JB Insights
Natural diamonds are more than just an investment
Russell Mehta reflects on the diamond industry’s evolution, noting a shift from romantic experiences to transactional purchases due to increased transparency and lab-grown alternatives. While the market faces fluctuations, natural diamonds retain intrinsic value, rarity, and emotional significance, distinguishing them from commodities like gold.
Consumer perspectives have shifted significantly over the 40years that I have been in the diamond business. When I started out in the early 1980s, buying a diamond was a romantic, emotional experience. Its mystique was linked to its rarity, its perceived uniqueness, and the joy of discovery during the shopping process. This traditional view of diamonds has shifted with the rise of certification, transparency, and the accessibility offered by the internet. The diamond market has become more commoditized, where consumers can compare prices, examine flaws, and get a better understanding of what they are buying, often without stepping into a store. The process of acquiring a diamond, once filled with romance, has become increasingly transactional.
Recent reports have raised doubts over diamonds as viable investments, often comparing them to gold or other financial assets. Unlike other luxury items, such as designer bags, diamonds’ value comes from a combination of art, history, and sentiment—an acquisition that can be passed down through generations. I own a diamond from my grandfather, and its value to me is immeasurable; no price tag could ever capture its significance.
Unlike gold, with which diamonds are erroneously compared to, or art, diamonds occupy a middle ground. While not as liquid as gold or as illiquid as art, natural diamonds retain intrinsic value over time.
For example, I have collected numerous works of art, but only a handful have appreciated significantly over two decades. This unpredictability does not make the art any less valuable to me, but it highlights the varied nature of investments. I cherish the stories behind my art collection—how I discovered each artist and acquired each piece alongside my wife. That does not mean diamonds do not serve as a form of security in times of crisis. History has shown that in turbulent moments, diamonds have been portable assets that can be used to re-establish stability.
The value of diamonds can fluctuate, but it doesn’t depreciate—nor does it get damaged—as quickly as other commodities. According to a Bain & Co report, on an average, prices have increased by 3% year-on-year over the last 35 years.
The rarity of natural diamonds will only grow, as their supply is limited. No significant new diamond deposits have been discovered in the past two decades and the current mines are gradually depleting. The natural pink diamonds that the Argyle mine in Australia produced over 30 years, for instance, are now coveted collectors’ items, providing extraordinary returns as the Argyle mine is now closed.
The introduction of lab-grown diamonds has added a layer of variety to the industry. These diamonds, created in a controlled environment, are more affordable and abundant compared to natural diamonds. While they share the same physical properties, they lack the rarity, preciousness, and emotional weight of natural diamonds. They follow Moore’s Law—as technology improves, their production becomes cheaper, their quality better, and their size larger—further reinforcing their status as a manufactured commodity, rather than a unique and naturally-available gem.
Their rise reflects the broader trend of commoditization in the diamond industry. Some consumers may be drawn to the lower price point of lab-grown diamonds. For example, it may work for the 25-27 year-old on his—dare I say—first marriage proposal. But for his 10th wedding anniversary, his gift would be the real thing, a natural diamond.
After an unprecedented boom in 2021 and 2022, the market has contracted, with the value of global retail-studded diamond jewellery declining from $90 billion to approximately $75 billion in 2024. This was due in part to slowing luxury demand in China and some cannibalisation from lab-grown diamonds in the U.S. While the diamond market may go through its cycles, the emotional and lasting value of real diamonds will continue to endure.
I see this as an industry that’s in the business of bringing joy to consumers, through birthdays, engagements, anniversaries and gifting. Life is an assimilation of memories, time spent with loved ones and natural diamonds are attached to landmarks in life. It’s the only commodity that’s a brand in itself.
– News Courtesy-TOI
JB Insights
Silver Show Of India – SSI 4th Edition – A Definitive Report On Product Offerings & Brand Showcases
A Celebration Of Silver Excellence: Showcasing Innovation, Heritage Craftsmanship, Luxury Design, and Emerging Trends Across India’s Silver Industry
The Silver Showcase India 4th Edition in Mumbai became the stage for an extraordinary convergence of heritage artistry, technological innovation, and contemporary luxury. From floating idols to regal woven gowns, the breadth of India’s silver craftsmanship was on breathtaking display.
CATEGORY
Jewellery & Wearables
Anmol Silver
HERITAGE ARTISTRY
Anmol Silver debuted its Rudra Series, a deeply reverent collection drawing from the wellspring of traditional Indian artistry. Each piece embodies the spiritual weight of heritage craftsmanship, rendered in silver with meticulous attention to iconographic detail and surface treatment.
Navkar Sterling Silver
SHELL & SILVER COLLECTION
Navkar unveiled the Shell & Silver Collection — a graceful marriage of sterling silver with the lustrous iridescence of mother-of-pearl. Accented with rubies and emeralds, the range strikes a confident balance between organic texture and gemstone brilliance.
MJR Silver
MASTERPIECE JEWELLERY
MJR Silver commanded attention with a magnificent oversized haaram emblazoned with the iconic MJR logo — a tour de force weaving together kundan setting, delicate paper casting, modern electroforming, and soulful hand nakashi work in a single statement piece.
Ricchezza
MEN’S RPT COLLECTION
Ricchezza showcased its Hollow Men’s RPT Jewellery line — kadas, bracelets, and neckwear crafted to redefine masculine silver adornment. The hollow construction delivers substantial visual presence with refined, everyday wearability.
Lavira by Tirupati Gems
LADIES’ LIFESTYLE JEWELLERY
Lavira presented intricately crafted ladies’ handbags in 925 silver alongside handcuffs, haath phools, bangles, and rings, all in 925 silver with luxurious gold plating, adorned with vibrant colour stones and delicate floral motifs that celebrate contemporary elegance.
Silverio Artesa
BROOCHES & STATEMENT NECKLACES
A striking collection of men’s brooches featuring regal elephant, lion, and other motifs blends bold symbolism with refined craft. The brand also unveiled an avant-garde CZ and colour-stone necklace, and a rose gold–finished enamel creation in a vivid palette.
Shree Omkar Jewellers
925 SILVER STATEMENT NECKLACES
Three distinct necklaces define the showcase: a gold-polished Pachi work piece; a magnificent Nakshi necklace with a central Goddess Lakshmi motif; and a dazzling diamond-finish creation with emerald accents and lustrous rhodium polish — each a tour of India’s royal jewellery traditions.
Tanvi & Co.
HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Heritage Collection necklace in 925 sterling silver with premium rhodium plating features beautifully detailed elephant and floral motifs delicately accented with pearls — a celebration of cultural heritage in which every intricate detail reflects precision and tradition.
FEATURED MASTERPIECE
Riddhi Siddhi Gems & Jewellery — The Maharani Gown
The undisputed showstopper of SSI 4th Edition was the breathtaking Maharani Gown — an extraordinary fusion of silver and gold threads intricately woven with Navratna gemstones and lustrous pearls. Radiating regal energy through a vibrant multi-coloured palette, the gown was adorned by Nandini Gupta, Miss India 2023–24, elevating the creation into a luminous celebration of heritage luxury and contemporary grandeur. A masterwork at the intersection of jewellery art and haute couture.
CATEGORY
Devotional & Lifestyle
Purple Jewels
TULIP — ULTRA LIGHT IDOLS
Purple Jewels introduced TULIP — The Ultra Light Idols by Purple, showcasing technologically advanced 925 silver idols that set a new benchmark in detailing and finish. Masterpieces include the Sankatmochan Raj Gada and a Lord Balaji statue with an intricate arch.
Emerald Silver
INNOVATION MEETS DIVINITY
Emerald Silver presented EF Electromagnetic Levitation Floating Idols, Silver PRANA LITE paper-casting idols — a cost-effective alternative ideal for gifting and modern living — and Silver Feather Light EF Idols, together representing the rare convergence of innovation and devotional artistry.
Antariksh Jewellers
CHENNAI · TRADITIONAL POOJA SET
Antariksh Jewellers presented an exquisite traditional pooja set comprising a meticulously crafted pooja thali, samai, chambu, bell, udarni, kamachi valak, and aarti — a cohesive expression of ceremonial silver craft, each component purposeful, each surface speaking the language of devotional heritage.
Antaraa Silver
LUXURY LIFESTYLE ACCESSORIES
Antaraa Silver drew appreciation from industry leaders with its exclusive range of premium silver accessories, luxury pens, and innovative lifestyle products — positioned at the crossroads of utility and luxury, signalling a maturing appetite for silver beyond jewellery and devotional ware.
CATEGORY
Silver Artefacts & Home
Kraft Silver
EXTRAORDINARY SCULPTURAL DISPLAY
Kraft Silver commanded the floor with an extraordinary display of large-scale silver artefacts. A magnificent silver cow anchored the presentation as a centrepiece of devotional and artistic merit, while a silver sofa pushed the medium into unexpected lifestyle territory. A range of innovative decorative creations completed a showcase that challenged preconceptions about what silver craft can and should be — bold, confident, and expansive in ambition.
CATEGORY
Standout Individual Creations
Sukhraj
TRADITIONAL SATKA
A beautifully crafted traditional Satka (key holder) in silver celebrating Indian heritage. An elegant crescent moon motif with conical pendant is embellished with multi-hued colour stones, folk-art patterns, colourful beads, and shimmering gota patti accents — a striking fusion of artistry, colour, and tradition.
Silver Payal
FIVE-LAYERED ANKLET
A stunning silver payal crafted in an elegant five-layered structure, partially coated in gold and adorned with dazzling CZ and polki-inspired stones. The intricate detailing and harmonious blend of precious finishes transform this anklet into a true work of art, radiant and deeply rooted in South Asian jewellery tradition.
Silver Sindoor Dibbi
CEREMONIAL ACCESSORY
A beautifully crafted sindoor dibbi adorned with intricate geometric patterns and traditional shankh motifs. The elegantly designed lid is embellished with a striking dull orange onyx stone — a ceremonial object elevated to the level of heirloom through the precision of its making.
CATEGORY
Silver Gifting & Children’s Collections
MAA SILVER — Silver Start
TINY TREASURES. TIMELESS MEMORIES.
MAA Silver unveiled SILVER START, a thoughtfully curated gifting collection in 925 silver designed specifically for children. The range spans silver mugs, sippers, glasses, dinner sets, pacifiers, and medicine feeders — everyday essentials reimagined as cherished keepsakes. Each piece is embellished with popular cartoon characters and delightful motifs, combining the purity of silver with child-friendly design language. The collection is positioned as the ideal gifting solution for newborns, naming ceremonies, birthdays, and milestone celebrations.
House of Shah
EXCLUSIVE SILVER CREATIONS
House of Shah showcased its exclusive range of silver jewellery and innovative product offerings, with craftsmanship and design excellence at the forefront. The brand’s presentation affirmed its position as a destination for distinctive silver creation within India’s evolving luxury landscape.
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