose gold rings are quite popular nowadays for modern brides.” 

This blending of traditions has led to a vibrant jewellery market where modern aesthetics meet cultural heritage. “Couples are increasingly seeking bespoke designs that reflect their individuality while honouring their roots,” Habib says.

Amanda Koo in Singapore, the founder of 19-year-old boutique jewellery brand eClarity, says, “Singaporean Chinese weddings are highly influenced by Teochew customs,” adding that the tradition includes giving the bride four pieces of jewellery. “We call it Si Jian Jin or four-point gold—earrings or er huan; a pendant or diao zhui; a ring or jie zhi; and a bracelet or shou lian”. She adds, “The more well-off the groom’s side of the family is, the higher value dowry the bride would receive. It’s also a time for the groom’s family to show off their status in the form of gifted jewellery.” And while, traditionally, the jewellery given was just gold, Koo says she has noticed an increase in Singaporean brides instead requesting “four blue sapphires or four rubies or pink sapphires,” she adds.

Koo, who also has a large Malaysian clientele, highlights the differences between Chinese wedding jewellery in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. “When selling to the [Chinese] Malaysian market, which shares close cultural ties with Singapore, it is important to note that weddings there are heavily influenced by Cantonese traditions, similar to those in Hong Kong. For instance, they incorporate elements like the long feng motif, which symbolises harmony and marriage. Additionally, a common wedding gift is a pendant featuring four pigs—one mother pig and three piglets—representing fertility and the hope for many children,” she says.

She adds that Malay weddings have unique customs, particularly in terms of the groom’s attire. “Men traditionally do not wear gold; instead, they opt for platinum or silver due to cultural beliefs that associate gold with luxury—their [Islamic] religious customs discourage the wearing of gold by men.” Typically, the bride will wear a ring made of gold, while the groom’s ring will be crafted from platinum or silver. 

Thailand was once called Siam, which is an ancient Sanskrit word that translates to gold. So, it’s natural that without the precious metal Thai weddings would be deemed incomplete. The wedding ceremony, known as Phra Ratcha Niyom, is a beautiful celebration where jewellery plays a significant role in connecting the couple to their cultural heritage. The intricate designs often feature floral motifs and symbols of prosperity.

We spoke to Achiraya “Jib” Inkatanuvat, the fourth-generation heir and executive director of Premiera Exquisite Jewellery boutique located in Bangkok’s Siam Paragon mall. “In our traditions, jewellery forms one of the main parts of a wedding: the sinsord, or dowry,” she says. The groom must “show his sincerity to [the bride’s family] and that he can take care of her” by providing a dowry to the parents for raising their daughter.

The jewellery, which is presented alongside cash, gold and other gifts, traditionally features flowers which symbolise beauty, love, and fertility, Inkatanuvat says. Lotus flowers— commonly seen at Thai Buddhist weddings—represent purity and spiritual awakening, which are common motifs in the gold jewellery presented to brides, as are jasmine, rice grains and squash. Once the bride’s family has accepted the dowry offering and granted the groom permission to marry, the couple exchange rings, which are usually solitaire diamonds, symbolising their commitment to each other. This exchange marks the conclusion of the engagement ceremony, solidifying their bond and setting the stage for their future together.

Other jewellery worn during the wedding rituals, such as necklaces, bracelets, belts and brooches, are often made of gold and serve to adorn the couple while connecting them to their cultural roots.

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As Asian wedding customs evolve, there is one trend influenced by western customs that’s here to stay. Chow Tai Fook’s Lam says, “The diamond engagement ring has become an integral part of Chinese wedding customs, with couples placing significant importance on the weight of the diamonds in their rings.” Koo says, “Nineteen years ago, people were quite reserved in the Singapore market: a 0.5 or one carat diamond was very desirable. Now, the girls are looking for two, three or four carats, especially with the lab-grown diamond options”. Habib agrees, adding, “Some couples are also opting for coloured gemstones for their engagement rings.”

However, King Fook Jewellery’s Mok says, “Modernisation does not necessarily mean westernisation.” The Chinese wedding jewellery market has evolved, with pieces that allow for daily modern lifestyle needs becoming increasingly popular. Designs take on a balanced approach in translating the essence of Chinese art, culture and philosophy into inspiration that address “both meaningful blessing messages for the bride as well as aesthetics for daily wearing”, he says.

As younger generations seek to express their individuality, bespoke designs and contemporary aesthetics are gaining traction. This trend is evident in the rise of innovative designs that incorporate traditional motifs with modern craftsmanship, ensuring that the rich heritage of Asian wedding jewellery continues to thrive. As Mok says, “There is no perfect wedding jewellery. We feel that the key is for the bride to find a piece that reflects her personality and tell the story of their love affair.”

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