It’s not all about lights, sweets, and family gatherings during festive season in India. Festive season is also the season for gifting. For presents which will be remembered even after the festive season ends, nothing beats jewelry. There’s a series of festivities starting from Raksha Bandhan till Diwali where the best choice for any gift would be necklaces for sisters, wives, mothers, or friends. Wondering what to choose during this festive season? Here’s a guide for you to take you through the festival season from the very first rakhi to the very last diya lit during Diwali week.

Raksha Bandhan heralds the beginning of the festival season with a heart-warming tone, and what the brother selects as a gift for his sister has more to do with sentiment rather than cost. This is a great time to look for something subtle and special — dainty pendants, simple chains, or something that she can wear right away to complete her festive dress-up for the day. With the festival season shifting towards Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi, there comes a need for jewelry that reflects a sense of spirituality and devotion.

Here also comes the importance of a stone choker necklace set in the list of gifts to be presented. Chokers have seen a huge resurgence in popularity recently, and a well-designed stone choker comes across as something both classic and contemporary, making it easy to gift a sister during Raksha Bandhan or a mother before puja. Complete the look with earrings that match it, and you have a gift that would be perfect to gift during multiple such festivals in the beginning of the season without being too repetitive.

Navratri comes around and nine days of dance and dress necessitate a stronger piece of jewelry. It is also at this time that the festival of Karva Chauth occurs and with it comes its own romantic significance because husbands like to give their wives some jewelry to celebrate the occasion. On both these festivals, a necklace will have some more oomph to it – one that can stand up against the heavily embellished lehengas, chaniya cholis and sarees.

This kind of an emerald layered necklace would fit really well for this period of the year. Emeralds add an element of green, which goes really well with the colors, including reds, yellows, and golds, which are often seen in clothing worn during Navratri and Karva Chauth. The layers add a dramatic element, but at the same time, nothing too fancy when it comes to accessories. This kind of a gift would be perfect for a friend or a cousin who likes to stand out while dancing, or for your wife on Karva Chauth.

Festival jewelry reaches its zenith with Dhanteras and Diwali when the demand for jewelry is at its maximum level. This is because Dhanteras is a highly auspicious day to purchase gold jewelry. As such, it becomes quite logical to choose something that could be seen as both a gift and an investment at the same time, such as a pendant or a chain. The evenings of Diwali, marked by fireworks, get-togethers and festive dresses, demand something eye-catching. In this respect, a stone choker, for instance, in warm colors such as rubies, garnets or golden topazes would be a good choice. Alternatively, an emerald layered jewelry item would add elegance amidst all that red and gold.

There are some considerations that will come in handy when shopping for this entire season. Remember her favorite colors in her wardrobes, such that if she prefers pale shades, an over-the-top layering could ruin her looks, but a woman with fondness for vibrant colors is happy to own a statement necklace without any second thought. One should not limit their choices to a single event, because ideal festival presents can be used for different weddings and events, not just for the one they have gifted. Choker looks good with strapless blouses or deep-necked tops, and layered necklaces go well with simple tops. Convenience comes as much importance in choosing jewelry items, because festivals involve standing up and enjoying for long periods.

Also, it is worth considering the time of the event when choosing the gift – a day puja requires something more modest, whereas an evening party lit up with fairy lights and diyas will be perfect for a jewel which can add to the atmosphere. In case of doubt, it is better to ask a fast and casual question about her taste in metals – if she likes more gold, silver, or oxidized jewelry. It is always good to remember about presentation as a gift put in a pretty box with a little note will feel much more special than the same gift just put in a simple pouch. When purchasing online, it would be best to pick a seller who provides exchange or return services as it is difficult to tell the size and quality from the pictures only.

From the simple emotions of Raksha Bandhan to the elaborate Diwali celebrations, every festival comes with its own specific emotion, but what is common to all festivals is the pleasure of presenting something pretty to someone you love. Be it the stone choker necklace set that helps her go through the festive weeks or the emerald layered necklace that makes the Navratri and Diwali celebrations sparkle for her, a good choice will turn an otherwise average festival into an unforgettable experience. Check out Jiaara Jewellery to see the best collection of necklaces suited for every festival of the year!