Diamond stole the show at the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Ladies Study Group’s event, The Genuine Gem and ICC Diamond Conclave, held recently at the Taj Bengal. The event began with a panel discussion featuring diamond experts sharing their expertise with the audience on this precious gem, followed by a special talk session with actress and jewellery designer Neelam Kothari Soni. Attendees were treated to an interesting jewellery showcase by premium and prestigious jewellery brands of Calcutta through a fashion show.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) National Expert Committee on Jewellery and Lifestyle and LSG (Ladies Study Group) hosted a compelling panel discussion titled ‘The Genuine Gem’. Experts from the diamond industry, including Amit Pratihari, director of retail at De Beers Group; Richa Singh, managing director of India and Middle East at the National Diamond Council; and Chirag Soni, director at SGL Labs shared their advice regarding diamond purchase. The panel discussion was followed by an interactive Q&A session where Soni talked about the importance of reputable labs for diamond certificates, emphasising the industry’s need for standardised protocols. Singh highlighted the coexistence of natural and lab-grown diamonds, each with its own unique appeal. Bhatt discussed the age-old charm of old-cut diamonds, captivating collectors and enthusiasts alike. Snapshots:
One of the interesting highlights of Neelam’s talk session was her transition from Bollywood to the jewellery industry. She said: “Jewellery is in my blood. I had a backup plan, but establishing myself as a designer was challenging. It took years of hard work and dedication to earn their trust. In 2004, I opened Neelam Jewels. The struggle to gain credibility in the industry was long, even though I was a celebrity. Fame doesn’t ensure success; the key factors are trust and skill in one’s work.” She highlighted the challenges faced by jewellers in adapting to changing consumer preferences, stressing the importance of uniqueness and quality in contemporary designs. Addressing the changing dynamics of the jewellery market, she pointed out the shift towards simplicity and brand consciousness. “The trend is leaning towards minimalism and unique designs. Customers today want something different, something that catches the eye,” she said. She also highlighted the importance of certification and the increasing intelligence of consumers when it comes to jewellery purchases. “A lot of my clients ask for certification. We have become extremely smart and intelligent in terms of purchasing jewellery,” said the actress who was recently seen in Made in Heaven Season 2.
After the show, Joita Sen, director of marketing and design at Senco Gold and Diamonds, said: “We are now trying to be an Indian company rather than just a company based out of Bengal.
(Clockwise from left) The conclave wrapped up with a jewellery fashion show, which added a touch of glamour to the event. Sheetal Bamalwa, from Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons, and Vinod Bamalwa, chairman of the ICC National Expert Committee on Jewellery, showcased a wide variety of diamond jewellery from their latest collection, including sets of diamond and emerald, diamond and diamond and gold.
Vijay Soni and Arvind Soni from Mahabir Danwar Jewellers. Their jewellery collection combined classic and modern styles. The designs incorporated traditional influences with contemporary touches, creating unique and versatile looks. It was a mix of timeless elegance and modern flair.
The LSG committee with Neelam Kothari Soni. Bhawna Agarwal (second from left), president of LSG, said: “’Both gold and diamond are different. You cannot set a diamond without the gold. So diamond has its own place and gold has its own place.”
Varda Goenka of DiaGold showcased a Venice-inspired collection. “This collection has all the colours of Venice, the work of Venice, the beauty of Venice and the view of Venice. So, I have tried to bring everything from Venice here,” she said.
(From left) Amit Pratihari shed light on the intricacies of diamond sourcing and the ethical practices employed by companies like De Beers. He introduced the concept of the Origin Program, which enables consumers to trace a diamond’s origin, rarity, and impact, thus fostering trust and confidence in the purchase. “When you buy a Forevermark diamond or a De Beers diamond, you know from which country that diamond is coming from. It gives you confidence; it gives you the whole trust thing. Our interest is to keep the aspiration for natural diamonds going,” he shared, reinforcing the value of transparency and pride in one’s purchase.
Nirupa Bhatt, founder of Nb Advisory, moderated the session. She started by underlining the scarcity of diamonds, elaborating on how these precious gems are discovered in limited amounts within the Earth’s crust and are cherished components of valuable jewellery. “It’s not an easy thing to find. It takes tremendous effort and investment to find. So, when any one of us wears a piece of diamond that belongs to us, there is hardly any other diamond that is similar to that. It has its own footprint. This uniqueness is something that we like,” she said.
Chirag Soni educated the audience on the meticulous process of diamond grading. He likened their role to a blood bank, offering clients assurance through their rigorous certification process. He explained the complexities involved in determining the quality and authenticity of diamonds, reassuring buyers about the credibility of their purchases. “We ensure that assurance is in every single report that we offer at SGL across the globe,” he said.
Richa Singh highlighted the myths surrounding black gold diamonds, emphasising the council’s mission to keep diamonds relevant and desirable for every woman. She passionately spoke about the emotional significance of diamond jewellery, urging the audience to view diamonds as more than just wedding accessories. She also emphasised the importance of ethical sourcing. Talking about the enduring charm of natural diamonds, she said: “We aim to keep diamonds relevant and desirable for every woman.”
