How to build your own natural diamond jewellery chest

It’s funny how some things become markers of time. A song, a scent, a note scribbled in a diary. For me, it’s a pair of natural diamond earrings my dad gave me to mark my 15th birthday. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp their preciousness, but I wore them anyway. Today, they’ve become one of the most treasured pieces in my jewellery chest.

And that’s the thing about real diamonds, they grow with you. Unlike trends that fade, natural diamonds are timeless. They hold not just beauty but meaning, and in many ways, they become chapters of your own story.

Building your own natural diamond jewellery chest

In the past, diamond jewellery was tied to milestones—an engagement ring, a wedding necklace, or something passed down from your grandmother. Women are actively reimagining what those milestones look like. Today, a diamond is more than a symbol of love—it is also a celebration of independence, achievement, and personal style.

More and more women are choosing to curate their own diamond jewellery collection—starting small, adding pieces that feel true to them, and building towards a jewellery chest that reflects their journey. According to De Beers, nearly half of all diamond jewellery purchases in 2023 were made by women buying for themselves. In India, female self-purchases of natural diamond jewellery have grown by over 30% in the past five years, led largely by women in their 20s and 30s. And interestingly, these aren’t always tied to weddings or anniversaries—they’re often tied to promotions, personal goals, or simply because it feels right.

From first studs to future heirlooms

It often starts with something simple. A pair of diamond studs you wear every day, almost like a second skin. Then comes a delicate tennis bracelet in your late twenties, followed by a solitaire pendant that feels both powerful and personal. Over time, these pieces add up, both in value and in sentiment. Eventually, you reach for larger, more defining investments: a diamond ring that feels like your signature, or a necklace you know you’ll one day pass on.

This is how a diamond jewellery chest is built—not in one moment, but piece by piece, over time. And in doing so, it becomes less about trends and more about creating your own legacy.

What women are choosing

Fashion and lifestyle influencer Maia Sethna Malhotra remembers her first investment: a delicate pair of natural diamond studs. “What made them special wasn’t just how they looked, but the moment they marked,” she says. “I bought them for myself after my first big professional milestone.”

Artist and entrepreneur Michelle Poonawalla agrees. “In your 20s, a pair of solitaire earrings is a smart and beautiful investment. By your 30s, I’d add a solitaire pendant. Both are timeless, versatile, and feel relevant at every stage of life.”

Shalini Passi, collector and arts patron, is partial to the emerald cut diamond. “It’s the way light passes through it—it feels rich and striking.” For her, the must-haves include studs, rings, a pendant, and a tennis bracelet. “The classics, done right, will never lose their charm.”

Choosing the right diamond for you

Building your jewellery chest also means understanding what works for you. Choosing a diamond is more about what feels like you. When choosing a diamond, nothing compares to the authenticity, history, and distinctive beauty of a natural diamond. Unlike lab-grown diamonds, which are mass-produced in controlled environments over a few weeks, natural diamonds are geological miracles—each with its own story, character, and singularity. Oval and emerald cuts, for example, elongate rounder faces, while round brilliants work universally. Heart-shaped and pear cuts add softness and a feminine touch. Think of it the same way you think of a haircut—you pick what flatters you, not what’s “in.” And that’s why natural diamonds remain so compelling: each cut, each piece, tells your story in its own way. And what makes natural diamonds an apt choice is the fact that each stone is one-of-a-kind and no two pieces are alike. For those who appreciate craftsmanship, individuality, and timeless beauty, a natural diamond remains the clear choice.

Why natural diamonds endure

While every piece holds emotion, diamonds also carry practical value. They are a great investment. They stay with you, grow with you, and eventually, they become part of what you pass down.

And in a culture constantly chasing the next big thing, there’s something grounding about real natural diamonds. They offer a sense of timelessness as these pieces remain just as meaningful today as they will be years down the line.

So start small, or start big. But start. Build a jewellery chest that is yours—one that reflects who you are, celebrates your achievements, and grows into something you’ll one day pass on. Because owning natural diamonds isn’t just about adornment. It’s about creating a personal history, one piece at a time.

Lead image: Nanagram Jewels
 

Also read: The rise of the Baguette cut diamond

Alsi read: How to curate a jewellery collection that’s as meaningful as it is valuable