Q1. What’s the most heartwarming story you’ve heard about a natural diamond making a difference in someone’s life?
What makes natural diamonds truly special is how their impact spans very different worlds, royalty, industry, and everyday lives, yet carries the same thread of meaning and transformation.
For Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad, an heirloom Asscher-cut ring, once chosen by Maharani Chimnabai II, represents legacy, now waiting to be passed to her daughter. A female employee in a diamond factory shared how the industry helped her own a home, car and land, while enabling her daughters’ education, turning aspiration into reality. And in 1924, Lady Meherbai Tata pledged her jewellery, including the Jubilee Diamond, to support Tata Steel—a moment that helped secure the company’s future.
Together, these stories reflect how natural diamonds carry legacy, empower lives, and shape history.
Q2. Can you share an example of how the diamond industry is empowering women?
From my perspective, one of the most encouraging shifts in the diamond industry has been the growing influence of women, not just as participants, but as leaders and change-makers. We’re seeing more women step into leadership and entrepreneurial roles, shaping how the category evolves. From brands like Tamannah Fine Jewellery to voices like Julia Chafe and Queenie Singh, women are redefining how diamonds are perceived today.
What’s equally exciting is the generational shift. With partners like Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, we are seeing next generation of women step in to take legacy businesses forward, bringing a fresh, modern lens. We are also seeing more women artisans entering the ecosystem, adding new perspectives to design and storytelling.
On a personal note, building and leading an all-women team in a traditionally male-dominated industry has been incredibly rewarding, and a strong reminder of the impact women can drive when given the opportunity.
Q3. What was the role women played in jewellery purchases in India traditionally? How has it changed in recent decades?
Traditionally in India, diamond jewellery was tied to milestone occasions and often driven by family decisions. Women were central to these moments, but the purchase itself was largely symbolic and rooted in tradition. Over the years, this has changed significantly. As women have become more financially independent and confident in their choices, they are increasingly making their own decisions when it comes to jewellery. What’s most interesting is how the narrative has evolved. Diamonds are no longer reserved only for big occasions. They are now a way for women to celebrate their own journeys, including everyday milestones and personal achievements.
For me, this marks a clear shift from diamonds being gifted to mark a moment, to being chosen by women to reflect who they are and the lives they are building on their own terms.
Q4. How would you describe the new Indian woman consumer?
The new Indian woman consumer is confident, self-aware, and deeply intentional in her choices. She is rooted in culture, yet globally influenced, seamlessly balancing tradition with modernity. What sets her apart is her sense of ownership. She is financially independent, well-informed, and values authenticity. Whether it is fashion, jewellery, or lifestyle, she is not just buying a product, she is investing in something that reflects her identity and values. She is also redefining consumption. It is less about occasion-led buying and more about self-expression, personal milestones, and meaning. She celebrates herself just as much as she celebrates others.
For me, she represents a powerful shift. She is not waiting for permission or an occasion. She is shaping her own narrative, and choosing brands and products that align with who she is and what she stands for.
Q5. What new steps are needed while communicating the diamond messages to women consumers in the 21st century?
Communicating with the 21st-century woman requires a clear shift in approach. First, move from occasion-led to meaning-led messaging. It is no longer just about milestones, but about personal journeys and self-expression. Second, authenticity and transparency are key. She is informed and values the story behind what she buys. Third, the tone needs to be more real, relatable, and inclusive, reflecting diverse choices and life stages. Finally, brands need to engage where she is, through digital, content-led platforms that feel like a conversation.
At its core, it is about reflecting what diamonds mean to her today, rather than defining it for her.