A Conscious Diamond Ring for the Modern Couple

 With conventional weddings on pause for the pandemic, it’s a good time to reexamine the traditions behind them and wonder which ones will make it into the future. Diamond rings probably aren’t going anywhere, but as consumers become more environmentally conscious and interested in ethical production, the demand for sustainably produced jewels is just going to rise.

That’s part of the ethos behind the Ten/Ten program, which asked ten independent jewelry designers to reimagine the classic engagement ring in a way that resonates with a new generation of couples. Each designer created a commitment band that honors the symbolic unity of love but from a modern perspective and with an accessible price point. Each ring contains an ethically sourced diamond from Botswana that comes in at just under one carat. The mining process of the natural diamond is integral to the ring, and the designers worked to honor the journey of the precious stone from the ground to its place on your finger.

“If we are taking these precious materials out of the earth, it had better be for a good reason, and we had better do well by the people extracting them for us,” said Pamela Love, one of the featured designers.

The jewelry-makers participating in the project come from a variety of backgrounds and design styles but are unified in their commitment to responsible sourcing practices. Ten/Ten’s emphasis on the origin of the diamond was a driving force for many of the designers involved in the program.

“As a person of African heritage, I love the idea of helping people from a country where diamonds have contributed to a culture and set up its people,” explained designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey.

The collection of 100 rings was made with the support of the De Beers Group and is available for purchase exclusively from Blue Nile.

Pandemic, soaring prices hit gold jewellery sales

 Upper-middle and middle income groups found it difficult to even think about giving gold sets to their daughters due to ‘unaffordable prices’, forcing them to buy artificial jewellery, they added.

“A three-tola gold set comprising a necklace, earrings and ring costs Rs350,000 minimum while two-tola sets are priced at Rs200,000-225,000 in view of the current gold rate,” said chairman of the All Pakistan Jewellers Manufacturers Association (APJMA) Mohammad Arshad. Currently per tola 24-karat gold price is set at Rs113,200.

“Sales are depressed by 70 per cent in January amid the ongoing wedding season,” Mr Arshad added.

“Many people who were unable to buy gold ornaments due to rising cost of living are switching to artificial jewellery sets. Besides, security issues also haunt buyers who do not want to take the risk of using gold sets on the wedding day,” said the APJMA chairman.

The 10-gram and one-tola gold prices jumped by Rs21,947 and Rs25,600, respectively, in 2020. On Dec 31, 2020, the 10-gram and one tola gold prices were Rs114,000 and Rs97,737 as compared to Rs75,790 and Rs88,400 on Dec 31, 2019 based on the massive jump in international price of the precious metal by $372 per ounce to $1,894 from $1,522.

Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association (SSJA) chairman Haji Haroon Rasheed Chand said small to medium-sized jewellers are working on only 40pc business as gold prices have gone up drastically.

“People are already perturbed by skyrocketing food prices and utility bills. Due to increasing gold prices, many clients come with old jewellery sets to get new ones made by compromising on the weight,” Mr Chand explained.

Disagreeing with other stakeholders and referring to the lockdowns and subsequent suspension of large gathering and wedding functions prior to Sept 15, 2020, Pakistan Gem and Jewellery Exporters and Traders Association Export Committee chairman Habib ur Rahman said: “Something is better than nothing.”

“Gold jewellery sales have fallen by 30-40pc but the wedding season has revived hopes of jewellers from September onwards,” he said.

Pakistan’s gold imports in July-Dec 2020 fell by 68pc in quantity to 72kgs and by 52pc in value to $4.385 million, data by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed.

“Official gold imports remained suspended from May to August 2020 due to rising prices in world markets. Jewellery exports also lost pace in the above period,” said Mr Rahman. He went on to add that jewellery exporters usually import gold for making sets and ornaments under a scheme.

“Jewellery exports remained subdued in April to May due to the Covid-19 pandemic as many international markets were either shut or partially opened. Also there was a drastic reduction in air traffic. However, things started recovering from July 2020. Jewellery exports in July-Dec 2020 rose by 123pc to $5.764m as compared to the same period last fiscal,” he explained.

Mr Rahman noted that the UK is facing a lockdown which had hit gold jewellery exports badly in January. Gold jewellery is also being exported to Canada, US and Dubai.

“It’s quite an operation”: behind-the-scenes at a Monte-Carlo jewellery auction

 The latest Artcurial jewellery auction is an array of Cartier necklaces, six-figure rings, and Monaco residents queuing-up to get their hands on them. But what does auctioning millions-worth of jewellery actually look like? 

There are places in Monaco where a single step can take you back in time. One such place is the Hôtel Hermitage in Monte-Carlo. Here, the Belle-Époque – those thirty years that made Monte-Carlo the gambling capital of the world – still lives in the stained-glass domes and gilded stuccos. 

In the viewing room of the Hôtel Hermitage, however, guests are concerned with another kind of dream of luxury. Below the gilded ceilings, hundreds of jewels, from gold cuffs to diamond and sapphire sets are exhibited in velvet-lined glass displays. To the newcomer, the necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings are as dazzling as the crown jewels. 

How do you transport jewellery worth millions?

Behind such an impressive scene is an intricate security network that starts long before the auction week. “All the jewellery that is consigned in Monaco is first sent to Paris to be photographed and is then exhibited for Artcurial’s Parisian clientele,” explains Louise Gréther, Director of Artcurial Monaco. The lots, which have a combined worth of several million euros, are transported to the French capital thanks to a specialised transport company.

After the jewellery has been photographed and exhibited in Paris, the lots travel back to Monaco. During the auction week, jewels are on show from Sunday to Tuesday, and they are auctioned off on Wednesday. Despite Covid-19, Louise Gréther says that all has gone smoothly, apart from a last-minute 7pm curfew that forced Artcurial to move back viewing hours by an hour.

Every evening during the auction week, the transport company takes the items away to a secret location, bringing them back the next morning. “The jewellery doesn’t actually stay in Monaco overnight – actually I have no idea where it stays,” admits Louise Gréther. “Moving the items back and forth is quite an operation. It requires an awful lot of concentration, because we cannot lose or damage any pieces. They have to be packed correctly every evening. For our staff, the manual labour involved is extraordinary,” says Louise Gréther.  

Who owns this jewellery?

The highlight of this year’s Artcurial jewellery auction is the “property of a lady” collection, which includes a 1925 Cartier necklace with coral beads sculpted “à la chinoise”, a Cartier choker made out of 12 diamond-encrusted panthers and a yellow diamond ring worth between 380,000 and 420,000 euros. “All the pieces in the collection were bought by a man for his wife,” explains Louise Gréther. “He had fabulous taste, you can tell that every piece was offered with great passion and love for her.”  

Let the bidding begin!

At the 2pm Wednesday auction, bidders are fighting over corsage clips. Some wear jewellery that is almost identical to the pieces on display. A few lots in, a buyer joins the bidding half-way through, announcing a sum much above the estimated price of the item. Within a few minutes, a Cartier clip in the shape of a turtle and a “tousled” lion with emerald eyes by Van Cleeef & Arpels go for just under 5,500 euros each. Another clip by Van Cleef & Arpels – this one is flower-shaped and dates back to 1968 – sells for 13,650, three times its estimated price. 

At 5pm, eyes are back on the property of a lady collection. A Cartier rosary necklace with a removable cross sells for just over 44,000 euros. Then come the Chinese bead necklace, sold for 104,000 euros, the panther necklace – the hammer falls at 110,500 – and the yellow diamond ring – unsold. 

Beautiful Pearl Necklaces That You Won’t Get Enough Of

 Pearls have long been associated with royalty and elegance, and rightly so. A simple string of pearls can do so much when it comes to transforming your outfit, be it a printed chiffon saree or a classic little black dress.

Even those who care more about bling than sticking to minimalist designs, can experiment so much with statement pearl jewellery like rani haar and chokers that come complete with sparkly stone embellishments and matching earrings to notch up the glam quotient. In short, your jewellery collection is sure to benefit largely when you add a range of gorgeous pearl sets to it.

The pearl necklace gets a chic update with the sparkly floral detail, thus making for a statement accessory for various outfits.

Wear Meaningful Jewelry To Always Remember Your Own Power

 When you’re looking for jewelry that’s meaningful and beautiful, Indischen is the place to go. And their new Women’s Empowerment Collection has some serious depth. 

The collection’s crowning jewels are the Glass Ceiling Bangle Bracelet, Necklace, and Ring, which all feature a shimmering emerald-cut crystal that’s printed with a broken glass design. From corner offices to political roles to other powerful positions, the print represents the glass ceilings that were made to be broken by today’s women. Wearing the jewelry will help you always remember your own power. And five dollars from every Glass Ceiling Bangle that you buy will go to Girls Inc. so that future women can keep breaking those glass ceilings through programming that helps girls and teens become strong, smart, and bold.

The Indischen Women’s Empowerment Collection also includes the new North Star Bangle Bracelet and Necklace. The North Star charm’s 14 points, all filled with crystals, are there to remind you of your eternal purpose in the face of whatever’s in front of you – which these days, is all the more essential.

Additionally, the collection has a number of Indischen classic bangle bracelets, all specifically selected for their meaning. There’s the Follow Your Heart Bangle, the Embrace the Journey Bangle, the Be the Change Bangle, and more. Like usual with the indischen bangles, all are available in a brass or silver tone finish, and have an easy hook and clasp closure that’s easy to get on and off but will stay securely on your wrist all day long. 

Fashion now gender-neutral? ‘Pearl necklace for men’ a popular Google search

 Gender boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred in the fashion industry, with new generations showing growing interest in genderless clothing.

The trend wasn’t new to 2020, but it certainly gained momentum, especially with global stars like Harry Styles banishing notions of gender from their wardrobes.

From it-bags and shoes to coats and shirts, here are the unisex ready-to-wear pieces that are riding high in the fashion world right now.

For its December 2020 edition, Vogue caused a sensation with its first cover to feature a man alone. Harry Styles was photographed wearing a Gucci gown, chipping away a little more at traditional gender codes.

The news went viral around the world in a matter of minutes, potentially helping some fans to further free themselves from certain preconceived norms or ideals.

It therefore comes as little surprise to learn that genderless clothing and accessories are booming worldwide – let alone that Gucci’s Jackie 1961 bag, sported by Styles in Autumn 2020, is one of the most popular unisex it-bags.

According to the global search platform Stylight, clicks on the Italian fashion house’s bag were up +32% (Jan-Apr vs. May-Aug 2020), while it saw a +273% peak in search interest on Google in 2020.

And it isn’t the only bag riding high on the gender fluid wave, as Dior’s Saddle Bag and the now famous Telfar Shopping Bag are also having a moment.

It’s the same story for apparel too, with men and women now pooling pieces from their respective wardrobes.

Once again, Gucci is riding high, whether with its blouses (+97% increase in Google search interest in December 2020, compared to January 2020) or its maxi cardigan, which fashion fans just can’t get enough of (+37% increase in Google search interest).

As for outerwear, enthusiasm for the iconic Saint Laurent leopard-print coat is spanning the gender divide (+82% increase in Google search interest).

When it comes to accessories, interest appears to be growing among men for certain jewellery pieces that were previously mostly women’s must-haves.

Styles is no stranger to the trend, since his penchant for pearl necklaces hasn’t gone unnoticed.

As a result, Stylight points to Google Trends reporting a +317% peak in search interest for “pearl necklace for men” over the course of December 2020.

Indischen Choker Necklaces For All Your Wedding Functions

 Make a statement with a choker! One of the most popular jewellery picks for the modern bride, chokers are as versatile as they are chic. With modern makeovers and designer touches, this classic piece has managed to stay relevant for many decades now. They look gorgeous on their own but also provide scope for layering other necklaces. The beauty of this neckpiece is that it looks good with almost all the necklines.

Even though, pairing them up with open necklines is a good idea to really showcase the jewellery design, chokers with high necks are also becoming popular. From opulent designs to delicate yet intricate pieces, chokers are available in a plethora of styles that will perfectly compliment your wedding attire.

Leading the way is the jewellery brand Indischen. With superior craftsmanship and a diverse range of designs, Indischen has become a bride’s best friend. No matter what your bridal style is, Indischen will always have the right jewellery pieces for you.

Here are some of the best chokers from Indischen that will instantly up the glamour quotient of your ensemble :

Elegant Diamonds

Simple, yet so complex at the same time, diamonds are the heart of true luxury. This stunning choker necklace set in 18K gold featuring three rows of magnificent diamonds and a statement royal blue sapphire, exudes timeless elegance. It is the perfect choice for your engagement, cocktail or reception.

Majestic Magic

A seamless blend of tradition and modernity, this geometric choker necklace with coloured gemstones crafted in 22K yellow gold is what bridal jewellery dreams are made of. Wear it on your wedding day and watch as the compliments start pouring in.

Gleaming Gold

Can’t choose between diamonds and gold? Pick them both with this choker necklace featuring polki diamonds set yellow gold. That’s not all, it even has a fringe of green emerald beads to add a pop of colour. Coloured gemstones are a great way to add interest to the look. Choose a choker necklace with coloured stones that match or contrast your outfit.

Antique Opulence

Love a vintage vibe? This one is for you. Featuring kundan stones crafted in 22K yellow gold, this elaborate choker neckpiece is a stunner. The statement floral design featuring coloured gemstones and a pearl add to the opulence.

A Regal Affair

Add a royal touch to your bridal look with this dazzling choker necklace. From the floral designs to the multiple rows of kundan stones crafted in 22K yellow gold, this neckpiece is sure to make you look and feel like royalty.

Whether you’re looking for some traditional options or classics with a contemporary touch, Indischen is your one-stop destination. A leading market player in jewellery, the brand has been a trustworthy host to trending jewellery and timeless collection for many decades. This wedding season, trust Indischen to transform you into the trendiest bride in town!

Younger Consumers Still Like Diamonds:Survey

 Milllenials and Generation Zconsumers still have a taste for diamond jewelry, says a new survey from the Natural Diamond Council.

The online survey, conducted by 360 Market Reach, polled 5,000 respondents during October 2020.

The Poll Found:

Given an unlimited amount of money to spend, younger consumers said they would choose to purchase or receive diamonds jewelry second only to vacations—which represents a particular opportunity now that people are not taking vacations.

Among the most cited reasons for wanting natural diamonds: they are “one of a kind” (cited by 70%) and are symbols of love and connection.

Some 37% of respondents said they plan to buy fine jewelry in the next 12 months and 27% expect to receive it. About 20% of these people say they will either definitely or probably purchase natural diamond jewelry in the next year, and 12% plan to give it as a gift.

Around half of all jewelry purchasers over the last 24 months have acquired natural diamond jewelry.

Half of natural diamond jewelry purchasers have bought diamond jewelry for themselves, though that varies by gender: 72% of female purchasers have bought at least one piece for themselves, compared to 23% by men.

Women’s key reasons for buying diamonds include design which was cited by 51% (meaning they found a piece they really loved); the ability to be worn every day, cited by 49%; and long-term style and value (46%).

Almost 80% of purchasers have bought diamond jewelry as a gift, and 28% have bought for both gifts and themselves. Males largely gift to their significant others, while women gift to their mothers and children as well as their significant others.

Key reasons for gifting diamond jewelry included its long-term value (45%); the fact that it can be worn every day (39%); the design, meaning it’s “a piece that the recipient would love” (40%); and the fact that they consider diamond jewelry a perfect symbol of love for someone else (33%).

Around a quarter of purchasers bought a piece of diamond jewelry “just because,” rather than for a special occasion. However, 89% of purchasers bought it for a special occasion—generally an engagement or wedding (25%), or for annual events such as birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Hanukkah (72%); or for other special occasions like the birth of a child or a career achievement (17%).

The Natural Diamond Council was formerly named the Diamond Producers Association, but was renamed last year.

Start Selling on Indischen.in

 Ecommerce is developing rapidly in India. The increasing penetration of smartphones and mobile data, along with the rise in digital literacy.

The marketplace model is the easiest and fastest way to sell products online in India.

Merchants can join marketplace Like INDISCHEN . It typically requires registering your company, obtaining a tax number, and opening a bank account. The INDISCHEN will take care of logistics and payments.

If you’re getting ready to launch a new ecommerce business or have been selling online for years,  INDISCHEN should be a central part of your strategy.

Trusted Market Place for Indian Reseller

 Gone are the days when people would visit a retail shop to purchase clothes, jewelry, electronics, and similar other products. There has been a drastic shift of interest towards eCommerce, sellers are not much behind in setting up an online marketplace.

To be as profitable as possible on these platforms, you need to first identify the best online marketplaces for your brand.

Each online marketplace has its own unique requirements, product categories, listing fees, and audiences. So if you want to be sure you’re making the right decision, some upfront research is necessary. You’ll want to understand the different strategies for selling on marketplaces, which ones hold the most promise for your products, and what you need to do to ensure a smooth start.

Does that sound overwhelming? Not to worry.

If you’re getting ready to launch a new ecommerce business or have been selling online for years, online marketplaces Like INDISCHEN should be a central part of your strategy.

Gem, jewellery sector viewed as thrust area for export promotion

 Gems and Jewellery sector has been contributing in a big way to the country’s foreign exchange earnings and the government has viewed this sector as a thrust area for export promotion, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday. “Therefore, the government allows 100 per cent foreign direct investment in this sector…. Today, the country exports USD 35 billion gem and jewellery annually and is one of the largest exporters in the world, catering to top markets like the US, Hong Kong, China, the Middle East, Russia, and other countries,” the minister said.

At the inaugural ceremony of 5-day e-IGJS (International Gem and Jewellery Show) organised by Gem Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the minister stated that the trade fair at an ideal time as demand for gems and jewellery from all of the major markets is picking up with the rollout of vaccines against COVID-19, which has already started in India.

However, the digital media is going to continue as a new way of doing business, he added.

The GJEPC chairman Colin Shah said the country is also the largest manufacturing centre for emeralds and morganite; and GJEPC has also witnessed a huge demand for Indian silver jewellery over the last few years.

“We are focused to become the world’s preferred source of fine jewellery and increase our exports from the current USD 35 billion to USD 75 billion in the next few years,” he added.

Shah further said that the industry has been able to cater to the demand of the buyers for the festive holiday season in the western countries, which has helped the sector to recover to the pre-COVID-19 levels of business in the last two months.

The jewellery park in Mumbai will further elevate India’s jewellery manufacturing standards to serve the international markets, he added.

Over 500 international buyers, including independent retail, wholesale change design houses jewellery brands from 50 countries are attending the show.

e-IGJS, which will conclude on January 22, has 74 buyers from the USA followed by 47 buying companies from the UK.