Love Letters to Diamonds

The Diamond Trails collection with artist and project initiator Reena Ahluwalia (Credit: Reena Ahluwalia)

How can we enhance our storytelling, Reena wondered while juggling the many projects she’s typically involved in. Emphasis on the “we” in that sentence, her inner dialog stressed — heaven knows, creativity can be a lonely pursuit.

Having built a career around diamonds and jewelry, Reena has always pushed her own limits — be it with her jewelry designs, diamond paintings, playful digital art, or insightful lectures. She has a habit of overthinking and going all-in when inspiration hits — all part of the creative process, she tells herself.

But when an idea registers, there’s no better feeling, she admits, as she contemplates: What are the intricate diamond stories that people might tell? What do they say about their lives and relationships?  

Amid all the talk about elevating the industry narrative, maybe all we need are authentic, personable stories about people — ones that “live up to diamonds,” to borrow a phrase from industry marketers. And let them tell those stories in their own creative space, her mind raced.

That’s when Sonia, Shanoo, Grant, and I got the call. This project is a creative collective, she stressed, recalling the “we” in her earlier brainstorm.

“You and the other journalists will write micro-fiction based on a natural diamond theme I provide,” she explained. “And I’ll paint the story,” was the pièce de resistance, her tone rising as the collaboration took shape.

I debated whether I should expose my ignorance or save it for a Google search later. Swallowing my pride, I asked, “umm, what is micro-fiction?” A story in 350 words or less, she replied without judgment.   

The concept resonated, though I was also apprehensive. “You’re a business writer, what do you know about fiction,” sneered my inner saboteur. “You have to be part of this,” countered his nemesis — my better self, determined to expand his own creative boundaries.

I spent hours wondering how to approach my story and felt a growing kinship with Reena and the other writers. Then I had my epiphany: great storytelling comes from personal experience and vulnerability.

I thought about Jo, who gave me one of my most memorable diamond industry experiences. I was relieved Reena shared my excitement about Jo’s adventures. Around a year later I could see her enthusiasm in the final painting. She brought my story to life, capturing Jo’s, Reena’s and my journey with just the right sensitivity.

Reena unveiled ‘Diamond Trails’ in January. Seeing the full collection was deeply satisfying — both for the collaboration with incredibly creative minds and the passion each piece expressed for diamonds and their potential.

Through their stories and Reena’s art, I knew the other writers felt the same. These weren’t just creative expressions, they were love letters to diamonds. And that, I sensed Reena grinning to herself, is how we enhance our storytelling.

Diamond Trails is a creative collective that showcases the art of Reena Ahluwalia alongside original writing from:

• Grant Mobley – Red Velvet

• Shanoo Bijani – Luminous Path

• Sonia Esther Soltani – Ring of Love

• Avi Krawitz – Diamond Rush

• Reena Ahluwalia (yes, she writes too!) – Dream Odyssey

Discover the full collection here: Diamond Trails 

To learn more or explore ways to advance the project, contact Reena or Avi.