Diwali has always been a time to shine—under lamps, under laughter, under silk drapes. But for the festive season of 2025, jewellery isn’t just about sparkle—it’s about movement, heritage, and bold opulence that tells a story as rich as the festival itself.
In a year where reconnecting with roots feels as important as looking forward, we’re seeing a strong revival of vintage inspiration. Designs echo the grandeur of royal heritage: architectural temple motifs, Mughal-era polki and kundan work, elaborate meenakari enamel, and antique gold finishes. These aren’t pieces meant to fade into the background. They’re meant to sway, catch the light, and anchor your festive silhouette.
Meanwhile, the love for gold is deeper than ever. With gold continuing to be not just a symbol of prosperity but a canvas for craftsmanship, pieces are heavier in detail—even if lighter in weight than in past decades—and layered in unexpected ways. Bold chokers topped with long haars. Cascading earrings. Bangles that stack so densely they become arm-sculptures. Necklaces that move as you walk. The jewellery is almost theatrical, meant for moments when every turn, every laugh, every pose is seen.
Maximalism isn’t just about size—it’s about texture, intricacy, contrast. Think: mixed stones (rubies, emeralds, sapphires) set in gold, enamel work that adds colour and story, pearls mingling with polished gold, the bold play of matte vs high shine. Every piece feels like it has layers of history and layers of intent.
At the same time, there’s a modern lens over this vintage splendor. Even while going maximalist, wearers want versatility. Artificial or lab-grown stones are in demand alongside real gold, allowing for dramatic pieces that don’t always carry a royal price tag. Convertible sets that allow you to detach elements. Pieces designed with movement—dangling pendants, chains, fringe—that play with the body and with light.
Siddhartha Totuka, Director, P.C. Totuka & Sons says,
This festive season, jewellery isn’t just being worn — it’s being celebrated. The mood is maximalist, yet deeply personal. Families are seeking pieces that carry both drama and memory. Colour stones bring a sense of joy and individuality — emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and multi-hued combinations feel festive in the truest sense. Natural diamonds, when designed with movement, give jewellery a rhythm that mirrors laughter, music, and the gatherings of Diwali evenings.
At P.C. Totuka & Sons, we see people choosing jewellery that has a voice — bold, layered, textured, and alive. Not pieces that sit quietly in a box, but ones that tell stories at every turn, sparking conversations and emotions across generations.
Aditi Daga, Co-Founder of Angara who leads design at the brand says,
This Diwali, jewellery is embracing a more expressive mood. Minimalism still has its place, but festive dressing is leaning towards pieces that celebrate drama, texture and movement. What excites me is that this spirit of celebration does not reject tradition, it simply expands it.
Vintage Revival: More Than Nostalgia
There is a clear revival of vintage forms, and it is not accidental. Festivals like Diwali make us crave a connection to heritage, and jewellery is often the most tangible way to hold onto it. Filigree detailing and antique finishes are all making a comeback. These techniques are being reintroduced in lighter, more wearable ways. A pair of jhumkas may still carry the motifs you would see in your grandmother’s heirlooms, but the construction is sleeker and the proportions are more contemporary. That balance is what makes them resonate with women today.
What To Choose If You’re Embracing This Trend
- Statement chokers and layered haars to anchor a Diwali look—pair them with sarees or fusion gowns.
- Earrings that move—oversized chandbalis, jhumkas with pearl drops, chandeliers that sway with dance.
- Antique gold finishes and vintage temple motifs—for that regal, time-rich feel.
- Polki, kundan, meenakari, pearls & enamel—as embellishment and colour, not just shine.
- Convertibility and lightness in design—so you can shift from puja to party without carrying extra weight.
Why This Drama Feels Right for 2025
This is a festive season shaped by contrasts. Between tradition and reinvention. Between showing off wealth and expressing individuality. Between wanting pieces with story and wanting them wearable beyond just one night. The maximalist vintage gold trend sits comfortably in this space: it’s lush and theatrical, yet deeply personal.
After years of minimalism, capsule wardrobes, and pared-down luxury, Diwali 2025 invites us to pick up the conversation where heritage meets bold self-expression. It’s jewellery that moves—not just with your body, but with your identity, your joy, your pride.
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