The Natural Diamond Council in India and the United Arab Emirates launched the second edition of the jewellery trend report offering insights and predictions on the natural diamond jewellery that is set to make statements in 2022. Encapsulating the sensibilities that define the aesthetics of today, the report has been thoughtfully compiled by experts from the fields of design, styling, lifestyle, journalism and jewellery to redefine what diamonds mean to consumers, create desirability and grow the modern diamond industry in the region. The members of the Style Collective include Rhea Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, HH Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda, Bibhu Mohapatra, Roohi Oomerbhoy Jaikishan, Katerina Perez, Sarah Royce Greensill and Nonita Kalra.

NDC conducted extensive research over the past year, by delving into the mind of the consumer, and explored the cultural transformation that has seen a shift towards jewellery purchase as a medium of self-expression. Today’s youth is exploring timeless designs intertwined with an edgy appeal. They use their natural diamond jewellery to tell their own stories with a dash of playfulness and glamour. Hence, Natural Diamond Council and the Style Collective curated three definitive trends that will nurture the philosophy of diamond jewellery in 2022.

The first trend to define this year’s jewellery is Hoops with a Twist - the hero earring silhouette when studded with natural diamonds seamlessly transcends the classic, flirtatious accessory to a riveting pair that lights up the red carpet. The current renditions of the classic hoops represent innovation and whimsy, clustered diamonds, interlinked details, and a variety of shapes that, quite literally, reinvent the wheel. Another trend that will mark this year’s fashion expressions are Mismatched Diamonds – allowing the wearers to make a statement with subtlety. Combining a variety of differently cut diamonds in one piece of jewellery defines their personal style and presents an opportunity to get creative with their own pieces and add to their collections.

Lastly, Vintage Cuts are seen to be making a resurgence this year with a special focus on Briolettes and Rose Cuts. When live red-carpet events resumed, after the mandated break during the pandemic, Briolettes remained a mainstay on some of the most glamorous looks. Lending movement to a piece, the drop shaped diamond mirrors the new era of audiences who express their personality with style and independence. Rose Cut diamonds, one of the oldest cuts in the world, exuberate an understated elegance and a vintage aesthetic. Unique, delicate, radiant and one of the most coveted diamond cuts, the rose cut is starting to become a cut of choice for engagement rings.

Richa Singh, Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council India & The Middle East said, “Natural diamonds continue to be the epitome of luxury and celebration of personal milestones. The past two years have redefined the way we express ourselves through fashion and jewellery and our latest jewellery trend report offers a fresh direction to designers. Our mix of classics with a twist and reinvention of vintage cuts, will support the industry to maximise their design talent and have a great season ahead. We have showcased 48 brands from India and UAE whose designs will continue to inspire and intrigue jewellery purchasers this year.” 

We asked the Style Collective to share thoughts on their favourite trend:

Nonita Kalra, Editor in Chief, Tata CliQ Luxury; and Editor, NDC Jewellery Trend Report 2022 said “Vintage cut diamonds make me think of the strong women in my family, who would wear day diamonds to afternoon parties. They take me back to those times of uncomplicated happiness and hope, of a lightness of being.”

Sarah Royce-Greensill, Jewellery & Watches Editor, Telegraph (UK) said, “Rose-cut diamonds are so delicate, almost as if they are floating on the skin. There’s something romantic and feminine about them. Similarly, briolette diamonds have a softer look; the way they catch the light is really unusual. With these vintage cuts, it’s more about subtleness, the aesthetic and beauty rather than the bling.”

Rhea Kapoor, Film Producer & Stylist said, “A hoop is not an earring that takes itself seriously — and I love that! One of the first pieces of diamond jewellery I bought myself was a pair of diamond hoops. Even as a child, I would steal my mom’s gold hoops from the 1980s and wear them. I like classics but there is always a slight irreverence, so I gravitate towards irregular hoops, that have some personality and character, that are not perfect.”

HH Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda said, “Diamond hoops were the first earrings my daughters wore — in fact, all of us did. When I was young, I would even hang another earring onto the hoop! The baali is also a big part of Maratha culture, and I used to wear one right on my top cartilage piercing.”

Award-winning actor Aditi Rao Hydari said, “There’s something so magical and harmonious about briolette diamonds… natural diamonds that are shaped like a teardrop. Even the face is kind of shaped like a teardrop. So, you have a natural diamond around your face, that is also like a teardrop. In nature, it’s seen in some of the most beautiful things, a raindrop. When light hits a raindrop, it creates a rainbow. It’s all connected. It’s so magical, I love that.”

Katerina Perez, Gemologist, Journalist & leading jewellery influencer said, “From a designer’s perspective, it’s fun to mix different diamond cuts in one piece — it’s an illusionist’s game. It adds volume, helps play with proportions, creates different shapes and dimensions. Mismatched diamonds also show character and individuality.”

Roohi Oomerbhoy Jaikishan, Entrepreneur & Fashion Icon said, “The memory that a piece of jewellery holds is potent. In the past, we bought jewellery for an occasion, a birthday or anniversary, but now when I buy jewellery I’m constantly thinking about my daughter—what she would like, and what she would want to wear. I think that’s one of the differences between the old heirlooms and the new. In fact, new heirlooms are made to be personal, more wearable, and set with a purpose.”

Bibhu Mohapatra, Global Fashion Designer said, “Fine jewellery has the ability to tell stories — that’s what makes them heirlooms. They can be passed through generations, each time telling the stories of those who once owned and wore the pieces. It’s like the story of a natural diamond, which is formed over billions of years and lives eternally.”

Reaching out to over 2 million audiences, the Jewellery Trend Report 2022 by Natural Diamond Council will serve as a guide to retailers in India and UAE, providing unique trend inspiration for the season ahead. Through an extensive marketing outreach, the NDC will continue to showcase the incredible work of jewellery brands, designers and trade partners, redefining traditional occasions by emphasising how natural diamonds are not solely the purview of romantic moments or formal events; the contemporary diamond dream sees jewellery as being an essential part of everyday moments, both big and small.