Why Creative Burnout isn’t the End. In a world where algorithms churn out aesthetics and burnout is worn like a badge, jewelry designer and artist Reena Ahluwalia asks: how can creativity thrive when we’re too exhausted to dream?
Read moreA Jeweled Legacy: Reena Ahluwalia Inducted into Hall of Fame
(L to R) Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC presenting Hall of Fame trophy to Reena Ahluwalia. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC
In a glittering celebration of excellence, the gem and jewelry industry bestowed its highest honor upon Reena Ahluwalia at the prestigious IIJS Signature 2025 Show. The Hall of Fame induction, considered the pinnacle of recognition in the jewelry and diamond industry, celebrates a lifetime of achievement and contribution. The Hall of Fame recognition was awarded by Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India's Apex body supported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Read moreBejeweled Maharaja and Maharani Paintings of Royal Mysore
The Bejeweled Maharaja and Maharani Paintings of Royal Mysore by Reena Ahluwalia. My paintings act as a bridge between the past and the present, reminding us of the significance these gems hold in Indian culture. I have painted the Maharaja and Maharani as beings with diamond-clad bodies, wearing historically accurate jewels. A reminder that we too are the modern-day Maharajas (king) and Maharanis (queen) of our own lives, and can leave a lasting legacy, as enduring and luminous as the diamonds and gemstones that grace the Maharaja and Maharani. The Royal Mysore paintings are in the permanent collection of the CKC Crystal Museum, in Bengaluru, India.
Read moreThe Koh-i-Noor Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia
The Koh-i-Noor is a diamond of monumental stature. "As an artist, I want to preserve the legend and legacy of Koh-i-noor through my painting and imprint it on the blockchain as a digital artwork NFT. I want to give back the Koh-i-noor to people, back to all who think it belongs to them." ~ Reena Ahluwalia
Read moreThe Legendary Koh-i-Noor Diamond
The history and lore of the legendary Koh-i-Noor Diamond. Image: Reena Ahluwalia
The Koh-i-Noor is a diamond of monumental stature. No other diamond in history can lay claim to be more widely traveled, famous and controversial, all at once. Today, the Koh-i-Noor remains one of the most coveted and enigmatic jewels in the world. A story so deep that it began billions of years ago as the diamond formed beneath earth and continues to this date, spanning 750 years of human history.
Read moreReena Ahluwalia X Greenland Ruby Fundraiser benefits the Pink Polar Bear Foundation
Reena Ahluwalia X Greenland Ruby Fundraiser benefits the Pink Polar Bear Foundation. The ‘phygital’ fundraiser marked a first-of-its-kind within the gem and jewelry world, merging physical gemstones, a physical artwork to digital gemstone NFTs on the blockchain.
Read moreReena Donates Painting, Raises $10,500 to Benefit Artisanal Miners
Reena Donates Painting, Raises funds to Benefit Artisanal Miners in East Africa through non-profit Gem Legacy.
Read moreDiamonds on World Postage Stamps
Diamonds on postage stamps stand as symbols of growth and vision for countries, representing aspirations, stories as well as pride in their natural resources. What could communicate this shining vision better than diamonds?! One of the most unique ways that the socio-cultural impact of diamonds has been celebrated is in postage stamps.
Read moreReena Paints the Mouawad Miss Universe Power of Unity Crown
As an homage to humanity, Reena Ahluwalia has painted the Mouawad - Miss Universe ‘Power of Unity’ Crown. The painting celebrates women power, strength in unity, equality and diversity. It carries a powerful message - to unite in the cause of humanity. Because in unity, lies power. The diamond painting was commissioned by Mouawad Co-guardian Fred Mouawad.
Read moreReena Ahluwalia Launches Watch Collection With Her Diamond Painting on the Dial
Celebrating our inner brilliance, jewelry & watch designer and diamond painter Reena Ahluwalia has launched her first ever diamond watch collection. In her signature style, the timepieces spotlight mesmerizing diamond paintings by Reena on the dial in 3D. The watches are designed by Reena as Wrist Art. The central message is carried by her diamond painting for all who celebrate their strengths and are like diamonds - resilient, unbreakable and with limitless light.
Read moreThe Human Spirit Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia
I believe the Human Spirit is like a diamond - resilient and full of light. That’s why I painted this one. It’s my way of celebrating the power of humanity and hope that we stand for diversity, inclusivity, equality and empathy. Each of us is an example of what is possible. However many times we might fall, the human spirit gives us the strength to get back up with new resolve.
Read moreThe Third Eye Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia
Higher possibilities, clarity of vision, perspectives, enlightenment and wisdom. This is the Third Eye Diamond painting by Reena Ahluwalia.
Read morePainting 'Mouawad Dragon' - The World's Second Largest Fancy Vivid Yellow Round Diamond
The World's Largest Fancy Yellow Round, 'Mouawad Dragon' Diamond Painted by Reena Ahluwalia. The painting was commissioned by Co-guardian Fred Mouawad. Tipping the scales at 54.21 carats, it’s the largest diamond of its kind ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
Read moreThe Mouawad Guardian Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia
A mighty dragon guarding a colossal 105-carat, Fancy Vivid Yellow, Mouawad Rough diamond. The painting was commissioned by Fred Mouawad. Reena’s painting is a tribute to the exceptional Co-Guardianship and dazzling diamond legacy of the House of Mouawad.
Read moreThe Mouawad Dynasty Diamond Painting by Reena Ahluwalia
When legendary diamantaire Mouawad acquired the Mouawad Dynasty diamond, Mouawad Co-Guardian Fred Mouawad commissioned Reena to paint it’s extraordinary beauty. The 51.03-carat, D, Flawless, Mouawad Dynasty Diamond is the largest best quality polished diamond in Russian history.
Read moreThe Mouawad 'Romanovs Rough Diamond' painting by Reena Ahluwalia
Mouawad Co-Guardian Fred Mouawad commissioned Reena to paint the 179-carat 'Romanovs' rough diamond painting. Reena’s painting captures the Russian origin of the rough diamond and celebrate this one-of-its-kind wondrous miracle of nature.
Read moreCovid-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.
Reena Ahluwalia Diamond Paintings exhibited at the Mouawad Simply Exceptional Event
Exquisite rare diamonds, exceptional jewelry and Guinness World Record creations lit up the Simply Exceptional event hosted by Mouawad in Bangkok, across four days from September 11 to 14, 2019.
Reena Ahluwalia attended the Simply Exceptional Gala hosted by legendary diamantaire Mouawad in Bangkok. The exclusive event was by invitation and was attended by six Royal families, dignitaries and VVIPs. Gala was graced by HM King Letsie III and HM Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho, HRH Princess Lea of Belgium, HIH Grand Duke George of Russia, HRH Prince Naquiyuddin and HRH Princess Nurul Hayati of Malaysia, HRH Princess Ashi Dechen Yangon of Bhutan, and ML Sarali Kitiyakara of Thailand.
Reena's series of historic Mouawad diamond paintings were exhibited at the event. The paintings were commissioned by Co-Guardian Fred Mouawad. The Mouawad Dragon is the world's largest round brilliant vivid yellow diamond and the Mouawad Dynasty diamond is D, flawless, and the largest best quality polished diamond in Russian history.
Co-guardian Fred Mouawad commented: “Mouawad is committed to social responsibility and leveraging our success to help make the world a better place for others.” Jimmy Mouawad, who is the fifth generation Co-Guardian, son of Fred Mouawad, and Founder of the Mouawad Diamond Impact Fund, made several presentations about Mouawad’s philanthropic initiatives to royal and distinguished guests.
Co-guardian Pascal Mouawad commented, “There are so many facets to Mouawad’s renown for crafting the extraordinary – from our Guinness World Record creations to our Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bras crafted over the years and our outstanding jewelry suites featuring some of the world’s rarest diamonds and so much more – and to have such a rich selection here in Bangkok makes this event a truly memorable occasion for all concerned.”
Paul Zimnisky Podcast with Guest Reena Ahluwalia
Diamond Analyst Paul Zimnisky with jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia.
To listen: http://www.paulzimnisky.com/podcast-episode-reena-ahluwalia
This podcast is also available for download on Apple iTunes and is accessible via the iPhone Podcasts app.
Paul discusses diamond jewelry with the very talented designer and artist Reena Ahluwalia. The two discuss diamond jewelry consumer tastes and trends, how this has changed and the direction it is headed. Reena shares how demographics, culture and value propositions are incorporated into the design process. The two then discuss the growing desire for branded jewelry, the impact of social media and globalization on consumer preferences and the importance of provenance. The conversation is concluded with thoughts on the wider availability man-made diamonds and how this fits into the future of jewelry design.
Hosted by: Paul Zimnisky
Guest: Jewelry designer and artist Reena Ahluwalia
Guest plug: www.reenaahluwalia.com
Date recorded: July 24, 2019
Date published: August 1, 2019
Mudan Watch Sets Guinness World Record for Most Diamonds, Ever
Guinness World Record For Most Diamonds Set On A Watch - The Mudan Watch
'Mudan' diamond watch by CORONET is an incredible art-piece featuring 15,858 diamonds. The watch is set in 18K gold with artist Reena Ahluwalia's unmatchable diamond painting on the dial. The watch is a co-creation between Aaron Shum and Reena Ahluwalia. The watch is inspired by Peonies, as they symbolize nobility, honor and wealth. Reena's diamond painting on the dial represents the shining nobility that we carry within. Peony (Mudan 牡丹) is known as the 'King of the flowers' in the Chinese culture.
More on FORBES.
The recently Guinness World Record (GWR) awarded 'Mudan' diamond watch by CORONET is an incredible art-piece featuring 15,858 diamonds. The watch is set in 18K gold with artist Reena Ahluwalia's unmatchable diamond painting on the dial. Reena Ahluwalia’s coveted diamond paintings are hyper-realistic and take hundreds of hours to paint. The watch is inspired by Peonies, as they symbolize nobility, honor and wealth. Reena's diamond painting on the dial represents the shining nobility that we carry within. Peony (Mudan 牡丹) is known as the 'King of the flowers' in the Chinese culture.