It’s tad difficult to fathom why Mumbai-based jewellery designer Nirav Modi won’t customise his jewellery. Although it’s lot less difficult to understand why he chooses to do so when you happen to look at his creations. It was one of those moments in the city when his jewellery was put up for sale, including the ‘Pear Celestial’ ring crafted with two carat pear-shaped diamond that appears to be floating in a halo of smaller pear-shaped diamonds. Interestingly, he turned his invitation-only sale into an open-for-all affair this year considering he would be able to expand his customer base. Thanks to his earlier feat—being featured at Christie’s and Sotheby’s auctions—he has an incredibly long list of connoisseurs waiting patiently out there for their turns. “We are making heirloom pieces, which are worth the wait,” the 42-year old designer said. However, for a lucky few in the capital, the wait did come to an end on May 22-24.
The Connaught Hall at the top floor of the Oberoi hotel buzzed with ladies checking the diamond jewellery on display. Modi believes that these are not just pieces of opulence but also smart investments. “Not only industrialists and businessmen but also corporate professionals, doctors and lawyers have purchased our jewellery as a long-term investment,” he revealed. Modi, however, insisted on remaining discreet about the number or worth of jewels sold at the sale. He said, be it Delhi or Mumbai, his clients appreciate the unparalleled lustre and timeless designs of his creation. Modi plans to open retail boutiques in Delhi and Mumbai by year-end. Till then, everyone can flock to his exhibition to be held in July in the capital.
