From hoops to heavy-weight necklaces, we’ve got something for everyone this Ganesh Chaturthi
Warm, soft modaks. Lighter than air laddoos. Ghee–laced savouries. Vibrantly-coloured clothes. Subtle jewels on some, and statement pieces on others, shining away as brightly as the diyas that brighten up homes. Family gathered together around a table, groaning under the weight of dishes. Festivals in India are a raucous, riotous time — and while Mother India celebrates all year round, August-September usually signifies the start of the heavy-duty festive season (Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali, Eid (x 2), Onam, Dussehra, eventually Christmas). And no festival in India is complete without some shimmer and shine — if everyday jewellery is all about keeping it subtle, festive jewellery is for making a statement. With Ganesh Chaturthi around the corner, we’ve put together a list of seven essential pieces that will take you through festive season (and shaadi season too, if you’re scrappy).
These festive jewellery pieces are for the ladies who want to go beyond the jhumka, and Kundan kangan, to create a life-long collection that’s as versatile as they are and evolves just like they do.
We’ve done our homework and paired them with outfits — from a dress for the glam-girl to a co-ord set for the lounge wear-obsessed lady to the saree-wearing siren.
1. Dangle or drop earrings: Over jhumkas and chaandbalis, but looking for something iconic to make a statement? The one must-have festive jewellery piece is drop/dangle earrings that add gravitas to an outfit. Think long, and large (get your mind out of the gutter), we’re talking about drop earrings that fan out for drama. Drop/dangle earrings are a cheat-code, transforming a simple outfit into a lewk, when chandelier earrings enter the chat.
We’d pair Everbrite’s Floral Fantasy earrings with a pastel chikan salwar kameez, or a beige/white chikankari kurta with a flowing tie-dyed skirt or trousers. Pair with basic bangles and you’re good to go. PS: This pair will look as good at a festive gathering, as they will at an OTT NYE’s party.
2. Hoops: Hoops may seem kind of basic, but hear us out — we don’t mean the JLO-inspired skinny gold hoops that have been mainstream since the ‘90s. We mean hoops that will round off your outfit, and make it bounce. Think diamond-encrusted hoops, with a considerable width (chunky), to level up your easy-breezy look — these are best paired with a classic Kurti over basic black trousers or jeans.
Whether you pick a monotone pared-down kurti, or a heavy embellished-embroidered one, hoops like Everbrite’s Emerald Inside Outside Diamond Hoop are the only piece of festive jewellery you need to complete the look.
3. Statement necklace: Sarees are eternally beautiful, and the only piece that can match their elegance are statement necklaces (just ask Alia Bhatt, or Ananya Pandey). We’re in love with the latter’s diamond look, and you can take a page out of her book — opt for a necklace like the Golden Dew Diamond necklace. Glam it up with a gold, sumptuous embellished piece like Ananya, or tone it down with a monotone, flowing silhouette like Alia — no black for the festive season, so opt for a jewel tone (think emerald green, ruby red or sapphire blue).
Choose a blouse with a neckline that compliments the necklace and no other statement jewels.
4. Statement ring: A ring is festive jewellery that is as subtle as it can get. It’s unobtrusive (it won’t steal eyeballs like a necklace, or chandelier earrings, nor will it chan chan away as you walk like a bangle stack). It’s for the lady who prefers a laidback luxe look. If you’re feelin’ fancy, opt for an embroidered Sharara-style suit like Sonakshi Sinha, who paired it with a statement ring featuring a coloured gem.
For the low-key lazy girls, a singular statement ring paired with a co-ord set (traditional patterned or digital printed, floral or solid-coloured) shows you cared enough to dress up but keeps you comfy. For a pop of colour, we love the Rosy Rendezvous ring and for a slightly understated look, the Sleeping Emerald ring.
5. Bracelet, or bangle stack: Anarkalis have the most flattering silhouette. If you’re thin and want to add some curves, the fitted bodice and swirling skirt will do that for you. If you’re a little on the heavier side, a looser-fit bodice and the flowing skirt will mask the weight (if that’s what you want). It’s the perfect outfit for a Ganpati pandal darshan, because it’s as comfortable as it is chic. It does however have a lot of flowing material — so the key is to keep the jewels easy. Bling it up with bracelets just like Karisma Kapoor did, one bright Diwali.
If your stack is like hers, add small danglers, but if it’s chunkier, keep it simple with stud earrings and nothing else. A mix of Everbrite’s Bold Slant Emerald Bangle, with our Floral Fantasy and Brilliance bracelets, and basic gold bangles is the way to create a shining stack.
6. Mangalsutra: Nothing screams traditional quite like the mangalsutra — give it a modern twist with — the Infinitude Three Stone Mangalsutra that pairs lab-diamonds with a modern rose gold added to the traditional black beads. You can make it versatile by pairing it with a pared-down salwar kameez and some dainty hoops, or bling it up by adding more diamond necklaces and pairing it with a chiffon-kaftan with a V-neckline, or a fitted-anarkali with a sweetheart neckline, to show off the mangalsutra.
If you want to go Indo-western, pair the mangalustra with chic beige trousers and pastel yellow or pink short kurta, or even a dainty pastel wrap dress, and your engagement/wedding ring.
7. A fusion-inspired set: We know, we know, we haven’t suggested pieces for everyone’s favourite Indian wear — the chaniya choli, the ghagra. But if you’re willing to pull out all the stops and embrace the swirling skirt, we suggest your festive jewellery be as OTT. Think coloured gemstones and matching pieces. Take your inspiration from the extra glam girl, Janhvi Kapoor who paired flirty fuchsia with elegant emerald.
The Contemporary Glam Green Earrings, paired with the Contemporary Glam Green Necklace are your ticket to glamdom.
Yes, the pieces are pricey — but we’re looking at collectibles that can be part of a trousseau or a life-long collection, that you can add to and build. Each piece is versatile, and can be used across generations and occasions — be it festivals, weddings, parties or more. Not to mention, investing in Everbrite’s lab-diamond jewellery means you’re choosing affordable luxury, and making a more sustainable choice.
So pick your favourites, and add to cart (and wishlist).
