DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
The modern bride’s handbook for acing that dreamy, diamond-encrusted look for her big day? Laid out by third generation diamantaire Golubhai Badalia, in conversation with Poorvi Singhal.
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, they say. More so when you are the bride. Nothing says elegant and fabulous at the same time, than a bridal ensemble dripping in these beautiful rocks on their big day. But what should one consider when picking these high-shine beauties?
Are there any dos and don’ts? Enter Golubhai Badalia, a third generation diamantaire and director of M. Sashi Badalia & Sons Pvt. Ltd., who has been living and breathing diamonds for as long as he can remember. With his eponymous brand Golubhai Badalia Diamond—launched on the back of his family’s legacy lapidary dating back to 1965—he is designing decadent diamond jewels fit for the bridal bijou box. Here, his seven-point guide for doing diamond jewellery right.
- BE THE RINGMASTER
“While round, brilliant-cut engagement rings are popular, ovals are more flattering as they elongate the fingers. Emerald-cut diamonds are evergreen and exude understated elegance. Signet-style rings and sleek bands are failsafe picks for the groom.”
- STUN ‘EM WITH STUDS
“Solitaire studs work effortlessly across events and stand the test of time. Playful diamond danglers pair perfectly with occasionwear. And diamond hoops will elevate any look in an instant.”
- FEELING BLUE
“While diamonds are extraordinary by themselves, they can really surprise when set with coloured gemstones. Blue is really having a moment now, think sapphires, tanzanites and even rare blue spinels to go with your diamonds.”
- DIAMONDS FOR THE DANDY
“Grooms, dress up your ears with solitaire studs. Even Ranbir Kapoor approves. And while you can’t go wrong with diamond bracelets and kadas, shift gears to diamond-encrusted watches as they up the ante like nothing else. Round off your look with collar pins and statement lapel brooches.”
- COCKTAIL CHIC
“A statement diamond cocktail ring commands all eyes. My recommendation would be ones in sculptural and geometrical forms for a modern edge. Rings with heart and pear-shaped diamonds are also making a strong comeback this season.”
- FOR THE LOVE OF LAYERING
“Every bride deserves at least one heirloom-worthy diamond necklace that reflects both her personality and heritage. A classic diamond choker layered with precision-cut solitaires does the trick. Equally timeless are our multi-layered malas that can be styled in myriad ways no matter the occasion. These are guaranteed to become generational keepsakes.”
- KEEP IT NATURAL
“While the world seems to be caught up in the lab-grown versus natural diamond debate, we work exclusively with natural diamonds that are celebrated not only for their rarity, but for their enduring emotional and financial value. In our books, natural diamonds remain the only choice as they are timeless, storied and irreplaceable.”