A festival of light in every sense, Diwali is a time of celebration, with its jubilant atmosphere matched by the ornate and colourful outfits donned for the occasion. But, as Bridgerton actress Charithra Chandran explains, this beauty has a deeper meaning. "We wake up very, very early in the morning – before sunrise – and you'll often do a few pujas [a Hindu worship ritual], then you'll oil your hair, bathe and put on new clothes. It's very ceremonial getting dressed – it's not simply just having a shower and putting on a nice outfit. It's meant to be part of the spiritual process of the festival."
Jewellery is also important: the pieces Chandran typically wears for Diwali, "will probably be grander than what I would wear on a daily basis,” she says. “Often, it's the special items that have been passed down by family or you might have received for your birthday and other occasions. Something extra grand and decadent and bright to really go with the themes of the festival."
Grand, decadent and bright are certainly promises Cartier can deliver on. For a century, Cartier has drawn inspiration from the colours and styles of Indian jewellery. Founded in 1847, it was already renowned for its exquisite pieces when Jacques Cartier, one of the three brothers who founded the iconic Maison, first travelled to India in 1911 and was amazed by the jewellery there. When he returned to his studio he brought back not only the finest of gems – sourced from suppliers from Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai – but also ideas for new colour combinations and styles, and knowledge gained from studying the impressive craftsmanship of the Indian jewellers.
Inspired by the marriage of extravagance and elegance seen in pieces owned by the Maharajahs that Cartier visited, the Maison launched the style now known as Tutti Frutti. With its eye-catching (and never seen before) combination of red, green and blue, it was something entirely new and exciting to Western clients. It quickly proved to be one of the Maison's most popular and enduring styles, as treasured today as it was when it launched.
The influence of Indian jewellery, with its distinctive, ornate designs, can also be seen in other pieces by Cartier. Rings and bracelets are studded with countless gems to form intricate patterns, while necklaces and earrings glimmer with clustered jewels in the shape of fruit or florals. "In India gold – usually a very vibrant gold – is the more prominent choice of metal when it comes to jewellery," Chandran says. "Often, the pendants worn will have images of deities or various religious symbolism. But this is a more traditional form of jewellery and people of my generation are definitely moving towards more modern, versatile pieces as well." This is reflected in Cartier collections, such as one of the latest, Grain de Café, which works brilliant yellow gold into sculptural rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets inspired by coffee beans.
Today, the craftsmanship of both Cartier and India remain intertwined and the jewellery is a fitting adornment when celebrating the Festival of Light, whether you're choosing it for yourself or for someone special. "A lot of the time, the jewellery that you're wearing will have been gifted," Chandran explains. "I always associate Cartier with gift giving – showing love and the importance of a relationship with a beautiful gift, which I think has a very special meaning for Diwali." These are pieces designed to be passed down for generations, modern-day heirlooms – a sentiment Chandran is enthusiastic about. "Isn't that really lovely, to be able to introduce things to your family legacy like that?"
There are few better ways to prepare for a party than by donning one of these brilliantly glittering pieces. Cartier's reverence towards the Indian heritage and craftsmanship that has inspired some of its most luminous fashions make the Maison the ideal choice for a Diwali celebration. Amid the feasting and family gatherings, these fantastic gems catch the light to shine as brightly as any diya candle.
Discover Cartier creations on Cartier.com, or in Cartier’s New Bond Street boutique, 175-177 New Bond St, London W1S 4RN
With special thanks to The Savoy Hotel.