When we picture heirloom jewellery, the image tends to skew ornate. Chunky yellow gold, a few scattered rubies or emeralds in oversized rings, and pieces reserved for weddings or major family milestones. But the jewellery that actually gets passed down often looks different; it’s the pair of earrings your grandmother or aunts wore every day, the ring that never left their finger, and the chain that shone through in every photograph. These pieces weren’t preserved in a locker but rather worn as their signature pieces. Which isn’t to say they played it safe; jewellery with staying power tends to have structure and clarity. It’s built well, feels considered, and holds its own without trying to outshine the rest of your bridal ensemble.
That’s where coloured gemstones are stepping in. Long associated with heirlooms or ceremonial wear, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are being reconsidered for their practical strengths: durability, rich colour, and staying power that doesn’t hinge on occasion dressing. Alok Lodha has leaned into this shift with a pared-back, stone-first approach. The designs prioritise proportion, clarity, and longevity. There’s a clear resistance to overworking the pieces; they’re made to be lived with.
Craft over clout
While diamonds are now hyper-standardised, albeit a classic, sourcing strong-colour, high-clarity gems—especially untreated ones from places like Zambia, Mozambique or Burma—takes more effort and a keen eye. Alok Lodha handles that with a certain quiet rigour: cut, setting, and balance are calibrated for daily wear. Their emerald and diamond drop earrings make the case well—clean geometry, minimal metal, and no unnecessary weight.
