Diwali Jewellery Guide 2026: What to Wear for Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja and Card Night
Quick answer: For Diwali, think in three moments. Keep Dhanteras light with jhumkas and bangles. Go traditional for Lakshmi puja with a kundan or temple set and a maangtikka in red and green. Save the sparkle for card night with American diamond (AD) pieces that catch the diya light.
Diwali is the one festival where every single day has a different dress code. The puja look is not the party look, and the party look is definitely not what you wear to buy utensils on Dhanteras. At my home, my maa still plans her Lakshmi puja jewellery a week in advance. I have learnt from her that the right jewellery makes the whole day feel special, so here is exactly how I would plan all three.
Dhanteras: keep it light and golden
Dhanteras is a busy day. Markets, family visits, a small puja in the evening. You want pieces that look festive but don't get in the way. My go-to is a pair of jhumkas, a set of gold-tone bangles and a delicate pendant if your neckline is open.
- Earrings: medium jhumkas or chandbalis. They move when you walk and look festive in every photo.
- Wrists: two to four bangles in an antique gold finish. The sound alone feels like Diwali.
- Neck: skip the heavy set. A pendant set or nothing at all, so the earrings get the attention.
Tarulata Heritage Gold Bangles
Jhalarani Bangle Set
Niral Jhumka Earrings
Magenta Ananya Kundan Jhumkis
Lakshmi puja: go fully traditional
This is the moment for your richest look. Red, green and gold are the colours of Lakshmi puja, and kundan and temple jewellery carry them beautifully. If you are wearing a silk saree, a temple necklace with Lakshmi motifs is the most meaningful choice. With a lehenga or anarkali, a kundan set with a maangtikka frames the face for the aarti photos.
- Choose one statement necklace, not two. Let it sit just above the blouse neckline.
- Add a maangtikka if your hair is parted in the middle. It completes the traditional look.
- Match your bangles to the metal tone of the necklace, antique gold with antique gold.
Kallolini Lakshmi Temple Set
Charukeshi Temple Gold Set
Natyashri Kundan Choker Set
Konarki Jadau Lakshmi Set
See all our temple jewellery and kundan jewellery.
Card night and Diwali parties: bring the sparkle
After the puja, the mood changes. Card parties, dinners, the first Diwali party of the season. This is where American diamond shines, literally. AD stones catch the diya and fairy light in a way gold alone can't. Pair a silver-tone AD set with a black, navy or wine saree, or a gold-tone one with pastels.
Charmaine Zirconia Gold Set
Thomasina Emerald Green Set
Vienna Ruby Red Set
Zephyra Gold Bow SetFind more party pieces in our cocktail jewellery collection.
Which jewellery goes with which Diwali outfit colour?
Tap any jewellery type or colour in the table to see those pieces.
| Outfit colour | Best jewellery | Stone colours |
|---|---|---|
| Red or maroon | Kundan or temple in antique gold | Green or white, for contrast |
| Green | Jadau or kundan | Ruby pink or red |
| Yellow or orange | Temple or heritage gold | Red and green |
| Pink or pastel | Polki-style or gold-tone AD | White, mint or soft pink |
| Black, navy or wine | Silver-tone American diamond | White or emerald green coloured stones |
Ordering in time for Diwali
Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November this year. If you are ordering online, order early in the week so your pieces reach you before Dhanteras. Every product on our website has a video so you can see the shine and size before you order, and if you are still unsure, you can book a video call and we will show you the piece live.
Frequently asked questions
What jewellery should I wear for Diwali puja?
A traditional set in red, green and gold works best: temple jewellery with a silk saree, or kundan with a lehenga or anarkali. Add a maangtikka and matching bangles.
Can I wear artificial jewellery for Lakshmi puja?
Yes. Many families keep their real gold in the locker and wear premium artificial jewellery for festivals. What matters is how you feel in it, and a rich finish looks beautiful in puja photos.
What should I wear to a Diwali card party?
American diamond pieces. They sparkle under evening light and go with both sarees and Indo-western outfits.
How many pieces should I wear at once?
One hero piece plus one supporting piece is the safest rule. A heavy necklace with small studs, or statement earrings with just bangles.
Wishing you and your family a very happy Diwali. May your home be full of light, and your jewellery box too.
Mansi Jain is the founder of Peacoski Jewels, a premium artificial jewellery brand she runs with her mother. She sources from Jaipur and personally checks the finish on every collection.
