Diamonds have been a girl's best friend from time immemorial. Diamonds will never become passé what with the market being flooded with a plethora of designs and colours. So how do you know what's in and what you should buy this season? Here’s how.

Trend is something which is ever changing. They not only reflect in visual forms such as cars, consumer appliances, fashion etc but also in colours, shapes and moods. This is also what influences the trends in the diamond industry. Ever heard of the phrase, ‘bigger the better’?

Well, the traditional one-carat solitaire has now grown to three to five carats. Diamond engagement rings with round diamonds are still the most popular, followed by marquise. But the fastest-growing shape in recent years is square, as in emerald and princess shapes.

Rhea Nasta from Popley says, "Long chains, bracelets, long earrings and big rings are doing the rounds now. Women should go in for slim chains with delicate pendants in either white or yellow gold. Rings in fashion are either simple bands or delicate designs with diamonds.

As earrings, studs or delicate hoops look chic. Men should go in for jewelled cufflinks and tiepins since they are back in vogue, besides old favourites like chains, bracelets and rings. Kurta buttons in diamonds also look good for wedding functions."
Some of the other recent trends in diamond jewellery include:

Clean edge

This trend favours contemporary style, non-fussy clean lines with a strong emphasis on modernism. Streamlined linear forms describe this trend with a minimalist flare.  

Fancy diamonds

Chic, sophisticated and elegant. This trend utilises a profusion of fancy cuts such as radiants, pears, cushions, and emerald cuts in myriad natural colours of diamonds. Delicious chocolate brown, tasteful cognac, scintillating pink and glowing yellow diamonds are at the forefront. Gaining the style momentum and appreciation, larger fancy cut or colour diamonds are visible in engagement rings, pendants and earrings.

Flowing and soft

Following the nature trail is our next trend which focuses on flowing soft organic forms. Folded three dimensional contemporary forms, contoured and sensual, generously showered by diamonds - white or coloured.
Spirals, leafs, water, shells which create natural textures with an accent on smooth or rough. Large rings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets predominantly use small round diamonds clustered together in a micro pave.

Delicate as lace

Romantic, delicate and fragile. This trend emphasises fragility, tenderness and lightness. A nostalgic look back at the luxurious old laces and its delicate flowers. Large medallion-pendants, earrings and bracelets lend easily from this trend - paring luxurious diamonds with filigree.

Symphony of colours

Bigger and smaller diamonds are clustered together to create a layered look. Play in proportion of enamel colour and diamonds, adding a strong punch of effervescent colours. Precision enamel adds drama and acts as a backsplash. A trend toward bejeweled, ornamented and of larger statement pieces! According to jewellery designer Renu Mehra, "mid-sized earrings are more in vogue than the long chandeliers.”

Future trends

Next season, women should go in for the yellow gold look with lots of diamonds, jewellery with longer neck pieces. Funkier, bold rings and multiple bracelets will be most likely in vogue. Men should use materials along with gold like wood, leather and steel that use bigger diamonds and solitaires.