Answer
(Fatwa: 410/341/B=1433)
(1) The ruling of jewellery which the bridegroom offers to the bride is governed by custom. Almost throughout India it is a custom that the bride is not made the owner of the jewellery, i.e. it is not gifted to her, rather it is given merely for show. Hence it is said chadhava. Thus in case of divorce the husband shall take them back, as he is the owner of the jewellery. However the jewellery which the bride received from her mother’s side shall be hew own. Also the wife is the owner of dowry and she has the right to demand the full mahr.
(2) The jewelleries which the elder brother took he is responsible for the same which he should return soon, i.e. he should return it to his brother or father.
(3) A divorced woman is entitled to receive her maintenance, full mahr, the jewellery which she received from her mother’s home. Except these things, she is entitled to receive nothing.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband