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From trends to triumphs: BlueStone’s sparkling year in review
Mumbai: BlueStone Jewellery’s head of marketing Harshna Pasari intricately navigates the landscape of fine jewellery in 2023. With a keen understanding of data and consumer insights, she illuminates the captivating trends shaping the jewellery market this year, and a nuanced perspective on BlueStone’s success during the festive season. She also provides a forward-looking glimpse into the design-led fine jewellery brand’s vision.
Shaping style: emerging trends in fine jewellery
Diamonds and gemstones have indisputably claimed the spotlight in the world of fine jewellery.
The desire for jewellery that effortlessly intertwines with contemporary lifestyles is evident. In an era characterized by flexibility and multiwearability, the spotlight is now on jewellery that is lightweight, stackable, and versatile. In the same vein, watch jewellery has been making waves. With smartwatches becoming a part of so many people’s wardrobes, we envisioned a line of fine jewellery that would accentuate the look of these daily-wear staples. Our diverse collection of watch charms, pins and bands is a great way for wearers to enhance the look of their smartwatches.
Rings, especially unique shapes like chevron and vanki rings have had a moment in 2023. Chevron rings, with their striking V-shaped patterns, are true crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re wearing them to work or a cocktail party, their versatility and grace are truly unmatched. Vanki rings are our contemporary take on a classic style that elevates even the most basic of looks into a statement of elegance.
Another trend that’s been increasingly popular this year is texture play, where unique techniques and materials are used to create depth and visual intrigue in jewellery. Our Sabbia collection features textures inspired by the constant movement of dunes, capturing the essence of shifting sands beneath your fingertips. In the Tucked collection, we’ve centered the design around knots and buttons, creating a threaded texture that you can’t resist touching. À La Mode, one of our bestselling collections, features jewellery with an array of colourful ceramics, that adds a pop to any ensemble. Effortlessly transitioning from day to night, these pieces make a striking impact.
Embracing festive elegance: A glowing success
In the week leading up to Dhanteras, BlueStone witnessed an impressive spike in consumer demand as compared to the same period last year. This surge speaks volumes about the unwavering trust of our consumers and their desire for modern, trendy fine jewellery. Dhanteras itself was nothing short of spectacular, with people exuding boundless enthusiasm and a genuine love for jewellery shopping.
Our TG of cosmopolitan couples between the ages of 25 to 45 has been at the forefront of this change, gravitating towards our jewellery for its use of stylish designs and unique techniques. No longer content with buying plain gold to be kept stashed away in lockers, these customers seek pieces that they can seamlessly integrate into their wardrobes. Their preferences align with our innovative approach and the infectious spirit that envelops the festive season.
The highlight of our festive offerings was the Big Gold Upgrade exchange offer, a step above the usual old gold exchange. This exchange offer gives customers the highest value for their old gold, allowing them to exchange their old 18kt gold jewellery for the value of 22kt gold. This not only aligns with customers’ desire for modern, stylish jewellery but also offers them the highest value for the old designs that they’ve grown out of. Customers are captivated by the transparency of the exchange process and the assurance of receiving maximum value for their old gold at BlueStone. This trust has translated into a staggering exchange of 201,358 grams of gold through this enticing offer, and this number only went up during the festive season.
Looking ahead: BlueStone’s vision
BlueStone envisions an expansive future fueled by a recent infusion of funding, with a strategic focus on amplifying its offline presence across the nation. Currently boasting an impressive network of over 180 stores in India, a significant leap from the 155 stores at the close of the previous year, the company’s footprint extends to 75 plus cities.
BlueStone aims to continue leading with its innovative tech-led approach. The dynamic interplay between online and offline channels epitomises BlueStone’s omnichannel presence. Customers start their journey with the brand online, exploring pieces that they love, before stepping into a physical store to make them theirs.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
