Reena's Glorious, Luminous Diamonds - JNA (Jewellery News Asia)

Feature interview of Reena Ahluwalia and her diamonds.

Editor Marie Feliciano interviews Reena Ahluwalia in May 2017 issue of JNA (Jewellery News Asia). 

Diamonds & Millennials: Understand The WHY & The WHAT Will Be Answered

By Reena Ahluwalia. Blog appeared in GEMKonnect

Reena Ahluwalia speaking at the 'Design Inspirations 2017' seminar organized by the GJEPC.

Reena Ahluwalia speaking at the 'Design Inspirations 2017' seminar organized by the GJEPC.

What are the diamond jewellery trends that are shaping up the North American Millennial market in 2017?  

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotional Council of India (GJEPC) recently invited me to speak and share my observations on this specific question at their design and trend forecasting annual seminar, Design Inspirations. This year’s topic focused on the challenges and opportunities around designing for the Millennials.

A great deal has already been written about the Millennials, their buying power and behaviour. Rightly so, Millennials now make the largest consumer market for diamond jewellery. According to a report by the De Beers Group, Millennials in the US alone account for over 60 per cent of this generation’s diamond jewellery purchases in the top four markets, namely – the US, China, India and Japan.

I’ll summarize what I said at the GJEPC seminar. Since the diamond jewellery market is too wide a spectrum, I decided to focus on a specific area — the non-bridal diamond trends, a rising star segment for Millennials in the US. The premise of my talk was to question why things trend, what influences and shapes them to become market forces. Truly understanding the why will help answer the what that is needed to appeal to the Millennials and the generation beyond.

One thing we have learnt in the diamond and jewellery business is that each generation brings it’s own challenges and opportunities. Collectively as an industry we must have the vision to not only seek to understand the Millennials, but also the generation that will exert their market power after them...

CONTINUE TO READ MORE: https://www.gemkonnect.com/blog/diamonds-millennials-understand-why-what-will-be-answered

Here are my top five diamond jewellery trends shaping the North American Millennial market in 2017 — Enamel, Geometric, Minimal, Meaningful and Open.Why do these five specific segments constitute trends? I believe these trends are a reflection of wh…

Here are my top five diamond jewellery trends shaping the North American Millennial market in 2017 — Enamel, Geometric, Minimal, Meaningful and Open.

Why do these five specific segments constitute trends? I believe these trends are a reflection of what the US Millennials hold close to their heart — self expression and individuality, their digital identity, shedding excess in the world full of information overload, making deep emotional connections, making an impact through their actions, decisions and pocket. CONTINUE READING: https://www.gemkonnect.com/blog/diamonds-millennials-understand-why-what-will-be-answered

The Portal of Quest - a painting by Reena ahluwalia

Our journeys are journeys of seekers and wanderers, a journey inwards. In quest of our being, of clarity and truth. I explore this notion in my work here. The Portal of Quest painting is from my 'Diamond Portal Series’.

Read more

In the Name of Halloween - "Sorceress Diabolic"

All in the spirit of Halloween! I present to you...

"Sorceress Diabolic" - is a jewelry design concept by Reena Ahluwalia. 

"On a fatal night, at the witching time, the starless sky laments black and unmoving. The shadowy moon floats above. In this forbidden depths of darkness, prowls a diabolic sorceress with magic spells and dangerous enchantments. In her mask-macabre, glimmering like countess diamonds are trapped hopeless enchanted souls."

"Sorceress Diabolic" - a contemporary face-mask, designed to exaggerate and intensify the dark Sorceress’s legend. Concept drawing by Reena Ahluwalia.

"Sorceress Diabolic" - a contemporary face-mask, designed to exaggerate and intensify the dark Sorceress’s legend. Concept drawing by Reena Ahluwalia.

Mask components are angular and pointed, recalling the sharp teeth of howling wolves and outstretched wings of ravens. Like a visual warning, a separate mouthpiece mimics teeth and fangs. Concept drawing by Reena Ahluwalia.

Mask components are angular and pointed, recalling the sharp teeth of howling wolves and outstretched wings of ravens. Like a visual warning, a separate mouthpiece mimics teeth and fangs. Concept drawing by Reena Ahluwalia.

Canadian Jeweller Magazine's annual 'Excellence in Design Awards 2013'

Last week I had the privilege to once again judge the Canadian Jeweller Magazine's annual 'Excellence in Design Awards 2013' along with an esteemed panel of judges. Always a big supporter of Canadian talent. It was a true pleasure!

This was the first ever round of submissions and judging for the Awards of Excellence contest, launched by Canadian Jeweller Magazine this year. Winners for both competitions will be officially announced on November 16 at The Jewellers’ Ball.

From left to right: Linda Penwarden of Penwarden Fine Jewellery, Luxury Retail Executive Andrea Hopson, Paul Mcfarlane of Chanel Canada, award winning jewellery designer Reena Ahluwalia, and jewellery designer Lisanne Skeoch.

From left to right: Linda Penwarden of Penwarden Fine Jewellery, Luxury Retail Executive Andrea Hopson, Paul Mcfarlane of Chanel Canada, award winning jewellery designer Reena Ahluwalia, and jewellery designer Lisanne Skeoch.

Tangents

“Today’s tangents will become tomorrow’s arcs, and unforeseen connections will tie up your loose ends in a way that will make you want to slap your head and holler at your accidental brilliance.” -- Chris Baty

Creativity. Ah, that splendid thing! Where does it happen?

I believe it happens not in the loops of circular thinking, but rather, on those magnificent tangents. That's were the real creative stuff lurks. Go off on a tangent, suspend judgement, and disrupt known patterns of thinking.

Go on! :-)

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JNA Interview - Reena Ahluwalia

Jewellery News Asia features an interview with designer Reena Ahluwalia in their July 2013 Issue 347. Interview by Marie Feliciano, Editor, JNA.

About JNA Magazine: Jewellery News Asia is a leading monthly news magazine for the world's jewellery trade; diamond, pearl, gemstone and jewellery-making equipment and supplies sectors in Asia. Every month Jewellery News Asia features original reports by experienced journalists.

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Cover - Jewellery News Asia, July 2013 Issue 347

Cover - Jewellery News Asia, July 2013 Issue 347

Mystery & History of Marquise Diamond Cut

Did you know?

The history and creation of the "Marquise" diamond cut is credited to King Louis XV of France, who allegedly commissioned the first marquise diamond to reflect the beautiful shape of the mouth of his mistress Madame de Pompadour.

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In the past I have authored posts on diamond, and jewelry history, such as, Koh-i-Noor Diamond, Splendors of Mughal IndiaThe Magnificent Maharajas Of IndiaMystery & History Of Marquise Diamond CutÓr - Ireland's GoldThe Legendary Cullinan DiamondBejeweled Persia - Historic Jewelry From The Qajar DynastyFamous Heart-Shaped Diamonds, Type II Diamonds, Green DiamondsRed Diamonds more. Being a curious artist that I am, over years I have spent countless hours in self-driven studies on jewelry history and in research. All good stuff, as I have accumulated a great deal of interesting knowledge, something that definitely informs my jewelry design and other artistic creations. I wrote these blogs for simple reasons - to share my collected knowledge with all who are interested so that more can benefit from it and for ease in accessibility. Take a look and enjoy!

Latest from JCK Las Vegas Show 2013

Las Vegas! A pilgrimage that jewelry folks make each year to showcase new designs, meet with old industry friends and make some new ones. 

This year we brought color and uber chic cuffs ! Check out the latest blue and pink sapphire 'Shining Stars' collection from Royal Asscher & Reena Ahluwalia.  

Shining Stars rings in 18K rose and white gold plated sterling silver with 0.80 ct pink and blue sapphires floating in globe. Pendant in 18K rose gold plated on silver with 1.72 ct. pink sapphires and 0.25 ct. diamonds in globe.

Shining Stars rings in 18K rose and white gold plated sterling silver with 0.80 ct pink and blue sapphires floating in globe. Pendant in 18K rose gold plated on silver with 1.72 ct. pink sapphires and 0.25 ct. diamonds in globe.

Floating-blue-pink sapphire ring, Shining Stars collection, Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher Diamonds.

Floating-blue-pink sapphire ring, Shining Stars collection, Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher Diamonds.

Floating-blue-pink sapphire pendants, Shining Stars collection, Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher Diamonds.

Floating-blue-pink sapphire pendants, Shining Stars collection, Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher Diamonds.

Floating-pink sapphire ring, Shining Stars collection, Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher Diamonds.

Floating-pink sapphire ring, Shining Stars collection, Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher Diamonds.

Floating-blue sapphire ring, Shining Stars collection, Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher Diamonds.

Floating-blue sapphire ring, Shining Stars collection, Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher Diamonds.

I am thrilled about the overwhelming response there uber street chic cuffs generated at the show! Floating-diamonds cuff in leather and plated sterling silver. Aren't they cool ?

Floating-diamonds cuff from the Shining Stars collection.

Floating-diamonds cuff from the Shining Stars collection.

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Ultra chic leather and floating-diamonds cuff, a latest from our Shining Stars collection.

Ultra chic leather and floating-diamonds cuff, a latest from our Shining Stars collection.

Latest from Royal Asscher & Reena Ahluwalia - Floating-diamonds cuffs in leather and plated gold!

Latest from Royal Asscher & Reena Ahluwalia - Floating-diamonds cuffs in leather and plated gold!

Must be Vegas! Royal Asscher cocktail event, Vegas-style at Eye Candy Lounge at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Must be Vegas! Royal Asscher cocktail event, Vegas-style at Eye Candy Lounge at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Last, but not the least, an up-close view of Canoe Canadian diamond necklace by Reena Ahluwalia, showcased at Rio Tinto Diamonds booth at Luxury, JCK Las Vegas 2013.

Last, but not the least, an up-close view of Canoe Canadian diamond necklace by Reena Ahluwalia, showcased at Rio Tinto Diamonds booth at Luxury, JCK Las Vegas 2013.

Reena Ahluwalia at JCK Las Vegas show 2013.

Reena Ahluwalia at JCK Las Vegas show 2013.

The Art Of Spontaneity

Freshness, immediacy of moment and an impulse - I love spontaneity.

As a designer, what I have uncovered about spontaneous discoveries is very special. These unscripted moments have a tendency to come back to me, sometimes years later and manifest themselves into ideas. They some how connect and expand and become tangible. I don't over think these moments, I just let them fill me.

One day strolling on the streets of Santiago, Chile, this is what I unexpectedly found. No, I didn't come back and make a piece of jewelry that exactly resembles this seed bulb, nor did I name a jewelry collection after the city. Not as yet. What instead I did was this - nothing! I will let this spontaneous moment float somewhere in my mind and hope when the time is right it will come back.

Well, at least that's how spontaneous things work for me.

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Of Connection And Personalization

A found pebble or a diamond. Both can hold high sentimental value for a person and define it's existence in a very personal way.

Just like this highly prized sickle-blade ring worn by a Turkana man that serve many purposes - a fighting weapon, decorative adornment, as well as a tool. In this case a miniature sickle, with curved blade, that maybe used for skinning, cutting meat, grass or fighting enemies.

This fascinating photograph was captured by French photographer Eric Lafforgue in Kenya.

This fascinating photograph was captured by French photographer Eric Lafforgue in Kenya.

The Turkanas inhabit the arid territories of northern Kenya, on the boundary with Sudan. Nilotic-speaking people, they have for a long time stayed outside of the influence of the main foreign trends. Nomad shepherds adapted to a almost totally desert area, some also fish in Lake Turkana. They are divided in 28 clans. Each one of them is associated with a particular brand for its livestock, so that any Turkana can identify a relative in this way.The majority of the Turkana still follow their traditional religion: they believe in a God called Kuj or Akuj, associated with the sky and creator of all things. He is thought to be omnipotent but rarely intervenes in the lives of people. The Turkana make finely carved wooden implements, used in the daily life. During the rainy season, moonlight nights' songs have a particular place in the Turkana's life. The songs often refer to their cattle or land, but they are sometimes improvised and related to immediate events. The Turkana have a deep knowledge of plants and products they use as medicine. -- Source