January 2008

Influential Indian women create socially conscious diamond jewelry

The Diamond Information Centre of the De Beers Group has brought together six influential women from India and six diamond firms to design diamond jewelry that will be created to recognize social causes of their choice. 

These women of India include Anjolie Menon, Parmeshwar Godrej, Maharani Gayatri Devi, Shobhaa De, Avanti Birla and Shobhana Chandrakumar Pillai.

The jewelry that is designed will be auctioned online at www.inspirations.saffronart.com in January 2008.

They women were asked to name a charity to which they would like to donate the proceeds from the auction of their diamond jewelry designs.

Menon stated to the press that she was inspired by the Renaissance in the design of her jewels. Orra diamonds were used in her pieces. She will donate her money to Child for Life.

Godrej crafted her diamonds supplied by Mahendra Brothers to make jewelry for the Hereos Project. She designed her diamond pendant as bold and elegant. It can be worn with a velvet or suede band.

Devi said she made her ring after thinking of the Royal City of Palace Jaipur, with her diamonds being supplied by Shrenuj. Her charity was Sawai jai Singh Benevolent.