At Jaipur’s City Palace, Forevermark celebrates diamonds and individuality

Gold gleamed against gold at Jaipur’s City Palace. Jewels caught the light as models moved through gilded surroundings in festive silhouettes, bringing together the grandeur of the palace and the brilliance of diamond jewellery. The evening was a spectacle of gold, colour and sparkle, with the historic setting lending the event an unmistakable sense of opulence.

On October 8, the historic palace became the backdrop for two announcements by De Beers Group and Forevermark Diamond Jewellery. Sawai Padmanabh Singh, the titular maharaja of Jaipur, was named De Beers’ advocate for natural diamonds in India, while his sister, Gauravi Kumari, was unveiled as the face of Forevermark’s festive campaign, as the jewellery brand marked its first anniversary in the country.

For Gauravi Kumari, however, celebration is as much about personal moments as it is about grand occasions. “When I was younger, I looked forward to the dressing up and excitement of an occasion. Now, I appreciate having everyone together, especially when our schedules are so different. I still enjoy a big celebration, but a quiet dinner with family or friends can feel just as special,” she says.

Jewellery, for her, is part of the pleasure of dressing up, but it need not be reserved for elaborate occasions. “For festive occasions, I usually reach for a sari or a traditional silhouette with a contemporary touch. Jewellery helps bring the look together, whether it’s statement earrings or something more delicate. I enjoy experimenting, but comfort matters,” she says.

But beyond the royal associations and the glittering displays, the evening also reflected a shift in how jewellery is being worn and what it can represent. One piece that holds particular meaning for her is the first pair of solitaire earrings she received as a gift. “They’re my go-to for most occasions. I wear them with a white T-shirt and jeans just as easily as with a sari,” she says. It is this versatility that she appreciates about jewellery: its ability to move between different settings while retaining a personal significance.

Growing up in Jaipur has also shaped her appreciation for craftsmanship and design. “Heritage has been a part of my everyday life. I’ve always been surrounded by incredible craftsmanship, whether through textiles, jewellery, architecture or the work of local artisans. What has stayed with me most is the attention to detail and the pride people take in preserving these traditions,” she says.

Gauravi Kumari’s association with Forevermark also centres on individuality. “We all have different sides to our personalities, and I love that the campaign celebrates that individuality rather than fitting women into one particular mould,” she says.

At the City Palace, these ideas of heritage and contemporary style came together on the runway. Forevermark jewellery was paired with festive looks, while campaign films featuring the two erstwhile royals were unveiled alongside a dance performance. The presentation offered a contemporary interpretation of diamond jewellery against a backdrop steeped in Jaipur’s royal history. 

Amid the palace’s gilded surroundings and the evening’s glittering display, it was a reminder that jewellery can hold different meanings for different people: a connection to heritage, a treasured memory, a way to celebrate oneself, or simply something precious to hold on to. 

The writer was in Jaipur at the invitation of De Beers Group and Forevermark Diamond Jewellery