A Diamond’s Promise of Eternity
Triumphing the slow fashion movement, natural diamonds reflect the endearing quality of versatile timelessness, which makes them the perfect heirloom to pass down generations. Exploring this very aspect, Vogue India’s Fashion Director Priyanka Kapadia, talks about her most treasured heirloom diamond pieces and the sentimental value attached to them
With a billion-year-old legacy that wields the layers of history, every diamond has a wonderful, unique story. Sure, it has travelled through time, but it is also eternally youthful and unfailingly modern, and goes without saying that no matter the metamorphosing nature of trends—natural diamonds always emerge as authoritative and defining, meant to last several generations and seasonal changes alike. Expressing love and admiration, diamonds have an intrinsic sentimental value, as most acquisitions are passion purchases meant to mark cherished moments—birthdays, weddings, graduations, and the like. It’s no different for Priyanka Kapadia, Vogue India’s Fashion Director, whose love affair with diamonds serves as a reminder of wonderful memories.
“Every piece of jewellery I own reminds me of special people, places and moments,” says Kapadia, as her love for jewellery has translated into building a collection of vintage pieces and unique designs. “When I want to celebrate a milestone in my life, I purchase a piece of jewellery as a memento of a special time to slowly build my own collection of heirlooms—piece by piece.” Owing to their timeless lustre, endless wearability, and emotional appeal, natural diamonds are undeniably the flag bearers of the slow fashion movement—luxurious, functional, forever-jewels that never go out of style. “The diamond is a forever piece—the precious stone is with you for a lifetime and can be repurposed and reworn in so many ways and passed down generations,” marks Kapadia.
Crafted by mother earth, every natural diamond is unique and one-of-a-kind with its own personality and character, making diamonds the perfect jewels to celebrate your individuality with. “More so than any other accessory, diamond jewellery is about personal expression. The beauty of this stone is that there is a style for every person. Throughout my life and ever-metamorphosing styles, some of my diamond pieces have been with me through it all,” says Kapadia who relates jewellery to personal expression. “For me, jewellery is an extension of my personality and my mood for the day—the first thing I notice in people is how they wear or style their jewellery.”
When it comes to wearing jewellery, there are no rules, of course, but instincts, Kapadia expresses as she talks about how she styles her jewellery. “I randomly put things together everyday—it’s never been about matching every piece I wear. I love creating unique stacks and I wear them differently on most days. And really, jewellery is so personal—there really are no rules! I love to mix the old with the new, it’s never too much or too little.”
The Heirloom Diamonds
Trends may often come and go, but when it comes to jewellery, natural diamonds have always stayed de rigueur. No matter the occasion, the diamond can be worn to create impact and an unforgettable-yet-inconspicuous statement. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by my grandmother’s diamond and ruby bangles, which she inherited from her mother. They were passed on to me at my wedding, and they’re my most favourite pair of heirloom jewels,” says Kapadia as she talks about wearing her most treasured piece of heirloom diamonds on one the most important days of her life—her wedding. Talking about the intricate design, she elaborates, “I’ve never seen a piece like this—delicate, square shaped diamonds and dark red rubies set in a beautiful geometric pattern. I’m usually not attracted to rubies, but there’s something about this design that holds a special place in my heart—I wore them on my wedding day, with my polki and diamond stack. I wear one bangle casually with my watch, tennis bracelet, and other favourite pieces. It’s so beautiful, it almost never leaves my wrist. To me, jewellery has always been so personal, every piece of jewellery I own has a story behind it!”
It’s worth mentioning too, that building an heirloom collection lends itself well to sustainable and ‘shop better’ habits. Undoubtedly, the alluring natural diamond has an inherent sentimental appeal, but it also flaunts a chameleon-esque quality that makes it fit for any ensemble. These scintillating treasures are the ultimate in slow fashion and the perfect ever-lasting heirlooms.
