A complete guide to traditional Vietnamese wedding jewelry

Jewelry is an important part of every Vietnamese wedding, symbolizing love, commitment, and family blessings. While traditional designs are still treasured, modern styles now blend heritage with a fresh, elegant touch. This guide will explore the meaning of Vietnamese wedding jewelry, must-have pieces, and how to choose the best designs for 2025 and beyond.

The significance of traditional Vietnamese wedding jewelry

Traditional Vietnamese wedding jewelry refers to the gold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings worn by the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. These pieces are more than just accessories-they symbolize love, prosperity, and family values. Often crafted from gold and adorned with cultural motifs like dragons, phoenixes, or lotus flowers, they reflect both beauty and tradition.

Beyond aesthetics, wedding jewelry holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning. It represents the couple’s lifelong commitment and is believed to bring luck and prosperity to their marriage. In Vietnamese families, jewelry is often given by parents and relatives as a blessing for a happy and prosperous life together.

For centuries, wedding jewelry has played a crucial role in Vietnamese weddings, not only as part of the ceremony but also as a form of family wealth. Many pieces are passed down from generation to generation, carrying sentimental and historical value. While modern designs are becoming more popular, traditional styles remain cherished, preserving the beauty and significance of this long-standing tradition.

What is included in traditional Vietnamese wedding jewelry?

Jewelry is an essential part of a Vietnamese wedding, not only enhancing the bride’s elegance but also carrying deep cultural significance. Each piece, from necklaces to bracelets, is carefully chosen to reflect tradition, family blessings, and good fortune. Let’s explore the key pieces of traditional Vietnamese wedding jewelry, their meanings, and their role in the wedding ceremony.

Bridal necklace

The bridal necklace is one of the most significant pieces of traditional Vietnamese wedding jewelry. Typically made of gold, it represents wealth, good fortune, and the family’s blessing for the bride. In many Vietnamese families, the necklace is gifted by the groom’s parents during the wedding ceremony as a symbol of welcoming the bride into the family.

Traditional designs often feature intricate patterns inspired by nature, such as lotus flowers, dragons, or phoenixes, which symbolize beauty, power, and harmony. Some necklaces may also be adorned with gemstones or pearls to add elegance and deeper meaning. While classic thick gold necklaces remain popular, modern brides sometimes opt for more delicate or customized designs that blend tradition with personal style.

Bridal earrings

More than just an accessory, earrings symbolize femininity, grace, and the blessings of a happy marriage. They are usually made of gold and sometimes adorned with pearls or gemstones, representing purity and prosperity. In many Vietnamese weddings, the groom’s family gifts the bride a pair of earrings as a sign of acceptance and goodwill. 

Traditional designs often feature floral patterns, dragon and phoenix motifs, or delicate filigree work, reflecting cultural heritage. While classic gold earrings remain a favorite, modern brides may choose more contemporary styles that complement both their wedding attire and personal taste.

Bridal bracelet

The bridal bracelet, often in the form of a gold bangle, symbolizes long-lasting love, prosperity, and the strong bond between the bride and groom. Typically, bracelets are given to the bride by her parents or in-laws as a token of protection and blessings for a happy married life.

Wedding rings 

Wedding rings are the most important symbol of love and commitment in a Vietnamese wedding. Unlike other pieces of jewelry, which may be gifted by family members, the rings are personally exchanged by the bride and groom during the ceremony as a vow of lifelong devotion.

Traditional Vietnamese wedding rings are often made of gold, representing wealth, stability, and good fortune. Some couples prefer simple, classic bands, while others choose designs engraved with meaningful symbols or adorned with small gemstones for a modern touch. Although Western-style diamond rings have become more common, many Vietnamese couples still cherish the cultural significance of plain gold bands, valuing their timeless beauty and deep-rooted tradition.

Other wedding jewelry accessories 

Aside from the essential pieces, Vietnamese brides may also wear additional jewelry to complete their wedding look. Hairpins, often adorned with gold and pearls, add elegance to traditional hairstyles, while brooches featuring dragon or phoenix motifs bring an extra touch of refinement to the áo dài. Some brides also choose to wear delicate anklets or other subtle accessories, enhancing their beauty while staying true to cultural traditions. Though not as common as necklaces or rings, these pieces further symbolize grace, luck, and prosperity in marriage.

How to choose traditional Vietnamese wedding jewelry

Choosing the right wedding jewelry is essential in a traditional Vietnamese wedding. More than just decoration, each piece symbolizes love, prosperity, and family blessings. It should complement the bride’s attire while honoring tradition and personal style. Let’s explore the key factors to consider for a meaningful and elegant selection.

• Material: Pure gold (24K) is a traditional choice, but 18K or 14K gold offers durability and modern appeal. Some pieces may also include pearls or gemstones for added elegance.
• Design & symbolism: Classic patterns such as dragons, phoenixes, lotus flowers, or floral engravings carry deep cultural meanings of harmony and prosperity.
• Comfort & wearability: Jewelry should be comfortable to wear throughout the ceremony and reception, ensuring ease of movement while maintaining elegance.
• Personal style: While tradition is important, the jewelry should also reflect the bride’s personality and complement her wedding attire.

How to care for traditional Vietnamese wedding jewelry

After the wedding, brides can choose to wear their jewelry regularly or store it safely as a keepsake. For those who wear it daily, it’s best to avoid exposure to chemicals, moisture, and rough activities that may cause scratches or tarnishing. Jewelry should be cleaned gently and checked periodically for any signs of wear.

If choosing to store it, keep each piece in a soft-lined jewelry box or separate pouches to prevent scratches and oxidation. Storing gold and gemstones in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight will help preserve their shine and longevity.

By choosing meaningful designs and caring for them properly, brides can preserve these precious pieces for a lifetime. If you’ve found the perfect jewelry for your big day, don’t forget that the wedding venue is just as important. Let Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort provide the perfect backdrop for your celebration, blending elegance with the charm of Vietnam’s coastline.