Covid-19 Shall Pass, But These Emerging Trends Will Drive The Jewelry Industry Ahead

[TORONTO, Canada] -- As I look out of my home-studio window, the daffodils and tulips are blooming, the cardinals are singing. It’s spring. It’s also 12 weeks into the lockdown. 

In end-February, I landed home in Toronto from an extensive Asia visit. The day I flew from Thailand, the media was reporting on Covid-19 cases, so I self-isolated myself. Canada soon announced a countrywide lockdown. The world is in a crisis management phase since.

Reena Ahluwalia

JEWELRY INDUSTRY TRENDS HERE TO STAY POST COVID-19

The manner in which this pandemic is impacting global businesses, people and shaping our mindscapes is quite stunning. All this in a matter of a few months. I will leave out the topics of online platforms, digital & social media strategies, webinars that have all been widely discussed and are of importance. What I want to share instead are my views on emerging cultural and consumer trends that will impact our business going forward. 

1. Post-pandemic Consumer Behaviour

The Covid-19 crisis has taught us the value of things, of what is necessary versus discretionary. In lockdown mode, people made use of what they already had or was essentially needed. Will that mean moving away from over-consumption to meaningful consumption? Possibly. If you notice closely this was an emerging trend, now fuelled further by the Covid-19 crisis. What does it mean for the global jewelry industry which relies on discretionary spending? One of the answers I feel is to look at how we can narrate jewelry with purpose driven, meaningful consumption and one that responds to consumer's overall mental, physical and financial wellbeing.

2. Nature & Sustainability

Our jewelry industry is closely linked to nature's bounty - metals, diamonds and gemstones. I believe this crisis is sending a strong signal to humanity. To prevent future climate catastrophe and spread of deadly diseases, we have to step up and refocus our energy in nurturing nature and in our sustainability efforts. For consumers the climate issue is going to resurface once the Covid-19 crisis starts becoming manageable. Can we as an industry urge action through meaningful engagement? One of the most effective ways to tackle climate change is through purpose-led actions coming from design thinking. People deeply care about climate and connection to the natural world. I am one of them. I bike and haven't owned a car in decades. I reuse, recycle and avoid waste. I am also conscious of companies I buy from. What we wear is a big part of our personal identity, and that's what jewelry does so well, it lets us show who we are to the world.

3. Value, Meaning and Purpose

Now, more than ever we need a connection to who we are, what we love and how we show it. Jewelry is about our personal identity, celebration and dreams. Consumers will return to jewelry, but with a changed perspective. They will return and look for jewelry with meaning, purpose, positivity, joy and deep personal connection to who they are and what they value. This must reflect in our jewelry designs. It must reflect how wearing jewelry makes us feel. 

The ‘Inner Brilliance’ spinning diamonds collection from ‘Coronet by Reena’. A pointer points to the true center, reminding what's most valuable to us; our family, values, goals and milestones. ©Design Copyright. Patented setting.

MY PERSONAL FOCUS

Like most of us, my first concern once the pandemic hit was the safety of my family, my team, friends and those experiencing dire situations amid this crisis around the world. I made early donations to some of the organizations that I support. Now that I look back, it was timely. 

Soon, I started reorganizing my days and priorities to tackle the many challenges that the lockdown has brought to my business. I am also helping a few emerging jewelry designers who are entering the world of jewelry on how to navigate this tough landscape. I am reading books that were on my 'To Read' list, cooking, and exercising. In this environment of digital overload, I am very careful of what I choose to watch, hear and consume digitally. I call those my 'essentials'. Social isolation is difficult, so I am constantly reminding myself to take care of my mental, physical and spiritual self. 

Being a jewelry designer and artist, I am used to very long studio hours and creating in isolation. That focus came in handy. The current crisis has made me think even deeper about my values, connection to nature and how I want to contribute in future. This thinking has guided me to create with a renewed purpose.

Check out my latest diamond paintings from the LIT Series. You will know what I mean. 

No amount of darkness can hide sparks of light. The LIT Series of diamond paintings by Reena were painted during the Covid-19 crisis. Dedicated to all heroes, the paintings celebrate our shining human spirit. ©Copyright.

Finally, I hope you are not pushing for hyper-productivity and forcing unrealistic goals causing performance anxiety. I can only share my experience and what works for me and hope you will consider it. I feel this crisis is a time to attune yourself to what's happening around you. Feel it, think about it and explore your ideas. The best creative solutions are when all these elements interconnect and harmonize. 

We will come out of this crisis altered, but with true inner light, sense of purpose and clarity of direction. 

I wouldn't wish anything less for you. 

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

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.

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! :-)

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

For The Love Of Diagonals

Directional | Dramatic | Dynamic - Diagonals intrigue me.

One of the ways, I figure, I look at things is by finding the logic of mathematics in forms, shapes, patterns and their relation to each other. It happens seamlessly and rather quietly.

To me there is something special about how diagonals render activity, emphasis, movement, speed and emotion. ​I am in the process of generating ideas for a high-value diamond. I have a feeling that diagonals will play a decisive role in its final destiny.

When eyes follow, so does the emotions! 

​Image: Chapel in Villeaceron By Sancho Madridejos Architecture Office

Image: Marcel Breuer - Hungarian-born modernist, architect and furniture designer.

​Image: ‘Gold Virtuosi’ ensemble by Reena Ahluwalia. 18K white and yellow gold. 12 inch necklace transitions from 2D to 3D. Composed of diagonal planer elements and triangles; each plate is hinged and folds like pleats to create a 3D form. Inspired by Pragati Maidan, a large convention center in New Delhi, India. The impression it left on me, resulted in a gold jewel. I found the interplay of open and closed spaces fascinating, as they almost assume human qualities. A meeting place, coming together of minds, blending and forming.

Exploration drawings by Reena Ahluwalia. Lower left drawing shows how necklace transitions from 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional form.

Canada, you inspire!

Canada is my home.

A land of openness, pristine white winters, diversity and vibrant mosaic of thoughts and ideas. This work captures one of my first impressions of Canada and Canadian landscape - fluid, open, assured and monumental.

'Glacier' ring by Reena Ahluwalia for Mayur Davé (Gems) Inc. Canadian diamonds set in 18K white gold.

'Glacier' ring by Reena Ahluwalia for Mayur Davé (Gems) Inc. Canadian diamonds set in 18K white gold.

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.

Color

“The best color in the whole wide world is the one that looks best on you.” -- Coco Chanel

Color defines our world! ​

Did you ever wonder where does color in diamonds come from?

Image: NCDIA​

Orange & Yellow diamonds: Nitrogen
Blue diamonds: Boron
Green Diamonds: Radiation
Violet diamonds: Hydrogen
Brown, Red and Pink diamonds: Crystal distortion

Infinite like Universe

Floating all around us, infinite like universe... is every idea and expression that ever was, ever will be.

Black ceramic 'Shining Stars' floating-diamonds ring in 18k yellow gold. Royal Asscher & Reena Ahluwalia.

On Balance

"Design is the search for a magical balance between intuition and reason; concept and detail; playfulness and formality." — Valerie Pettis

Need for balance is one of the most important influences on human perception.

​We look for it, we strive for it.

And yet, it takes work.

Harold Lloyd, a silent film comedian, performs a headstand on the edge of a skyscraper. 1930s.

Joe Steinmetz balancing five eggs on the edge of a knife. 1939. Image: Via Florida Memory

It's pure magic, when we arrive at it!

Royal Asscher Limited Edition 'Diamond Jubilee Stars' Collection designed by Reena Ahluwalia. Collection especially made in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. The colors of the diamonds - pink, blue and white resemble the three colors of The Union Jack, the British National Flag.

Gatsby | Glamour | Jewels

“The party has begun.” -- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Buzzing all around with anticipation is director Baz Luhrmann's brilliant interpretation of 1920s high society in his film adaptation of The Great Gatsby novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The Roaring Twenties, 'The Jazz Age' was nothing if not exuberant, giddy, indulgent, decadent, sumptuous, bejewelled and bewitching.

Image: Movie still from Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby

Images: Erté cover, Harper's Bazaar. 1920 & Erté illustrations

Images: Ziegfeld Follies Broadway shows. 1920s

Channeling ​The Great Gatsby are these magnificent jewels by designer Reena Ahluwalia!

'Sensuous' Diamond Body Ornament by Reena Ahluwalia. De Beers Diamonds - International Awards 2000. White Diamonds: 196.56 Carats, 2409 diamonds, 18K White Gold.

85-carat 'Eternal' Diamond Necklace by Reena Ahluwalia with Forevermark.

Texture is...

Texture is much more than physical composition or structure (it is that too). Populations, countries, communities, art, music, ideas, thoughts...are textural as well. Moving, shifting and never static.

‘Ethereal Rhapsody’ necklace by Reena Ahluwalia. Inspiration for ‘Ethereal Rhapsody’ came from the Pleiades star clusters also know as Seven Sisters in the Greek mythology. Tahitian pearls, black diamonds, white diamonds, 18 K white gold. Winner of Tahitian Pearl Trophy.