Diwali is the perfect occasion to embrace traditional attire and adorn yourself in beautiful jewelry that complements your festive look. Pairing jewelry with ethnic wear can enhance your outfit, add sophistication, and create an unforgettable festive appearance. Whether you’re wearing a saree, lehenga, or anarkali, the right jewelry styling can bring out the best in your ensemble, making you feel elegant and glamorous.
Here’s a guide to styling jewelry with festive ethnic wear to achieve a stunning look this Diwali.
1. Choose a Statement Piece to Be the Focal Point
When styling jewelry, it’s essential to decide on one standout piece and build the rest of your look around it. For instance, if you’re wearing an elaborate choker, let it be the focal point and balance the rest of your jewelry accordingly.
- How to Style:
- For a lehenga with a low neckline, choose a heavy Kundan choker or Polki necklace to draw attention to your neckline.
- Pair it with smaller earrings or studded Jhumkas to avoid overpowering the choker.
- If wearing a saree with intricate embroidery, consider statement earrings like Jhumkas or chandelier earrings as the main focus, paired with a simple bracelet or bangles.
2. Pair Matching Jewelry Sets for a Coordinated Look
Matching jewelry sets can create a cohesive and polished appearance. Choose a set that includes a necklace, earrings, and sometimes a Maang Tikka or bracelet in the same design or style.
- How to Style:
- With a silk saree or anarkali, opt for a classic Kundan or Polki jewelry set to add elegance and unity to your look.
- For lehengas, you can go for a complete set that includes a choker, earrings, and Maang Tikka, especially if your lehenga has intricate designs.
- Balance the set by choosing softer or neutral colors for your outfit to avoid clashing with the boldness of the jewelry.
3. Add a Maang Tikka for an Elegant Touch
A Maang Tikka instantly elevates ethnic wear, giving a regal and festive vibe to your outfit. This piece works particularly well with lehengas and sarees, adding a focal point to your forehead and framing your face beautifully.
- How to Style:
- Pair a Kundan or Polki Maang Tikka with a choker for a balanced look that highlights both your forehead and neckline.
- For a more modern touch, choose a minimalist or single-strand Maang Tikka with delicate detailing to keep it subtle yet elegant.
- If your hair is in a bun, add a small Matha Patti for a grander appearance.
4. Layer Necklaces for a Royal Look
Layering necklaces, such as a choker with a Rani Haar (a long necklace), is an excellent way to create a royal look with traditional attire. This styling adds depth to your outfit and is perfect for Diwali, enhancing the luxurious feel of the celebration.
- How to Style:
- With a blouse or lehenga that has a deep neckline, layer a Kundan or Polki choker with a long Rani Haar for a stunning effect.
- Make sure the necklaces complement each other — a heavier choker pairs well with a simpler, long necklace.
- For added glamor, add matching earrings and bangles for a cohesive and elegant ensemble.
5. Use Bangles or Kadas to Elevate Your Look
Bangles and kadas are classic choices for festive wear, adding rhythm, color, and elegance to any outfit. Whether you prefer the delicate jingle of thin bangles or the boldness of thick kadas, these pieces can beautifully enhance your Diwali look.
- How to Style:
- If wearing an anarkali or saree with a detailed blouse, stack a few bangles on each wrist for a balanced look that doesn’t overshadow your outfit.
- For a lehenga, consider wearing a thick kada on each wrist or stacking gold bangles for a fuller look.
- Mixing plain bangles with stone-studded ones adds a touch of sparkle without overdoing it.
6. Highlight with Statement Earrings
Statement earrings, like Jhumkas, chandelier earrings, or oversized studs, add an instant festive touch to any ethnic wear. They can be worn as a single standout piece or as part of a coordinated look.
- How to Style:
- If you’re wearing a saree with an embellished blouse, go for statement Jhumkas or chandelier earrings and skip the necklace to keep the look focused and balanced.
- For lehengas with deep necklines, opt for large earrings that complement the outfit without competing with a necklace.
- Keep your hairstyle in an updo or side-swept to showcase the earrings and frame your face beautifully.
7. Pair an Anklet (Payal) for Graceful Details
Anklets, or Payal, add a subtle yet beautiful touch to traditional outfits, especially lehengas or sarees with a slightly raised hemline. They create a soft jingle with every step, adding grace to your look.
- How to Style:
- Wear a delicate gold or silver anklet with charms or tiny bells to create a rhythmic element that enhances your movements.
- Pair it with open-toe sandals or heels for a look that accentuates your Payal.
- If you prefer a single anklet, choose a design with minimal detailing for an understated, elegant touch.
8. Accentuate with a Kamarband (Waist Belt)
A Kamarband, or waist belt, is a traditional piece that adds structure to your outfit and highlights your waist. This accessory is perfect for lehengas and sarees, adding a regal, structured element to the ensemble.
- How to Style:
- For a saree, wear a delicate gold or pearl Kamarband around the waist for a graceful touch.
- With a lehenga, opt for a slightly bolder Kamarband that complements the color and design of your outfit.
- Avoid pairing it with very heavy necklaces or earrings to keep the focus on the waist.
9. Add a Nose Ring (Nath) for Traditional Charm
A nose ring, or Nath, brings an old-world charm to your Diwali attire, especially if you’re wearing a saree or lehenga. It adds a unique, traditional touch and enhances the overall elegance of your look.
- How to Style:
- Choose a small Nath for a subtle look or go bold with an ornate design if the rest of your jewelry is minimal.
- Pair the Nath with matching earrings to maintain harmony in your ensemble.
- If wearing a heavy necklace and earrings, keep the Nath simple to avoid overwhelming your look.
10. Coordinate Jewelry with Outfit Color and Embellishments
Your jewelry should complement the colors and embellishments of your outfit to create a balanced and cohesive look. Choose metals and stones that enhance your attire rather than compete with it.
- How to Style:
- For warm-toned outfits, go with gold jewelry, while silver and platinum suit cool-toned colors like blues and purples.
- If your outfit has detailed embroidery or beadwork, choose simpler jewelry to let the outfit shine.
- For plain or pastel outfits, add statement jewelry like bold necklaces or large earrings for a contrast that elevates the ensemble.
Conclusion: Shine Bright This Diwali with Nakassi’s Festive Jewelry Collection
Styling jewelry with ethnic wear this Diwali can enhance your traditional look, adding sophistication and charm to your festive attire. From statement chokers and layered necklaces to classic Jhumkas and elegant bangles, each piece brings its unique elegance to sarees, lehengas, and anarkalis. For beautifully crafted jewelry that perfectly complements your festive look, explore Nakassi’s collection. Nakassi offers a range of jewelry that blends tradition with modern design, ensuring you find the ideal pieces to make your Diwali truly memorable.

Brijesh brings a decade of experience in SEO and a deep love for jewelry to his writing. He excels at creating content that shines both on the page and in search engines, ensuring every story about gems and craftsmanship reaches the right audience.