Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z:
The Fashion and Diamond Choices Across Three Generations

BROOCH: OM JEWELLERS • PENDANT: DEVI JEWELS BY RADHIKA C, AL ANWAAR • EARRINGS: KANTILAL CHHOTALAL • RINGS: KAJ FINE JEWELLERY

If you want to see how sartorial choices change as time ticks by, leaf through the pages of an old family album. You’ll find the Gen X members of your clan—born roughly between the mid-1960s and early 1980s—sport bell bottoms, turtlenecks and tie-dye shirts. A few years apart, millennials—who emerged into adulthood amidst the rise of globalisation—will be posing in power suits, skinny jeans or graphic tees. Gen Z, on the other hand—a generation deeply influenced by digital connectivity—prefer a playful mix of past and present. Think, baggy pants and Y2K-inspired outfits. 

Clearly, clothing choices have evolved. But what has remained constant through the years are the natural diamonds that each of these generations has found a special appeal in. The designs may have transitioned from traditional to minimalist to innovative, but the fondness for this precious stone has stood the test of time. Case in point: everyone from Nicole Kidman to Sabrina Carpenter to Shah Rukh Khan sporting an assortment of natural diamond jewellery on the red carpets this year.  

Among a shimmering array of pieces, classic natural diamond treasures like solitaire studs, tennis bracelets and valuable heirloom necklaces have been graced by multiple generations of women. Ahead, let’s take a deep dive and uncover the trends that truly defined each of these eras. 

In the western world, Gen X fashion reflected a sense of rebellion with bell bottoms being a symbol of counterculture and tie-dye being closely associated with the anti-establishment sentiment of the time. But closer to home, that era is known for women donning scoop neck sari blouses, body-hugging kurtas, churidars and polka dots. Not to forget, the winged eyeliner and dramatic puff with tight curls that were all the rage in the beauty world. And many a time, these looks were elevated with sizeable diamond-encrusted bangles, brooches and statement solitaire studs. Unlike sartorial wardrobes that were influenced by shifting ideologies during this period, jewellery choices remained timeless. 

In a memorable scene from the film Guide (1965), Waheeda Rahman is seen wearing a vibrant tie-dye sari as her character Rosie’s defiance against societal expectations. But the sari is accessorised with statement diamond earrings and intricate diamond bangles—a mainstay in multi-generational homes. Besides, the opening scene of the iconic movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) has Audrey Hepburn standing in front of a Tiffany store wearing a sleek black dress and the famed pearl necklace with a timeless natural diamond brooch in the middle. A cinematic moment that has been etched in our memories forever, it was just another display of how Gen X has been loyal to classic, ageless pieces of jewellery despite fashion seeing modifications with changing times and ideas. 

But it’s safe to say that the mood of the era was still plush and extravagant. And even today, we can see its remnants during opulent affairs and major events in our life. 

Millennials came of age in the era of globalisation, with their fashion choices reflecting a sense of individualism. For women, wardrobe staples like tailored suits and structured blazers were a step towards feeling confident in the workplace. But giving a nod to comfort-first fashion, they also opted for more casual garments like oversized hoodies, graphic tees and athleisure wear. Think, Priyanka Chopra making a bold entrance and walking down the runway in her 2008 film Fashion, wearing a tailored pantsuit. 

This change in clothing choices—owing to the access they had to global trends as well as their newfound independence—had millennials gravitating towards minimalist and understated pieces that could be worn from day to night. For instance, delicate natural diamond studs, dainty pendant necklaces and stackable diamond rings that subtly add some sparkle to their everyday attires. 

At the grand wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, Kim Kardashian made a statement with her dazzling Lorraine Schwartz diamonds, proving that maximalism never goes out of style. Ranveer Singh has been known to steal his mother’s solitaire earrings. It naturally made sense that he wore Tiffany & Co.’s “Schlumberger bird on a rock” brooches on his lapel, the Tiffany T pavé diamond bracelet and a pair of round diamond studs at the New York store opening of the luxury jewellery design house in May 2023. The same year, Deepika Padukone’s statement Cartier diamond and sapphire necklace at the Oscars stole the show. 

Apart from carrying forward classic choices like a statement solitaire pendant or ring, millennials have time and again experimented with novel designs—showcasing their love for both tradition and innovation. 

If you’ve recently come across any Gen Z influencers on Instagram, you know that fashion for this generation is all about self-expression and presenting themselves to the world as they are. Pops of colour are an easy choice, and so are sneakers. Bold, experimental streetwear is widely preferred, and so are Y2K aesthetics. 

So naturally, their natural diamond jewellery choices are just as avant-garde and eccentric. Asymmetrical rings and diamond-studded curb chain bracelets have gained popularity. But a sleek arm stack and a pair of earcuffs have also remained timeless favourites. In addition, Gen Z is seen placing value on small brands, transparency and inclusivity as opposed to exclusivity.  

Take, for instance, Dua Lipa when she performed in a sleek asymmetrical necklace and pair of hoops from independent jewellery brand Suzanne Kalan and women-led Parisian brand, Rainbow K. On home turf, actors Ananya Panday, Khushi Kapoor and Janhvi Kapoor among others have often sported natural diamonds that give a nod to varied aesthetic sensibilities. Case in point: Ananya Panday’s diamond tennis choker, solitaire choker and sleek pear-shaped diamond pendant layered delicately to offset her tulle gown at an award show in April 2023. 

This is the non-conforming generation that is also future-proofing its choices—all while remaining trendy, authentic and edgy. 

What’s the word?

It goes without saying that, with time, a lot has changed. Sartorial needs have changed. How we dress up has changed. Preferred jewellery designs have changed. But the versatility, timelessness, emotional appeal and heirloom value of a diamond has remained constant. From the extravagant choices of Gen X to the pared-back picks of millennials and innovative, slightly whimsical preferences of Gen Z, natural diamonds have complemented every style sensibility. 

Besides, we’ve infused new life into our heirloom pieces. While some have transformed their grandmother’s necklaces into bracelets, others have repurposed a solitaire ring into a pendant. Some of us have even reset our natural diamonds to create something new—like converting an earring into a brooch. 

Adding a touch of glitter and poise to almost any outfit, diamonds have had an intergenerational appeal for decades. As we look to the future, it’s clear that natural diamonds will hold a special place in the hearts and closets of style enthusiasts worldwide. And their timeless beauty will continue to bridge the gap between past, present and future. In a world where trends come and go, natural diamonds remind us that some things truly are forever.