Jewels of a Lifetime
For Emanda Vaz, the evolution of her career, relationship, and sense of self can be traced through the natural diamonds she collected along the way
In memories held close to her skin, Emanda Vaz finds balance, power, and love. Her natural diamond jewellery — classic and subtle — makes an intimate, emotional statement, carrying with it stories of celebrations big and small, personal and professional. Her vision of luxury real estate informs her appreciation of jewellery, choosing bespoke objects with impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. Here, she shares the natural diamond pieces that evoke meaningful moments and relationships.
Look How Far I’ve Come
About 15 years ago, in a Mumbai store that dates back to 1869, Emanda discovered an affirmation of independence: a pair of princess-cut natural diamond solitaires set in gold. When she earned her first bonus, those earrings became a symbol of not just success, but hard work and pride.
“I didn’t want anything frivolous or fleeting. I wanted something that would mark a moment and stay with me forever. The earrings are minimal and the absence of ornamentation reveals depth — where it’s not about shouting for attention but quietly commanding it. When it comes to style, for me less is more, and I lean towards objects that are unpretentious yet magnetic, refined and intentional in design.”
Love You, Forever
To be loved is to be known. A pear-shaped diamond ring from Cartier, one that Emanda had privately admired for years, inspired her engagement ring, designed by her “artistically-challenged” husband over months of thought and planning.
“It’s a symbol of resilience and eternal love, because he made it very easy to love him when things got difficult and made sure we crossed every obstacle that came our way. Much like a natural diamond that’s formed under pressure, creating something everlasting and beautiful.”
The same ring also makes a statement of power, one that reminds Emanda of the duality of women, commanding boardrooms while balancing life at home. “In my work, I meet people who are making one of the biggest decisions of their lives — choosing their forever home. The ability to connect with them and lead them through journey, as well as lead my teams through this niche space of coveted luxury, requires direction and clarity of mind. My engagement ring is a piece that not only reflects my taste but also my eye for detail, my focus on quality, and recognition of luxury at work.”
Know Your Truest Self
For a 21-year-old who just got her first job, diamonds were hardly on the radar. An unexpected birthday gift by her father, however, continues to ground Emanda in her roots. A delicate square pendant of nine diamonds set in platinum, it’s a repository of sentiment, of security.
“Growing up, my parents were strict, but in a good way, instrumental in imbibing core values of independence, reliability, ethics. This pendant reminds me that I have grown up with the right values, which have shaped the person I am today. I wear it when big things are going to happen, because it brings calm and helps me feel powerful, in a way.”
Welcome to the Family
First impressions are often the most lasting. What could have been an awkward moment, rife with formality, transformed into a gesture of belonging — with a gift of natural diamond and pearl earrings.
“When I got engaged and through our courtship, I didn’t get the opportunity to interact with my mother-in-law. The first time we were meeting was a formal introduction of sorts. That’s when she gave me these beautiful earrings, bringing together two of my favourite jewels. The thoughtfulness showed me her acceptance and joy of me being a part of her son’s life.”
Indulge in Your Success
When a diamond bracelet flew off the wrist of tennis player Chris Evert during the US Open in 1978, it underscored an important belief: be unapologetic in extravagance. At the echelon of professional tennis, here was a player who swapped sweatbands for sparkles. It was a “reminder that I can do and be anything”, she told Vogue in 2022. This inspired Emanda to buy her own tennis bracelet, a string of round natural diamonds.
“I bought it to spoil myself. It’s versatile and I can wear it to work or a wedding. It signifies the fact that as independent working women, you can also be indulgent. In luxury real estate, we emphasize the bespoke, where the design of each home of each development is at the forefront, supported by the best materials, quality, and craft. This exposure translates into how I choose to invest my money — and I seek these qualities in experiences, travel, or even my diamonds.
