The experience unfolded in two parts. Guests first attended an intimate diamond masterclass at the De Beers headquarters in London, followed by the house’s debut at Frieze Masters 2025, where an immersive installation titled Voyage Through the Diamond Realm was unveiled.

The guest list brought together familiar faces from the worlds of film, music and culture, including author and entrepreneur Twinkle Khanna, actor Ananya Panday, sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar, philanthropist and entrepreneur Sara Tendulkar, filmmaker Karan Johar, designers Rahul Mishra and Divya Bhatt Mishra, and Dubai-based entrepreneur and media personality Rosemin Madhavji, among others.

At the diamond masterclass, guests explored the journey of a natural diamond. They examined rough stones in their unique shapes and colours, before viewing an exceptional array of polished gems.

Reflecting on the event, Ananya Panday said, “This experience made me view natural diamonds in a whole different light. Holding the rough diamonds up close was surreal — especially the 32-carat stone worth $2 million.” Twinkle Khanna called it both grounding and awe-inspiring: “It’s fascinating how something forged quietly in the depths of the Earth can emerge as a symbol of light, strength and beauty.”

At Frieze Masters, Voyage Through the Diamond Realm invited visitors on a poetic journey from the stars to the Earth, tracing the celestial origins and natural wonder of diamonds. The immersive installation combined visuals, sound and storytelling to illuminate the enduring beauty of each gem.

Shweta Harit, Global SVP, De Beers Group said, “At De Beers, we’ve always viewed natural diamonds as nature’s finest works of art…At Frieze Masters, our installation ‘Voyage Through the Diamond Realm’ brought this cosmic story to life, uniting the worlds of art and natural diamonds in a captivating experience. Because when art meets nature, brilliance finds its true form.”

Reflecting on the experience, Karan Johar said, “It was unlike anything I’ve seen before. Surrounded by art and the authentic beauty of natural diamonds, I felt how deeply connected we are to the Earth’s creativity. Every diamond held a story waiting to be told.”

More than a visit, the experience became a quiet meditation on eternity. In an age of the ephemeral, it was a reminder that some masterpieces are crafted not by artists, but by the Earth itself. And their brilliance endures for a lifetime.

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But what about the one person who’s always there for you? The one who sees you at your best and your worst, and has your back through it all? And by that, we mean: have you picked out a gift for yourself yet?

The festive season isn’t just about giving love and light to others; it’s also the perfect time to celebrate yourself. And what better way to do that than by indulging in some self-gifting?

Why self-gifting is redefining how we celebrate

Self-care can take many forms: a luxurious spa day, an extra mid-day coffee, a meal with your closest friends, or finally buying yourself that sparkling diamond you’ve had your eye on. Turning the spotlight inward and celebrating yourself is an important part of any personal journey. Rewarding yourself with something special is a small but meaningful way to honour your own accomplishments.

Whether it’s finally landing that promotion, hitting a fitness milestone you once thought impossible, or simply getting through a challenging year, mark those moments with a little indulgence. And when better to do it than the festive season — a time synonymous with embracing positive change, growth, and abundance?

Personal diamond jewellery that reflects who you are

If you’re deciding between booking yourself a vacation-for-one or finally treating yourself to that natural diamond pendant you’ve been admiring for weeks, here’s a little nudge in the right direction.

While both make for wonderful self-gifts, the former is an experience with a definite start and end; the natural diamond jewellery, on the other hand, is something you’ll treasure forever.

Think about what you want your self-gift to stand for. Do you want it to mark a milestone, capture a memory, or simply celebrate you? A natural diamond, with its rarity and timeless sparkle, ticks all those boxes.

Born billions of years ago, deep within the Earth’s mantle, natural diamonds were forged under immense heat and pressure before slowly making their way to the surface. That incredible journey is what makes each one completely unique. No two natural diamonds will ever be the same.

So, when you gift yourself a diamond, you’re investing in a gemstone that’s truly one of a kind. There will never be another piece quite like it, meaning it will hold a deeply personal significance for you. Just you. Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate your individuality, doesn’t it?

Diamonds for the modern self-gifter

Be it solitaire diamond studs, a chain-link bracelet or a minimal nose pin, self-gifts are an extension of how you express yourself.

Want something that feels nostalgic? A charm bracelet encrusted with tiny diamonds can capture warm memories from your past. Looking for something deeply personal? A zodiac pendant dotted with diamonds could be what you’re after. Whatever you choose, make it a piece that truly reflects who you are.

Why choosing gifts for yourself redefines celebration

One of the most beautiful parts of the festive season is celebrating with loved ones: the gifts, the laughter, the togetherness. But it’s also the perfect moment to pause and recognise yourself. To look back at how far you’ve come, the challenges you’ve tackled, and the wins (big or small) that deserve to be celebrated.

Self-gifting isn’t indulgence, it’s acknowledgement. It’s a way of saying ‘I’m proud of you.’ And what better symbol of that than a natural diamond? Whether it’s a bold solitaire ring that mirrors your strength or a delicate pendant that carries quiet meaning, it becomes more than jewellery — it becomes a daily reminder of your worth.

Of course, the greatest gift you can give yourself will always be kindness and self-acceptance. But right after that? A diamond comes pretty close.

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Will you embrace timeless tradition or is your style a blend of something old, something new and something unmistakably you? From Navratri outfit ideas that celebrate vibrant craftsmanship to Diwali jewellery that adds just the right touch of sparkle, this season, festive styling comes down to two things: celebrating our rich cultural heritage and expressing your individuality through the details.

We turned to digital creator and fashion multi-hyphenate Ishita Mangal to decode the season’s most talked-about trends — and how to make them entirely your own.

Meet Ishita Mangal

Fashion designer and content creator, Ishita Mangal has built a loyal following of almost half a million on Instagram and 800k+ on YouTube. She creates fashion and beauty content that’s informative, approachable and sprinkled with humour.

From working in fashion, hosting award shows and launching her own brand to creating relatable online content, Ishita has cultivated a voice that feels like a breath of fresh air in today’s social media landscape, which often thrives on virality.

So, what’s trending this festive season? Ishita tells us…

Diwali outfits: Maximalist or minimalist?

Over the last five years, Diwali outfit ideas have continued to centre around gold and metallic tones. Searches for terms like “gold dress” and “sequin outfit” have grown steadily, with 2–3x spikes every October–November since 2020. Velvet blouses continue to be a festive favourite, while smoky cat eyes remain the go-to choice for makeup.

Emerging trends this festive season include a rising interest in sustainable festive wear and contemporary fusion pieces. Think crop tops paired with sarees, a trend largely driven by Instagram reels. On the jewellery front, minimal diamond pieces, from studs to stackable rings, have emerged as the preferred choice over the past 18 months.

• Traditional Diwali style:

This look draws from the timeless Diwali trend for gold and metallic outfits. I chose a shimmering, silver-sequined gold saree to capture that high-impact festive glamour. The styling is unapologetically dramatic, with layered traditional gold and diamond necklaces that celebrate abundance. For the beauty element, I leaned into the evergreen appeal of a defined gaze, creating a bold smoky eye that makes the portrait striking and magnetic. This styling is inspired by a woman who embraces her heritage with confidence, making a powerful, luminous statement that feels both traditional and luxuriously modern.

• Emerging Diwali trends:

This is my vibrant take on classic Diwali trends. I chose a red outfit and paired it with a bold, brocade-detailed blouse. I wanted to celebrate rich festive dressing with a twist — recycling outfits to create something fresh and meaningful. I finished the look with dramatic eye makeup, combining smoky and cat-eye styles for that perfect pre-Diwali glamour. This look isn’t about minimalism; it’s about maximum impact and opulence, with cascading layers of pearl and gemstone jewellery and a richly textured silhouette that honours the timeless tradition of grand festive dressing. 

Navratri styling, the Gen Z way

Whether you go for a fully traditional look or a fresher take with subtle, surprising details, culturally rich ensembles remain the cornerstone of Navratri style.

• Traditional Navrati style:

This look is my celebration of the culturally rich, traditional Garba style that grows more popular every year. I chose an ensemble with vibrant patchwork, mirror work, and contrasting colours to capture the lively spirit of the nine-night festival.

I kept the styling intentionally bold and maximalist to reflect Gujarat’s traditional ornamentation. I added oxidised silver statement jewellery — large jhumkas and layered choker necklaces — to give the outfit a rustic, tribal-bohemian edge that feels true to the region.

For makeup, I went with bold, kohl-rimmed eyes and a small bindi to balance the vibrancy of the textiles. This styling is inspired by a woman ready to fully embrace the rhythm of Garba and Dandiya Raas, blending centuries-old tradition with a confident, statement-making folk aesthetic. 

• Emerging Navrati trends:

This look is all about taking a traditional, vibrant Chaniya Choli and giving it a modern festive twist. I wanted to explore the “Mix & Match Fusion” trend, keeping the outfit ethnic at its core but adding unexpected elements.

I swapped the traditional footwear for crisp sneakers, making it easy to dance while giving the look a comfortable, youthful vibe. To bring in a touch of classic heritage, I added a statement kamarbandh at the waist — a piece that has made a big comeback in Navratri styling. 

For beauty, I kept things soft and glowing, with defined eyes and a neutral lip colour. This lets the intricate mirror work of the outfit and the bold accessories, especially the sneakers, really stand out. The final look is about celebrating culture while keeping it real, comfortable, and modern. 

Is red still reigning for Karva Chauth?

Some things never go out of style — like natural diamonds and red sarees or lehengas for Karva Chauth. Every year, around October, searches for “red saree” and “Karva Chauth outfit” spike 3–4x. Tradition also dominates in jewellery: classic gold mangalsutras remain popular, with a 2–3x annual uplift in searches for “Karva Chauth mehendi” designs.

On the rise this year are diamond mangalsutra variants and Karva Chauth gowns, the latter seeing search volumes climb by almost 110% YoY in 2024.

• Traditional Karva Chauth style:

This look celebrates the cultural significance and enduring love for red lehengas, which always stand out during the festive season. I chose a stunning red lehenga with intricate gold embroidery to give it a luxurious, celebratory feel. 

The styling is fully traditional and opulent. I layered heavy, antique-style gold jewellery, pairing a striking Kundan and pearl choker with a longer matching necklace and a traditional maang tikka. This approach highlights both heritage and abundance. 

For hair and makeup, I kept things classic. The hair is styled in a neat bun, accented with fresh red flowers and delicate pearl strands. The makeup is soft and glowing, with subtly defined eyes and a nude-pink lip that lets the richness of the red outfit and the detailed gold work take centre stage. This is a look for anyone who wants to honour tradition with unforgettable, majestic style. 

• Emerging Karva Chauth trends:

This look is about finding the balance between tradition and modern style. I wanted to capture the growing love for fusion wear and floor-length gowns that still feel rooted in culture, especially for Karva Chauth. The deep crimson gown keeps the traditional red that’s so symbolic for the occasion, while offering comfort and understated elegance for the long evening of rituals. 

The jewellery is a mix of old and new. I styled it with a contemporary mangalsutra featuring a bold diamond centrepiece that keeps it meaningful yet fresh, paired with classic gold-toned earrings that tie everything together beautifully. 

For the beauty look, I kept it simple and modern — a fine line of sindoor along the hairline for a subtle touch of tradition, and intricate Karva Chauth mehendi that brings it all back to the rituals at the heart of the celebration. 

The importance of personal style

The festive season is, of course, about honouring and celebrating age-old traditions, rituals and cultural cornerstones. What better way to do it than by dressing in your finest silks and most cherished jewels — in a style that feels authentically you?

Usher in another year of wealth, prosperity and good fortune by curating festive looks that gracefully blend the warmth of tradition with bold, modern touches. 

The post The art of festive season styling with Ishita Mangal appeared first on A Diamond is Forever - India.

Of course, these rings captivate first with their beauty: their size, sparkle, and brilliance. But they also carry a deeper significance. Since the 15th century, an engagement ring crowned with a natural diamond has stood as an enduring symbol of love and eternal commitment.

So, should you choose a natural diamond engagement ring for your special day? Absolutely. Here’s why…

Natural diamonds exemplify authenticity and endurance  

Natural diamonds have been synonymous with everlasting love long before we learned how to cut and polish them to optimally reflect light, so they could shine their brightest.

Formed by a combination of immense heat and pressure deep in the Earth’s mantle billions of years ago (most diamonds form between 140-300 kilometres below ground), a natural diamond connects us to the beginning of time.  

The story of a natural diamond is one of incredible resilience, having travelled to the Earth’s surface via a series of volcanic eruptions before finally being discovered by humankind. Every natural diamond takes on a distinct shape, colour and size because of its individual journey.

Extreme temperature, pressure and explosive propulsion are factors that only the world’s toughest substance could survive. It’s no wonder natural diamonds have become fitting symbols of the love. What better way to honour a lifelong union than with an incredibly precious gemstone that lasts forever?. 

A natural diamond’s origin enhances its emotional value 

Natural diamonds are shining reminders of nature’s miraculous powers, and understanding the origins of your diamond engagement ring directly impacts its emotional resonance.

If you were to ask the Ancient Greeks where diamonds originated from, they might have said such precious gems were the tears of the gods or splinters of falling stars. It’s thought they believed diamonds represented endurance and immortality, so much so that the Ancient Greek word for diamond, ‘adamas’, literally meant unbreakable.¹ It’s said that the Romans believed diamonds carried the power of love and physical strength; legend has it that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with fragments of the gemstone.²

India, of course, has an inextricable connection with natural diamonds. Until the 17th century, the mines in Golconda — a region in today’s Andhra Pradesh and Telangana — had been the only source of diamonds in the world. India was the first place where these gems were mined, sold, and worn. Emperors of yore even believed that diamonds possessed great spiritual powers, warding off evil and offering protection.³

While modern India may not produce natural diamonds, we still retain a powerful association with the gemstones. Today, more than 90% of natural diamonds are cut and polished in India, most notably in Surat.⁴ From here, the processed diamonds reach their final markets all over the world.

Many crystal healers see diamond as one of the most powerful gems on the planet. They believe it encourages spiritual awakening and creativity, and aids mental clarity. For some, a diamond is thought of as the ‘great amplifier’, boosting the cosmic energy of all other crystals.⁵      

Do lab-grown diamonds carry the same emotional meaning? 

Laboratory-grown or synthetic diamonds are made in a matter of days or weeks in energy-intensive factories or manufacturing plants. Since they’re man-made, mass-produced and not unique, they lack the emotional and symbolic charm of natural diamonds.

A lab-grown stone might be the right fit for a different occasion but for an engagement ring? You want something that’s more than just a piece of jewellery. That’s why bridal natural diamond sets — and even mangalsutras — have become so popular: they’re treasured for their emotional and symbolic value, not just their sparkle.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that a diamond engagement ring isn’t just for the proposal. It’s a treasure to last a whole lifetime, and perhaps even be passed down as a beloved family heirloom. As a diamond really is forever, going natural seems like the clear-cut choice.

Sources

1. Cape Town Diamond Museum, Diamonds Through The Ages ︎
2. Cape Town Diamond Museum, Diamond Myths and Legends ︎
3. Rapaport, The Golconda Mystique ︎
4. JCK, The View From the Diamond-Cutting Capital of the World ︎
5. Crystalandstones.com, Healing Diamond Definition ︎

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Constructed from rubies and diamonds, including an inscribed heart-shaped table-cut diamond, it had a fascinating story. It’s reported that Emperor Jahangir presented his wife with the commissioned necklace, and that the pendant was later passed on to their son, Shah Jahan, who gifted it to his wife, Queen Mumtaz.¹ The necklace, of course, is named after the iconic Taj Mahal.

You don’t need to be royalty to own a piece of jewellery with a story. Every natural diamond is one-of-a-kind, shaped over billions of years by nature itself. No two natural diamonds will ever be the same, which is what makes them magical.

So, if you’re considering investing in bespoke natural diamond jewellery that has a touch of magic, read on. This guide will help turn your dream design into a sparkling reality. 

Why natural diamonds make every design truly unique

Formed deep in the Earth’s mantle billions of years ago, and made accessible to humans only by a series of powerful volcanic eruptions, every natural diamond is inherently unique and bears the hallmarks of its journey through time – just like you.

With that sentiment, natural diamonds are perfect for personalised jewellery, allowing for every aspect of a piece to be individual, from the design all the way to the gemstone sitting at the heart of it. Case in point: Deepika Padukone’s bespoke (and extremely gush-worthy) radiant-cut diamond engagement ring.

Natural diamonds come in a wide range of cuts, colours and sizes to choose from. For a wedding trousseau, a timeless round brilliant cut diamond is a classic choice. If you prefer something softer, oval-cut diamonds are a beautiful option.

Remember Alia Bhatt’s engagement ring? Custom-made with a striking oval-cut solitaire and a band set with eight smaller natural diamonds — a subtle nod to the couple’s lucky number — it showed how personal details can transform a piece into something truly meaningful.

While colourless diamonds are always on trend, coloured ones (also known as fancy-coloured diamonds) have been making a comeback. Whether that’s a radiant yellow diamond or a vibrant pink one, there’s a diamond (or several) to reflect every personality, occasion and celebration.

Add a personal touch through engravings 

In addition to hand-picking your gemstone, you can also make your diamond jewellery even more personal with an inscription. It might be a spiritual motif that reflects your beliefs, a date that marks a milestone like your wedding or a birthday or something with sentimental value, like your children’s initials.

Organisations like International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offer a personalised girdle inscription service, which is especially popular with custom diamond engagement rings. Your chosen words are inscribed using specialist technology that doesn’t impact the 4Cs of your diamond and can only be read under magnification.

Due to their nature, natural diamonds make for the perfect family heirlooms, and when your diamond jewellery bears personalised details, it’s even more befitting to be passed down to future generations. 

Find your style in custom diamond jewellery

It’s crucial to do your research before reaching out to a jewellery designer to create the bespoke diamond jewellery design of your dreams.

Some basic questions you’ll be asked: ‘who’s it for?’, ‘what’s the occasion?’ and ‘what’s the message or statement?’

Looking for something bridal? Or a piece you can wear to work every day? Check out magazines, browse jewellery exhibitions for interesting designs, and bookmark any celebrity looks that catch your eye.

Don’t forget to scroll Instagram and Pinterest — there’s plenty to get inspired by. Research styles, diamond cuts and types of metals. Would you like the design to be modern with a distinctly Indian touch? Or would you prefer a timeless classic? Get mood boarding!

In addition to the visuals, there are important practical considerations, such as budget, size (especially important if you’re looking to commission a ring), and a deadline for when you need the piece finished. Carat purity could be a crucial factor too, so chalk in those preferences as well.

Bringing your dream design to life

Next, you’ll work closely with a jeweller to turn your vision into reality. The stages of the process will likely be: 

Initial consultation: Exploring ideas

This will be a meeting where you discuss your inspiration, aims and ideas with the jeweller, and they run you through possible options. Hopefully by the end of the consultation, you will have arrived at a vision that resonates with you.

Choosing the right natural diamond

Select a gemstone that best suits the piece. Your choice may be based on the 4Cs – colour, cut, carat and clarity – but you could also be drawn to a specific diamond for sentimental reasons.

Or you may already have a rough or polished diamond in mind and are looking for a design based on the possibilities it presents.

Make sure you check the authenticity of the diamond (look for IGI and GIA approval) and insist on BIS certification.   

Perfecting the design

Be it a simple necklace for everyday wear, a bangle to complement your festive outfit, or a stunning mangalsutra, your jeweller will create a design that reflects your style and vision.

You’ll likely be presented with sketches or 3D mock-ups showcasing what the finished piece will look like for your approval before any work begins.

Bringing the piece to life

Your jeweller will now bring the design to life by moulding or casting the metal, setting the cut and polished gem or gems, and adding any bespoke flourishes or engravings.

The final reveal

Your customised diamond jewellery is now ready for you to see, touch and try on. You’ll be able to discuss any final tweaks if required, like a sizing amendment in the case of a ring.

Trust the experts!

Diamond cutters and jewellery makers will play a critical role in the finish of your piece. In India, we have a longstanding history of diamond craftsmanship and unparalleled heritage of diamond-cutting (Surat is the world’s largest diamond-cutting hub), so you know you’re trusting expert craftspeople to create the bespoke diamond jewellery of your dreams.

A diamond cutter understands the properties of the gem, its symmetry, and the way light interacts with it. The craft combines technical knowledge with creative intuition, as a cutter must decide how to shape a diamond to maximise its brilliance.

Ask your jeweller’s advice on the diamond’s setting and look for someone with a legacy of expertise in diamond jewellery. Never be afraid to ask questions.

The jeweller will also be able to help you out with aesthetic choices — such as picking between yellow gold, rose gold or platinum — and understanding the resilience and durability of various materials. Unsure of what kind of diamond jewellery may be better suited to special occasions? And how heavy or lightweight they should be? Your jeweller will have the answers.

Why bespoke jewellery holds deeper sentimental value

There are many occasions when you might find yourself in the market for a piece of diamond jewellery. Suppose a milestone anniversary is coming up, and you want to celebrate it with a special ring for your partner. Choosing a custom piece means it won’t just be a beautiful gift, it will also reflect the time, care, and thought that went into planning it — meticulously selecting the diamond, deliberating over the right metal, going back and forth over the setting style, and all the rest!

Every decision, every detail, is what gives a custom piece the sentimental weight no off-the-shelf item can match.. 

Celebrating true individuality with custom diamond designs 

Bespoke natural diamond jewellery isn’t just a smart investment. It also expresses your identity, reflecting both your appreciation for the rarity of natural diamonds and the rich legacy of our country’s craftsmanship.

Whether as accessories for weddings, engagements, or festivals, as an exquisitely crafted token of self-love, or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, personalised diamond jewellery is always a wonderful choice.

The best part? No one else will ever have a piece quite like yours. 

Sources

1. Elizabethtaylor.com, Rubies, Diamonds, and Love ︎

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The classic brilliant-cut diamond may be the most light-reflective of all, its 58 facets cut in such a way as to create the most ‘brightness, fire, scintillation, and pattern’ – all modern conventions that dictate how are a diamond cut is prized, but that’s not to say it’s the only one. Far from it.

Diamonds today come in myriad cuts, from classic emerald-cuts to beautiful pear-cuts, pretty ovals, heart-cuts, and even Hello Kitty faces and horse-heads (OK, the latter is a particularly niche sector of the market.)

But there’s also a whole array of cuts that aren’t about maximizing brilliance and fire.

So, here’s to the wonky ones – the imperfect, askew, limpid, and subtle ones – the most subtle of all being the actual rough crystal barely touched other than given a clean once prized from the Earth. They’ve been around since diamonds were first discovered in India in the 4^th century BC, and prized for their hardness and natural octahedral form. (That ‘diamond’ shape we refer to in geometry? That’s exactly the shape many rough diamonds are found in when mined.)

It wasn’t until the 14^th century that it was discovered that diamond dust was hard enough to polish diamonds, so people simply smoothed out the gemstone’s natural facets, resulting in shinier versions of the rough crystal. The following centuries would see technology enable people to actually facet (create those many tiny flat surfaces that bounce light around), resulting in cuts like the table cut, rose cut, and old mine cut.

But it would be another 600 years before that light-maximising, modern brilliant cut came about, revolutionizing the diamond industry standard and making them the uber-sparkling gemstones we’re so familiar with today. So, despite diamonds having been discovered more then 2,000 years ago, it’s only in the last 100 years we’ve seen them obtain their maximum sparkle.

But that’s not to say that the cuts that came before (and since) aren’t also to be adored. Take the portrait cut – a window pane-like cut that was loved by 16^th century Mughal Indians for its clarity and ability to be set over miniature portraits. The Georgians were fans too and would set them over tiny paintings surrounded by sparkling stones.

Today, US jeweler Kelty Pelechy, who specializes in antique cuts, uses portrait cut stones in an entirely modern way, setting them backless in rings or pendants, so the light shines through, or placing tiny modern miniature paintings – of a lover’s eye, perhaps – behind them. Leen Heyne, an extraordinarily talented Dutch jeweler, sets antique portrait cuts in his singular, twisted metal rings, leaving some of their edges exposed for the wearer to marvel at.

Darya Khonsary of Darius Jewels uses an array of antique cuts, including the beautiful Peruzzi cut, a 17^th century cut developed by the Venetian diamond cutter Vincenzo Peruzzi, a beautifully rough, cushion-shaped style. She might set a slightly mismatched pair of them side by side in a butter-yellow Fairmined gold ring, leaving their facets beautifully exposed to the light.

Acclaimed Indian jeweler Viren Bhagat has a particularly modern take on antique cuts, having his specialist cutters create modified versions for his extraordinary designs, some defying description. His La Plume D’Aigrette brooch, for example, sees variations of baguette cuts, pear and rose cuts, long marquise cuts (think of a skinny, pointed oval) with large top facets, and everything in between.

For the simplest expression of diamond jewelry, Maya Bjornsten sets lightly polished diamond crystals into the most minimalist claw settings, allowing the stone to look for all the world like it was just plucked from the ground. In this case, the Copenhagen-based designer has gone full circle, skipping over 2,000 years of diamond cutting history to go right back to the simplest expression of diamonds of all – the ones that are simply mined, cleaned, and set. Because sometimes a diamond in its natural form is the most beautiful diamond of all.

Words by Annabel Davidson, who is a London-based jewellery obsessive who edits, writes, styles, consults and generally bangs on about everything pertaining to the jewellery

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