In conversation with First Look Magazine, Neil and Ankita Sonawala, the creative forces behind Zen Diamond, opened up about their vision for the brand, creating a strong foothold in the Indian jewellery market.
In a time when the majority of buyers believe that diamonds remain reserved for weddings, red carpets and special occasions, Zen Diamond is breaking the blueprint with intricate pieces meant for elegance on the go. “The inspiration behind Zen Diamond lies in the desire to make the timeless beauty and brilliance of diamonds accessible not just for life’s grand occasions, but for everyday expressions of joy, self-love, and individuality,” expressed the duo. “While our craftsmanship is inspired by European traditions, our collections are curated and designed specifically for the modern Indian woman.”
The brand, which traces its roots back to 1890, has quietly become one of Europe’s most trusted names in natural diamond jewellery. Neil and Ankita Sonawala are firm believers in diamonds taking centre stage in everyday life in India, which is why they ventured with Zen Diamond in the Indian market.
It isn’t all lab coats and laser beams, though. What makes each creation one-of-a-kind is the expert touch of skilled artisans, whose craftsmanship is reflected in the intricate detailing, polishing, and final quality checks. Zen Diamond is an advocate of handcrafted brilliance that contributes to the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality. The blend of European standards of finish and detail with modern Indian sensibilities resonates with their core belief. Neil further adds their new-age take on design by saying, “Our fine jewellery is deeply rooted in generations of expertise, but what truly sets us apart is how we blend this legacy with thoughtful innovation.”
Innovation is at the heart of the legacy brand; “We use advanced 3D CAD technology to conceptualise and prototype intricate designs with extreme accuracy,” shares Ankita. In case you are looking to invest in personalised pieces, worry not – “Precision casting, laser inscription for personalisation, and microscopic setting techniques allow us to achieve a flawless finish and detail hallmarks of our craftsmanship.”
Nothing says forever more than a classic, good-old solitaire, and Zen Diamond’s collection, Pirlanta, features stones from 0.30 to 1.5 carats. Every piece from this range can be exclusively personalised with engravings, and can even be incorporated with an infinity symbol as a reminder of forever.
Collections like Tryst and Facet Fusion further embody the brand’s design ethos. Neil notes, “Tryst is a limited edition series of statement necklaces ideal for everything from weddings to evening soirées. Meanwhile, Facet Fusion, a best-selling range, features meticulously arranged diamond clusters to emulate the brilliance of large solitaires, offering travel-ready luxury without compromise on opulence.”
If one had to sum up Zen Diamond’s true essence, it would be glamour on the go! The brand’s pieces slip between kaftans and cocktail dresses with ease, flowing seamlessly across wardrobes and time zones. They’re attuned to the pulse of a new generation.
Zen Diamond’s mission in India is clear: to normalise wearing diamonds as part of one’s daily ritual. This isn’t about extravagance. It’s about personal expression, joy, and presence. With ethically sourced, conflict-free stones, BIS hallmarking, and transparent pricing, the brand is as committed to integrity as it is to aesthetics. In a landscape where jewellery can often be seen locked away in vaults, Zen Diamond is redefining how precious stones are worn while making a quiet statement.