What is it about a glittering artefact that makes us remember the day we bought it, sometimes years after the occasion has passed? It might be the place that we were at, the person who came along, or simply the feeling that this was something that we wanted to keep. And in time, as we make way for newer generations, the piece itself may change hands, but the memory of bringing it home has a way of staying.
Krishniah Chetty Group, talks about five pieces of jewellery one can invest in, on Dhanteras 2026.
When Pink Floyd composed their number “Any Colour You Like,” they might not have known the same idea holds true for Indian festivals. Perhaps this memory bit of it, is what makes buying jewellery on Dhanteras such a cherished tradition, and has kept it going that way for generations now. Every year, as the festive season arrives, families across the country (and beyond) make their way to jewellers, looking for something precious to bring home. It could be something big or small, a token for the special day or a grander marvel that has been sitting on the wishlist for some time. For some, it could be gold; for some it could be silver, and for certain others it could be diamonds. The purchase, however, comes with the hope of prosperity and good fortune. Something to mark the start of a new year, something tangible, something glittering, and something noble. Something to remember. Dr. C Vinod Hayagriv, Director & Managing Director, C. And while this tradition has stood the test of time, what we choose to bring home has definitely changed. The familiar and the unexpected now sit comfortably side by side. A traditional gold ornament may hold the appeal of something passed down through a family, while a contemporary diamond design may speak to a more individual sense of style. Irrespective of this, both can belong to the same occasion, and both can become keepsakes in their own right. How about mixing the two – a pair of earrings which feaature both diamond and gold? Colour has always held a special place in Indian adornment. Reds, greens, and other gemstone shades, the warmth of gold, and the sparkle of diamonds have appeared together in our jewellery for centuries, creating permutations and combinations that feel particularly at home during any festival. Then there are pieces where colour becomes part of the artistry itself. Like floral forms meeting a union of enamel and diamonds. Pieces that feel joyful without ever being predictable. Ones that offer a different way to approach festive jewellery, not simply as something precious, but as something with a personality. Much like yourself.
Even today, colour keeps changing the character of a piece, lending it a freshness that makes the all-too-familiar material feel a little different.
So the question is not just what to buy this Dhanteras, but what we hope to find in a piece of our choosing. Is it the comfortable reassurance of a familiar design? Is it the pleasure of a colour that we have always loved? Or is it the excitement of something entirely unexpected? Whatever draws us to it, the best choices are often the ones we can imagine wearing long after the reunion ends and the diyas are safely put away for next year.