Malabar Gold & Diamonds launched its 10th outlet in West Bengal recently, on VIP Road. Actor Rukmini Maitr dropped by. She was also the star guest at its Kanchrapara and Serampore outlet launches.

The tastefully done-up outlet showcases the brand’s diverse repertoire of in-house collections, each defined by a distinct design language. The expansive spectrum of offerings includes bridal designs and occasion-led pieces to everyday essentials. Signature lines include diamonds, uncut diamonds, gemstones, handcrafted gold, silver and polki jewellery.

The Era collection, which explores the raw beauty of uncut diamonds, caught our attention. These are organically shaped stones, untouched by conventional cutting.

Ethnix leans into handcrafted artistry, presenting jewellery in antique finishes and oxidised tones. Here, semi-precious stones, kundan work, and beads replace traditional gemstones, lending the pieces a distinctly old-world charm.

Starlet caters to a younger audience, offering a full spectrum of children’s jewellery — from bangles and earrings to pendants and bracelets, crafted with attention to detail.

“West Bengal is a key market for Malabar Gold & Diamonds, where customers value both design and quality. These three showrooms allow us to serve growing demand across multiple neighbourhoods, with an environment that is structured, welcoming, and consistent with our global retail standards,” said M. P. Ahammad, chairman, Malabar Group.

Actor Rukmini Maitr looked lovely in Couture by Niharika. She chose a sleek neckpiece to team it up with. She spoke with t2 about her evolving relationship with jewellery and more.

Jewellery is often the finishing touch to a look. How do you personally balance statement pieces with your outfit without letting one overpower the other?

Fashion, much like life, is about balance. I see it as an art form —one that thrives on harmony. I love statement jewellery, but it has to converse with the outfit rather than compete with it. I pay attention to tones, undertones, and even the silhouette of what I’m wearing. It’s also deeply emotional for me. Some days I feel like embracing boldness; other days, I lean towards restraint. Even something as simple as whether my hair is tied up or left open influences my choice. With Western or cocktail looks, I tend to gravitate towards diamonds — solitaires especially. I adore emeralds and rubies too, but there’s something timeless about a striking single stone. That said, there are moments when I deliberately let one piece take centre stage. On those days, I keep the outfit understated and allow the jewellery to shine truly.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds is known for blending tradition with modernity. How do you incorporate heritage jewellery into your contemporary wardrobe?

I love doing that. There’s this lingering notion that traditional jewellery belongs only with traditional attire — weddings, lehngas, saris. But I’ve never subscribed to that idea. A lot of my jewellery is inherited, and I cherish it deeply. I often pair these pieces with cocktail gowns — it creates such an interesting juxtaposition. Today, fashion allows for that freedom. We’re mixing metals, eras, and aesthetics with ease. For instance, pairing a classic emerald or a traditional diamond choker with a contemporary gown can be incredibly striking. I also enjoy wearing a bold gold choker with a pantsuit — it instantly elevates the look. I like to think of it as my personal take on Indian maximalism.

As someone admired for her fashion choices, what are your go-to styling rules when pairing jewellery with Indian versus Western looks?

When it comes to Indianwear, I enjoy layering — chokers, long necklaces, earrings, bangles. It can be quite indulgent, depending on my mood and the occasion. With Western outfits, I usually take a more minimal approach. Sometimes it’s just a pair of earrings, or perhaps a single necklace with no earrings at all. It always circles back to balance. Interestingly, even with Indianwear, I don’t believe in rigid rules. There are days when just a necklace feels complete. Ultimately, it’s about confidence — trusting your instinct and wearing what feels right.

For the festive and wedding season, what jewellery trends are you loving right now? How can our readers style them effortlessly?

For weddings, the Brides of India collection by Malabar Gold & Diamonds is truly exceptional. What makes it special is its diversity — it represents craftsmanship from across the country.

For festive wear, I have a personal favourite — the Chitrangi collection. It feels very close to my roots. As they say, you can take the girl out of Bengal, but never Bengal out of the girl. This collection celebrates indigenous Bengali craftsmanship, and it carries such cultural richness. During festivities, especially as a Bengali, I feel drawn to jewellery that reflects that heritage. Pieces from the Chitrangi collection are incredibly versatile and elevate any celebratory look with utmost ease.

How does your approach to accessorising differ between high-profile events and casual outings?

For casual outings, I keep it classic — solitaire diamond earrings, perhaps a matching ring. I do love diamonds. Sometimes I switch things up with gold hoops or a delicate gold chain, depending on what I’m wearing. For events, it becomes more considered. The jewellery has to align with the outfit’s mood. With Indianwear, I often embrace traditional maximalism. With Western looks, I lean into contemporary designs. And then there are days when I mix the two — it really depends on how I’m feeling. At the end of the day, jewellery is an extension of self-expression. There are no strict rules — only what feels authentic in the moment.