Forevermark, the esteemed diamond brand from the De Beers Group, recently orchestrated an evening of unparalleled glamour and profound inspiration in Mumbai. This prestigious event served a dual purpose: to pay homage to India’s most exceptional women achievers, individuals who have carved remarkable paths across diverse fields, and to unveil the brand’s captivating Tribute and Red Carpet 2019 collections. Held in the vibrant heart of India’s financial capital, the event underscored Forevermark’s deep-rooted commitment to celebrating not just the inherent brilliance of its diamonds, but also the extraordinary radiance of human spirit and accomplishment. It was an occasion that seamlessly blended the timeless allure of ethically sourced diamonds with the powerful narratives of female empowerment, creating an unforgettable experience that resonated with prestige and purpose. As a brand synonymous with rarity, beauty, and responsible sourcing, Forevermark continuously seeks to connect its exquisite creations with meaningful narratives, and this celebration of Indian women was a testament to that philosophy, reinforcing its position as a leader in luxury jewellery with a conscience.
The illustrious Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai provided a fittingly grand backdrop for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence. The event commenced with a thought-provoking panel discussion aptly titled ‘Breaking the Norms,’ a segment designed to delve into the remarkable journeys of women who have not only achieved monumental success but have also redefined the boundaries of what is possible in their respective fields. This discussion, central to the evening’s theme of female empowerment, brought together a constellation of prominent women achievers whose individual stories offer invaluable inspiration to countless aspiring individuals across India and beyond. Each panelist shared intimate insights into the challenges they faced, the resilience they cultivated, and the sheer determination that propelled them to overcome societal expectations and achieve unprecedented heights, thereby illuminating pathways for future generations to follow in their footsteps.
The distinguished panel featured an extraordinary lineup of luminaries. Among them was D. Roopa, a trailblazing figure in law enforcement, recognised as Karnataka’s first female Indian Police Service (IPS) official. Her journey to becoming the Inspector-General of Police, currently holding the second highest rank in Bangalore and across Karnataka, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice, her exceptional leadership, and her ability to excel in a traditionally male-dominated profession, proving that glass ceilings are made to be shattered. Joining her was Guneet Monga, an internationally acclaimed Indian film producer whose Midas touch earned her an Academy Award. Her recognition by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top 12 women achievers in the global entertainment industry highlights her profound impact on cinema, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her prowess in navigating the complex world of international film production, bringing authentic Indian stories to a worldwide audience. The dynamic world of sports was powerfully represented by Ankita Raina, India’s undisputed No.1 ranked women’s singles tennis player, whose dedication, relentless training, and exceptional skill have placed Indian tennis firmly on the global map, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and discipline.
Further enriching the discussion were two pivotal figures from the nation’s strategic sectors. Dr. Chitra Rajagopal, Director General (DG) at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), stood as an eminent scientist and a leading lady in India’s crucial defence sector. Her groundbreaking contributions underscore the vital role women play in national security, technological advancement, and innovation, challenging outdated stereotypes within STEM fields and serving as a beacon for aspiring female scientists. Rounding out this exceptional panel was Lieutenant Commander Pooja Sharma, a distinguished naval officer with seven years of dedicated service. Her participation in the first-ever all-women armed forces contingent at Rajpath for Republic Day 2015 remains a powerful symbol of women’s strength, capability, and leadership in national defence, demonstrating remarkable courage and commitment to serving her country. Together, these remarkable women painted a vivid tapestry of resilience, innovation, and leadership, each narrative reinforcing Forevermark’s dedication to celebrating the multifaceted brilliance of women in every sphere of life.
Beyond the insightful discussions, the evening also unveiled a breathtaking showcase of exquisite diamond jewellery, featuring two of Forevermark’s most anticipated collections: the Tribute™ Collection and the dazzling Red Carpet 2019 Collection. The Forevermark Tribute™ Collection, launched earlier in the year, is a profound homage to the richness of inherent brilliance – a concept that resonates deeply with the spirit of the women celebrated at the event. Each piece in the Tribute Collection is meticulously designed to reflect the multi-faceted nature of a woman’s personality, encapsulating her strength, grace, and unique beauty. These aren’t just pieces of jewellery; they are wearable tributes to the diverse roles women play and the invaluable contributions they make to society. Crafted with rare, beautiful, and responsibly sourced Forevermark diamonds, the collection features designs that are both contemporary and timeless, ensuring that each piece can be cherished for generations as a symbol of personal achievement and enduring elegance. The collection’s ethos perfectly aligned with the celebratory mood, honouring the individuality and power of every woman.
Complementing the Tribute Collection was the highly anticipated Red Carpet 2019 Collection. This exclusive collection, as its name suggests, is born from the glamour and sophistication seen on the world’s most prestigious red carpets. It represents the pinnacle of high jewellery, designed to make a statement and capture attention with its audacious designs, unparalleled sparkle, and the magnificent play of light. The Red Carpet Collection is a testament to the boundless creativity of Forevermark’s authorised jewellers, pushing the boundaries of diamond design to create masterpieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. These magnificent pieces are often seen adorning international celebrities and fashion icons at global events, symbolising ultimate luxury, refined elegance, and the pinnacle of diamond artistry. Both collections, while distinct in their inspiration and aesthetic, share the common thread of showcasing the exceptional quality and peerless beauty of Forevermark diamonds, each inscribed with a unique number to assure its integrity, natural origin, and rarity – a promise of beauty, rarity and responsible sourcing from the De Beers Group.
The grand finale of the evening was a captivating fashion showcase orchestrated by the immensely talented renowned designer Samant Chauhan. Known for his exquisite craftsmanship and contemporary interpretations of traditional Indian aesthetics, Chauhan’s collection provided the perfect sartorial complement to the dazzling diamond jewellery. Models gracefully glided down the runway, adorned in a spectacular selection of 48 distinct jewellery pieces, each a masterpiece from the Red Carpet 2019 Collection. These breathtaking creations were the fruit of exceptional collaboration, designed by 27 of Forevermark’s most esteemed authorised jewellers, showcasing the diverse talent, innovative spirit, and unparalleled skill within the brand’s extensive network of partners. The synergy between Chauhan’s intricate designs and the brilliance of the diamonds created an immersive and unforgettable visual spectacle for all attendees.
The array of jewellery presented was truly magnificent, offering a glimpse into the boundless possibilities of diamond design and contemporary luxury. Guests were captivated by an assortment of opulent cocktail rings, radiating with brilliance and unique architectural forms, alongside elegant bracelets that shimmered with every movement, catching and reflecting the ambient light. Unique palm gloves, a modern and daring twist on traditional adornment, added an avant-garde touch, while cascading necklaces and intricately designed chokers framed the décolletage with unparalleled grace and sophistication. Every single piece, from the subtle to the spectacular, was expertly crafted, featuring only rare, beautiful, and ethically sourced Forevermark diamonds – a non-negotiable standard that underpins the brand’s reputation for integrity and excellence. The meticulous attention to detail and the profound artistry evident in each design underscored the jewellers’ dedication to translating the natural beauty of the diamonds into wearable art, celebrating both the gemstone and the craft.
Bringing the show to an unforgettable close was none other than the iconic Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor. A true luminary of Indian cinema and an ardent supporter of female empowerment, Karisma Kapoor embodied the spirit of the evening with effortless grace and undeniable charisma. She captivated the audience as she stepped onto the stage, magnificently adorned in a truly showstopping piece from the Red Carpet 2019 Collection. Her presence not only added a touch of celebrity glamour but also reinforced the message of celebrating accomplished women, as she herself stands as a powerful symbol of enduring success, timeless style, and significant influence within the Indian entertainment industry. The choice of Karisma Kapoor to conclude the show was a deliberate nod to her status as a role model and her alignment with Forevermark’s values, making the finale a truly iconic moment that perfectly encapsulated the essence of the entire event – a harmonious blend of luxury, inspiration, and empowerment.
The significance of the evening was eloquently articulated by Sachin Jain, President of Forevermark India. In his address, he expressed immense pride in celebrating the launch of both the exclusive Tribute™ and Red Carpet 2019 collections. He highlighted how these collections are not merely about exquisite aesthetics but are imbued with the core values that Forevermark steadfastly upholds: timelessness, unparalleled beauty, and inherent rarity. Jain underscored the brand’s unwavering commitment to ethical practices, ensuring that every diamond tells a story of integrity and responsible sourcing, tracing its journey from mine to finger. Furthermore, he emphasized Forevermark’s dedication to world-changing initiatives, aligning the brand’s luxury offerings with a broader social consciousness. He praised the relentless innovation of their Indian retail partners, who, year after year, push the boundaries of creativity, crafting designs that proudly elevate homegrown Indian talent onto a global stage, showcasing craftsmanship that is truly beyond measure and worthy of international acclaim, thus contributing to the ‘Make in India’ narrative.
Jain further elaborated on a foundational principle deeply embedded within the very DNA of the Forevermark brand: the championing of female talent and empowerment. He articulated that given the vast majority of Forevermark diamonds are destined to adorn women, the brand has a profound recognition and appreciation for the pivotal and significant contributions women make towards building a brighter future for the communities in which they operate globally. This recognition extends beyond mere appreciation, translating into active support and initiatives designed to foster female leadership and socio-economic advancement. He concluded by reiterating that celebrating women’s achievements is not just an event theme but a fundamental aspect of Forevermark’s identity, woven into its very fabric and business ethos, reflecting a commitment that goes hand-in-hand with their pursuit of diamond perfection.
Reinforcing this message of global commitment, Stephen Lussier, CEO of Forevermark, who also serves as Executive Vice President of Marketing for the De Beers Group and is a distinguished member of The Group Executive Committee, spoke passionately. He was joined by Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President of Diamond Trading at De Beers Group. Both leaders unequivocally reiterated Forevermark’s enduring commitment to collaborative efforts with the De Beers Group as an integral part of their transformative partnership with UN Women. This strategic alliance is dedicated to vigorously promoting gender equality across every facet of their expansive business operations, from internal corporate structures to their influential marketing campaigns, and extending deeply into the communities they touch worldwide. Their joint statement underscored a holistic approach to corporate social responsibility, where the pursuit of luxury is harmoniously intertwined with a profound dedication to making a tangible, positive impact on global gender parity, ensuring that the diamond industry contributes meaningfully to a more equitable world.
The dedication to gender equality by the De Beers Group, and by extension Forevermark, is not merely aspirational but firmly rooted in tangible, impactful programs. A prime example is the groundbreaking AWOME (Accelerating Women-Owned Micro Enterprises) programme, which was enthusiastically launched in 2018 in vital partnership with UN Women. This ambitious initiative is specifically designed to provide robust support to over 1,250 women micro-entrepreneurs across the key diamond-producing nations of South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. By empowering these women with essential business skills, access to finance, and market linkages, the AWOME programme aims to significantly enhance their economic independence and foster sustainable community development, thereby creating a ripple effect of prosperity that extends far beyond individual beneficiaries. The goal was to achieve this by 2020, demonstrating a clear, time-bound commitment to fostering economic self-sufficiency among women in these crucial regions, directly impacting lives and livelihoods.
Complementing this entrepreneurial support, the De Beers Group has also spearheaded a comprehensive university scholarship programme, meticulously executed in partnership with UN Women over a three-year period (2017-2020). This visionary programme is committed to sponsoring the equivalent of 67 years of university studies specifically for women pursuing critical Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in Canada. Recognising the global imperative to increase female representation in STEM fields, this scholarship initiative aims to dismantle barriers to higher education and cultivate a new generation of female leaders and innovators, who will shape the future of technology and science. By investing in STEM education for women, De Beers Group is not only fostering individual growth but also contributing to a more diverse, equitable, and innovation-driven workforce, both within Canada and globally, reinforcing the idea that talent knows no gender. These programs collectively underscore a profound, holistic commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality, reflecting the belief that the brilliance of diamonds is best matched by the brilliance of human potential, especially when nurtured and celebrated.
The evening in Mumbai, therefore, transcended a mere celebration of luxury and achievement; it was a powerful statement of purpose from Forevermark and the De Beers Group. It beautifully showcased how the world of exquisite diamonds can be intrinsically linked to social responsibility, female empowerment, and sustainable community development. By honoring extraordinary women, unveiling stunning collections that redefine luxury, and reaffirming their global commitments to creating a better world, Forevermark delivered an event that was not only memorable for its glamour but deeply impactful for its message – a shining testament to brilliance in every sense of the word, from the dazzling diamonds to the inspiring women who illuminate our world.
Pic caption: Paul Rowley, Executive VP Diamond Trading De Beers Group, Stephen Lussier, Global CEO and Sachin Jain, President Forevermark seen with panelists Dr.Chitra Rajagopal, D. Roopa, Guneet Monga, Ankita Raina and Lt.Cdr Pooja Sharma