Diamonds in India’s stepwells

Climb down winding steps manufactured from diamonds right into a nicely of Indian craftsmanship — in your fingers! Who knew that our earthy stepwells may encourage a brand new twist in the world of diamond jewelry? Zoya, the diamond boutique from the House of Tata, has provide you with a setting impressed by these architectural wonders discovered in the arid western states of India, which, they declare, is the primary of its sort worldwide. The intricate and difficult ‘Zoya Baoli Setting’ is patent pending.

The Samāvé assortment (created with the brand new setting) is underscored by its clear traces. “The visual vocabulary interprets the architectural elements of ancient stepwells [think Rani Ki Vav in Gujarat, and the Chand Baori in Rajasthan] into a unique design language, to deliver a versatile selection of rings and earrings, neck pieces and bracelets,” says Revathi Kant, Chief Design Officer at Titan. The signature setting is an indication of technical mastery, she provides. “The stones are cut with precision by Zoya’s master craftsmen to tease out their lustre. They are then placed at an unusual incline to match the geometry of the outer square, while balancing the inequities of natural stones. The angle and placement of the baguettes in an unending loop gives rise to a continuous stream of light, structurally designed to create a play of light and shadows.”

The Samāvé assortment
 

Stony depths

In the surprising ‘reverse’ structure of the setting, a spherical, brilliant-cut diamond is positioned in the centre, representing the aquatic coronary heart of the stepwell. “The inaccessibility of areas inside this setting presents a challenge for precision in shaping, making traditional prongs impossible to use,” says Kant. “Samāvé’s setting is achieved through precise casting of diamonds directly into the gold. Diamonds are chosen based on their ability to survive the intense heat of the casting process, which takes place in a furnace.”

The assortment makes use of a whole lot of white, evocative of the purity of water, and rose gold, to replicate the earthy color of the steps. The stackable rings are crafted with interlinked baguettes in a linear construction, whereas the minimalistic hinged cuff contains a patented collet and a shimmering centre.

Kant shares that the design inspiration got here from their want to “design a collection that narrated the story of a woman”. Historically, stepwells have been vital areas for girls; many have been commissioned by queens, they usually have been gathering spots for chores, recreation, and to worship. “Stepwells became venues that served as catalysts for female bonding. With Samāvé, we wanted to create something memorable that reflected the continuing value of this sentiment,” she concludes.

The assortment is priced ₹1 lakh upwards, on zoya.in