I Can Buy Myself Diamonds
I, like many women, grew up believing that a natural diamond was a gift you waited for. It marked a proposal, an anniversary, a wedding gift, or an inheritance passed down from one generation to the next. And while these are still wonderful occasions to be gifted a diamond, we are no longer limited by them. As more women take control of their own finances, it’s no longer unusual to see a woman in a jewellery store, choosing a natural diamond for herself, whether to mark a birthday, a promotion, a breakup, or simply because she decided she wanted one.
This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a deliberate act of ownership, one that is less about being chosen by someone else and more about choosing yourself. So, what does it actually feel like to buy yourself a natural diamond? We asked members of Team Nod—women who have done it and others who are waiting for the right moment—about the pieces they’ve chosen, the ones on their wishlist, and what it means to wear a diamond that is entirely, deliberately theirs.
Priyanka Parkash, Jewellery Editor
The first diamonds I ever bought for myself were actually two pairs of gold hoop earrings set with tiny diamonds—one larger and one smaller—so I could wear them stacked together. I’ve always loved the idea of an ear stack. There’s something about it that makes you look permanently put together, whether you’re wearing a cocktail dress or a white T-shirt and jeans. At the time, I wanted a piece of jewellery that felt effortless: something comfortable enough to sleep in, travel in, and wear every single day without ever having to take it off.
What surprised me most was how attached I became to them. Gifted diamonds will always carry memories of the person who gave them to you, but buying my own felt different. It wasn’t tied to a birthday, an anniversary or a milestone celebrated by someone else. It was a reminder that I’d worked hard, earned something beautiful and chosen it entirely for myself. Years later, they’re still among the pieces I wear most.
Dia Sachanandani, Commercial Director
My first self-bought natural diamond was a tiny nosepin when I was all of 21 and had just started working. Recently, I bought myself a couple of pieces, including a tennis bracelet when my son was born. It was like a push present, but something I gifted myself to mark the beginning of my journey as a new mother. Since then, I’ve been gifting myself something every year on his birthday, like rings and earrings. After all, it’s not just his birthday, it’s mine too—as a mom. It has possibly been the most special moment of my life. Everyone celebrates the baby. I wanted to be celebrated too, and who better to do that than me?
I chose a simple tennis bracelet because it’s slender, easy to put on and take off, looks elegant, and can be stacked with different metals and styles to elevate the look. It takes me from mom to work and back to mom without much effort. I wear the natural diamonds I’ve bought for myself every day; it’s a daily reminder of how far I’ve come. Sometimes we need a little sparkle to remind us of just that.
Chloe Chou, Fashion Editor
I haven’t bought my first diamond yet, but I want to. When I do, it will be a natural diamond to mark a special milestone. I don’t think anyone needs a reason to treat themselves, but it would feel incredibly rewarding after a big win.
My diamond jewellery wishlist is actually endless. I’m obsessed with everything Copenhagen-based designer Sophie Bille Brahe does. I have a pair of floral diamond earrings I inherited from my grandmum that would go perfectly with her Fleur de Tennis necklace. Until I can afford it, the Ensemble C ring from her collection would be a nice place to start. I love how diamonds pop against the warmth of yellow gold. Adi Handmade’s polki rings are also quite lovely. And I love Jessica McCormack’s blackened gold Gypset earrings—unusual and cool!
Mahika Gunde, Sales & Brand Relations Executive
I bought a beautiful natural diamond and ruby pendant from Hanut as a not-so-little treat for completing one year at my job. It’s a symbol of all the hard work I’ve put in and that I want to put in to grow more. It was a very grown-up and empowering feeling to buy something with my own hard-earned money, and it also gave me a sense of security and satisfaction to know it’ll always hold value.
The piece is a beautiful dagger pendant. I wear it partly to ward off the evil eye and partly because a little bit of natural diamonds never hurt anyone. I love buying pieces that have natural diamonds in them; I believe they add character and a sense of storytelling, and are a wonder created by nature.
Natasha Nayak, Associate Commercial Director
I have bought a pair of natural diamond solitaire studs for myself and my daughter. I wanted something timeless and meaningful that we could both cherish—not just as jewellery, but as a memory and symbol of our bond. I wanted to celebrate a phase of life where I truly value creating memories and meaningful moments with my daughter. The purchase felt emotional, personal, and very intentional.
Buying a natural diamond for myself felt empowering and deeply fulfilling. There was a sense of pride in choosing something beautiful on my own terms, while also making it special by sharing that experience with my daughter. It made me realise that a diamond gifted by someone carries their emotions and memories, but a diamond you buy for yourself carries your own journey, choices, and personal story. Every time I wear mine, it reminds me of independence, motherhood, and a moment I chose to celebrate for myself. diamond is becoming less about being chosen by someone else and more about choosing yourself.
This will be a culture-led trend piece on the rise of the self-bought natural diamond, exploring how women are moving beyond the old script of waiting for diamonds to be gifted through proposals, weddings, anniversaries or family rituals. Through quotes from real women who have bought diamonds to mark career wins, birthdays, breakups, fresh starts and private milestones, the piece will look at how the diamond is becoming less about being chosen by someone else and more about choosing yourself.
Words by Radhika Agarwal.
