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Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sold! The diamond tales of Rahul Kadakia
Born and raised in Mumbai, Rahul Kadakia , international head of jewellery at Christie's, has been surrounded by jewels for as long as he can remember. 'It's in my blood,' he tells ET PanacheLuxury, noting that he's the fourth generation of his family in the jewellery business. 'My uncles still run a store in Bombay and my cousins continue the family tradition. I grew up with these stories.'Kadakia has overseen several landmark auctions, including the sale of the 'Winston Pink Legacy' (a 18.96-carat fancy vivid pink diamond acquired by Harry Winston for more than $50.3 million in 2018) and the 'Blue Belle of Asia' sapphire, which sold for a record $17 million in a conversation, he recalls unforgettable diamonds that have sold — and explains why, in his view, fine jewels might be recession-proof.'We've handled quite a few remarkable pieces through the years — Mughal spinel beads, the Archduke Joseph Diamond, the Princie Diamond (named after the Prince of Baroda), the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, the Oppenheimer Blue. In 2011, we sold Elizabeth Taylor's jewels. It's been an incredible journey and I hope it's not over yet.''It's not easy. There are many locked doors, armed guards — layers of security. But when you finally get to the exhibition, and you're able to hold and examine a piece, it's a privilege.''The market is always influenced by global events. But with the suspension of tariffs and policy moves aimed at strengthening the [US] economy, we hope for a positive impact.''My mother insists I wear a diamond around my neck. She says, 'Rahul, you're in the diamond business — you must wear one.' So I do. It's small, but I wear it every day. And I believe it brings me luck.'
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Princess Diaries: Stepping inside Gauravi Kumari's royal world
Gauravi says a pink chakkar sequin sari of Maharani Gayatri Devi is one of her favourites. Gauravi and her brother Padmanabh Singh share a similar sense of style/ Poised in a flowing red gown and diamonds catching the light, Gauravi Kumari , heiress of the Jaipur royal family , is having the final touches of hair and makeup done. The setting is quintessentially glamorous — a beauty event awaits — but amid the elegance, there's an easy warmth that draws you is in playful mode. There's a burst of unrestrained laughter when she speaks about her brother (Padmanabh Singh) and a gleam in her eye as she describes her favourite desserts. That energy, she says, is part of her personal aesthetic, her style quotient.'It's elegant, but there are always elements of fun,' she tells ET Panache Luxury . 'It's classic, but it's constantly evolving. Every day, I discover something new to love about clothes and fashion.'Gauravi opens up about her definition of luxury and her closet collectibles, including her favourite sari, inspired by Maharani Gayatri Devi 'Luxury to me is a brand rooted in our culture, something that is authentic or artisanal. My first luxury purchase was a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. It was a pair of silver heels with a lot of bling and a little open toe. I still have them.''I am partial to New York because I did my undergrad there. There is inspiration everywhere. I would also add Paris and Milan. Milan. I was recently in Milan and everyone on the street was just so well dressed — perhaps because it was fashion week.''Materialistic wise, that would have to be my solitaire earrings. They are simple, small solitaires passed on from my grandmother (Rajmata Padmini Devi) to my mother (Diya Kumari) to me.'And of course, there are many nonmaterial things that they have passed down that I treasure — simple things such as skin care tips, DIY recipes and beauty secrets. Apart from oiling my hair, one of the best secrets is splashing cold rose water on my face first thing in the morning. Rose water is always in my fridge.''Diamonds are my favourite. They are every girl's friend. I would also like to say gemstones specifically because they're manufactured in Jaipur and I've grown up in Johari Bazaar, seeing the craftsmen work.''My brother and I have a similar sense of style. In fact, we go to each other for advice. We have a classic way of dressing and know our silhouettes well.''I am dying to go to Kerala. I would love to try their ayurvedic treatments and massages.''I absolutely love wearing saris. I must have been 12 years old when I first wore one, but enjoy it as much now as I did then.''Desserts! All kinds of cake, Rajasthani sweets — I'm obsessed. Ghevar is my favourite.''It would have to be one of my mother's saris. I have a favourite one, inspired by Maharani Gayatri Devi. It's a pink chakkar sari and with a scattering of sequins. I wore it for the launch of my brand Palace Atelier . I have had it made in three different colours. There is an iconic black and white picture of Gayatri Devi in the sari.'
