Real Diamonds & Legacy: Inside a Fifth-Generation Jeweller’s Bridal Trousseau
Diyya Vummidi, from the Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers family in Chennai, opens up about her love story, her unconventional natural diamond choices, and how she balanced heritage with individuality on her wedding day.
While many brides find choosing their wedding jewellery overwhelming, for Diyya Vummidi, a fifth-generation jeweller of Chennai’s Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, it was a journey rooted in legacy and self-expression. With a heritage of fine craftsmanship behind her and her own contemporary taste, Diyya approached her wedding diamond jewellery with clarity: she wanted pieces that felt true to her, celebrated her family’s legacy, and would one day become heirlooms.
Through this conversation, she shares her love story, why natural diamonds were central to her bridal looks, and the advice she has for brides curating their own trousseau.
Q: Tell us a little about your love story
“It’s quite a unique one – we met through our love for dogs! My husband, Dhiraj, had studied to be a professional dog trainer in the US and started a dog training school in Chennai in 2017. Around the same time, I was having trouble with my dogs and was given his contact. We met, fell in love, and eight years later, here we are, happily married.”
Q: What’s your closest memory associated with natural diamonds?
“Natural diamonds are at the centre of almost every proposal story, and mine was no different. Dhiraj went to VBJ, picked out a design with my parents’ help—a round solitaire on a diamond-studded band—and proposed on a trip to Kabini in March 2020. I was completely surprised by the proposal and delighted by the ring he chose for me!”
Q: What drew you to diamonds for your bridal looks?
“I feel diamonds easily lend themselves to more experimental and contemporary designs. I love classics, but I also like to introduce one unexpected, quirky element in every look. Natural diamonds were the perfect choice to bring these designs to life.”
Q: How did you approach designing your diamond jewellery?
“As a jeweller, there was pressure to make a statement, but I wanted to feel like myself without imitating anyone else’s style. I looked inward for inspiration, chose tried-and-tested combinations like real diamonds and emeralds, and designed unique pieces for each occasion. For the wedding ceremony, I was very particular about a unique oddiyanam (hip belt), which I created in diamonds and emeralds instead of traditional gold sheetwork. For the cocktail, I opted for a modern take on a haathphool, skipping the necklace and embellishing my gown’s strap with natural diamonds and rubies. And for the pre-wedding party, I chose diamond and tanzanite drop earrings for a playful, unexpected splash of colour.”
Q: Were there any family heirloom diamond pieces that made it to your big day?
“Yes, of course! On my wedding day, I wore two meaningful rings: an Asscher-cut emerald with a diamond band from my mother, and a marquise-shaped emerald and diamond ring gifted by my aunt that has been in the family for generations. It was comforting to carry a piece of my family with me as I entered this new chapter.”
Q: Beyond their sparkle, what do natural diamonds mean to you?
“To me, a natural diamond is an heirloom, an investment, a symbol of love, and a holder of memories. The time and care that goes into forming and cutting a diamond makes it deeply meaningful. When associated with a memory, it becomes priceless. I hope to pass down my pieces someday, but if future generations don’t connect with the style, I’d encourage them to redesign the pieces into something they will actually wear and enjoy.”
“A natural diamond is most beautiful when it’s out in the world—not hidden away in a locker.”
Q: As a jeweller, what advice would you give brides curating their wedding trousseau today?
“Brides today are more self-aware and don’t feel constrained by old rules, like gold for the ceremony and diamonds for the reception. My advice is to stay true to your own style and don’t give in too much to trends—your wedding jewellery should amplify who you are. When you look back at your photos 20 years from now, you want to see a beautiful version of yourself, not someone else’s idea of what a bride should look like.”
