The appeal of diamond as a precious stone never gets dated when it comes to accessorising looks during festivities or occasions. Rather, it is a classic choice for classy and chic looks. However, diamonds are no longer restricted to one kind. Over the years, the purchasing trends for diamonds have shifted in respect of colours, shapes, sizes and so on. t2 creates this special festive lookbook with diamond pieces from jewellery designer Varda Goenka’s newly launched Venetia collection that brings together the latest trends in diamond purchasing. On the side of the shoot, we also got insights from her into choices that are ruling diamond purchasing at present. Actor Tnusree C, as our muse, aced the dazzling looks:
A t2 chat with Varda Goenka on the trends in diamond buying:
Varda Goenka
Lab-grown diamond is a big trend now. Is there any significant difference between lab-grown diamonds and real diamonds?
Nowadays, people are asking about lab-grown diamonds as they are seeing those advertisements. Lab-grown diamonds have the same properties as natural diamonds, but natural diamonds have been under the Earth’s surface for billions of years. So, it is different. And, something so rare has a different value altogether. No two diamonds are alike. Lab-grown diamonds will last as they have the same properties as diamonds, but there is a difference from natural diamonds.
There is a huge price difference as well…
For smaller pieces, the price difference is not that big. It is about 30 per cent. But for bigger pieces, it is different. There’s a huge price difference with real diamonds in bigger pieces. The return or investment for mine diamonds is forever. In the past few years, with everyone making lab-grown diamonds, the price has fallen by 60 per cent for these diamonds. But for natural diamonds, it has been increasing.
Which one is better for investment purposes?
From time immemorial, diamonds have been a part of the royal families.
It increases in value as it is passed down through generations. As an investment, lab-grown diamonds are not a thing. Lab-grown diamonds are for fancy purposes. It is a choice one makes. But the trend I am seeing is for investment people don’t go for lab-grown diamonds.
The melange of South Sea pearls, diamonds and precious stones makes this necklace set a versatile statement piece for adorning any style. It is always safe to keep it classy for your Puja date night in your favourite ethnic wear, and nothing is more attractive than a look with classy dark lips, wavy hair and a dash of diamond to go with your traditional attire
Then why are people opting for lab-grown diamonds?
It is a very trendy thing. Also, diamond is an aspirational thing, so people are going for it.
What are the present trends in diamond jewellery?
People are looking for statement pieces. One diamond brooch changes everything. They are going for statement pieces like solitaires. Diamonds with coloured stones are doing well. Diamonds with different cuts are doing well. People are going for cushion-cut diamonds. It was popular abroad but people in India are also opting for it now. Like the Meghan Markle ring. Indians are very international now. One chunky broad bracelet or a chandelier earring is how they like to accessorise now. But for weddings, people are layering the looks. People are stacking bracelets. Multi-sapphire diamonds are in trend now.
You started your venture from Calcutta decades back. Has Calcutta’s jewellery taste evolved over the years?
When I started, Calcutta did not have the designer jewellery trend. Now, many more are available. People are Internet savvy and much more aware. People now know what a yellow diamond is. Now, there’s a huge difference in awareness.
What should people keep in mind while purchasing coloured diamonds?
When one is buying a coloured diamond, it is the colour intensity that matters more than anything else.
Have a Saptami dinner night planned with the fam or colleagues? Don’t compromise on the dazzle! Go for this emerald and diamond chunky layered neckpiece and chandelier earrings. The neckpiece and earrings are teamed with a cocktail ring and bracelet. The play of round, baguette and pear-shaped diamonds in the jewellery pieces makes the complete set an alluring one, apt for pairing with a contrast yellow chiffon or a pastel palette of your choice.
If you want to go OTT with your accessories to complement the monotone ravishing red Ashtami look, opt for a pair of statement chandbaalis, cocktail rings and smartly stacked bracelets. The versatile statement chandbaalis are studded with diamonds of different shapes and rubies. The cocktail rings feature diamonds with ruby and tanzanite highlights. The complementing stack of bracelets is gold with diamonds enhancing the motifs. The bold red lips and neat bun render it the minimal-regal charm.
This look channels the Navami night vibe like no other. The classic wavy hairdo, bold lips and chic statement accessories worn in layers of diamonds and pearls make this look stand out. The maroon of the outfit complements the whites further. The exquisite choker in this look is enhanced with two separate pearl neckpieces, and is teamed with a stack of tennis bracelets.
“With this diamond and precious stones lookbook, we chose the hair and make-up for the looks in a way so that we can create looks that have a royal touch to them and are classy. We experimented with twists and waves on the hair, chose dark lips to get the vibe right and chose a natural palette for the make-up with shimmer highlights,” said Abhijit Paul, hair and make-up pro.
Outfits: Kommal Sood
Jewellery: www.diagoldjewels.com
Styling: Jeena Mitra Banik
Hair and make-up: Abhijit Paul
Assisted by: Sananda Mondal Laha
Location: The Bhawanipore House