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.

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 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 Art And The Artist | Reena Ahluwalia Featured by Adorn Magazine

Reena Ahluwalia was recently featured in ADORN Magazine - India's First Luxury Jewellery Magazine (Nov. - Dec. 2016). In an exclusive interview, editor Shanoo Bijlani finds out more about artist Reena Ahluwalia, her art and what drives her to create her diamond paintings. 

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.

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.

Reena Ahluwalia Launches “Nurture By Reena,” the World's First Lab-Grown Diamond Designer Jewelry Brand

Milestone marks the first-ever designer jewelry brand that exclusively features lab-grown diamonds and merges it with wearable technology and fashion.

Toronto, Canada (May 5, 2014) -- Multi-award winning jewelry designer and longtime diamond industry insider, Reena Ahluwalia, today announced the launch of the world's first lab-grown diamond designer jewelry brand – “Nurture By Reena.” The brand is committed to proudly feature fully disclosed, certified lab-grown diamonds that are origin-guaranteed, conflict-free and environmentally sustainable.

“The Moments Collection” is the first offering from “Nurture By Reena.” It combines diamond jewelry with wearable technology and merges style and fashion with deep personal meaning. Using QR Code technology opens the door to a unique ecosystem that allows you to attach your most precious moments to your jewel. The lab-grown diamond pieces flip to discreetly reveal a QR code that is otherwise hidden from view while the jewelry is worn.

Each cutting-edge design unites the beauty of natural shapes with the precision of modern technology and brings to life Reena’s love of discovery. And while each piece embodies the unique vision of the artist, you’re invited to give it personal meaning through the stories you attach to it. Capturing an individual's unique moment and personal messages, the jewel can be effortlessly personalized with content that can be accessed anytime and anywhere. Like the eternal nature of a diamond, your jewel becomes a modern day digital talisman, a time capsule that captures and preserves your moment for eternity.

The Moments Collection is offered in colorless, pink and yellow lab-grown diamonds, with a starting carat weight of 0.40ct. and includes rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets. To date, there are 36 SKUs available in 18k gold, including white, yellow and rose gold. According to Reena Ahluwalia, “I looked at blooming flowers for inspiration and symbolism. For me, flowers are like moments – ephemeral, yet deeply memorable.

Reena said, “Let me take you on a journey one could only imagine before. I am proud to bring to you a collection that celebrates the changing consumer values of today, embodies what real love means and helps you express your deepest personal stories. For retailers, this also offers phenomenal value and choices through layers of differentiation, which is essential to stand out in retail space today.”

The “Moments Collection” from “Nurture By Reena” will be unveiled at the upcoming JCK Las Vegas Show 2014, in the Design Center, booth no. S10519.

For more information, please visit: www.nurturebyreena.com

The “Moments Collection” from “Nurture By Reena” will be unveiled at the upcoming JCK Las Vegas Show 2014, in the Design Center, booth no. S10519.

Profile: Reena Ahluwalia - featured in Rapaport

Rapaport discusses jewelry design and relevant diamond industry topics with designer Reena Ahluwalia. The profile can be seen at the news section. 

Diamonds.net at http://www.diamonds.net/News/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=46253

Reena Ahluwalia recognized as Top 25 "Masters of Jewellery Design in Canada"

"It's a great privilege to be recognized as a Master Canadian Jewellery Designer. I am delighted at this recognition of my ongoing journey of creating meaningful jewelry with narratives that promote socially-conscious values."

-- Reena Ahluwalia

November, 2013. Toronto — The first-ever books about fine jewellery in Canada highlight a talented group of designers who have won every major international award, and have earned prestigious jewellery commissions from people ranging from Pope John II to Uma Thurman. The two-volume, 50-year retrospective on jewellery in Canada was written and produced by Cora Golden, who also co-authored the award-winning book, Design in Canada. Produced in collaboration with Birks, Masters of Jewellery Design in Canada (Volume 1 and 2) include over 450 photographs of rarely seen Canadian-designed jewellery. Together, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the makers of the most beautiful objects in the world.

Volume 1: Post-War Pioneers profiles 25 early designers and ateliers.

Volume 2: Contemporary Artists features 25 current designers; many of whom were trained or influenced by the previous generation. Worldly and peripatetic, John de Jong caters to upscale clients across Europe and North America; while Reena Ahluwalia, also of Toronto, often uses Canadian diamonds in her extravagant creations. 

Masters of Jewellery Design in Canada (Volume 1 and Volume 2) are now available on Apple iTunes for purchase. Don't forget to get your copy!

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/masters-jewellery-design-in/id727835668?mt=11

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/masters-jewellery-design-in/id621630295?mt=11

Author Cora Golden: http://www.goldene-books.com/

Designer Reena Ahluwalia. Excerpt from Masters of Jewellery Design in Canada. Vol. 2.

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.

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! :-)

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.

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.

In the past I have authored posts on diamond, and jewelry history, such as, Koh-i-Noor Diamond, Splendors of Mughal India, The Magnificent Maharajas Of India, Mystery & History Of Marquise Diamond Cut, Ór - Ireland's Gold, The Legendary Cullinan Diamond, Bejeweled Persia - Historic Jewelry From The Qajar Dynasty, Famous Heart-Shaped Diamonds, Type II Diamonds, Green Diamonds, Red 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.

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-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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Diamond "Carat"

Where does the term diamond "carat" come from?

The word carat comes from the Mediterranean Carob tree, whose seeds were used for centuries as the standard of weighing precious stones.

Thousand Words Imagery

“It's somewhat imagery related.” -- Dan Cronin

I believe each interaction leaves an imprint. What we make of it, is left up to us.

It leads me to think about the countless images we come across each day. All deposited in our mind-bank. Mind that make associations, converts them into referential material, add layers of meaning that we tease out from time to time.

All that is left is observation. Imagination, my friends, will follow ! 

I came across John Grant's work in 2010, and still find it intriguing. A multitude of images, emotions and symbolism, all contained in a small glass of water. Enjoy!

Video: John Grant - The Language of Water (2010) - Ink in water.

To ​see a world in a grain of sand,

And heaven in a wild flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour.​

​-- William Blake, Auguries of Innocence

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.

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

5 Attributes of a Good Designer

Just like no two diamonds or fingerprints are alike, no two designers are the same. Alongside creativity and originality, what else makes a good designer?

Take a look at Reena Ahluwalia's 5 Attributes of a Good Designer!

Image: ©Reena Ahluwalia's 5 Attributes of a Good Designer.