The installation placed Kasavutextiles alongside diamonds, drawing attention to shared themes of time, craftsmanship and continuity
New Delhi: De Beers presented ‘Voyage Through the Diamond Realm’– an installation exploring the origin of diamonds through visual story-telling, scenography and sound–at India Art Fair 2026 in New Delhi. It examined the geological formation of diamonds over billions of years and positioned them within cultural and material narratives. The narrative drew connections between geological processes and artistic practice, exploring how natural materials and human expression intersect.
The installation included four natural-coloured diamonds – Pink, Orange, Light Blue and a Chameleon diamond, which changes colour to yellow when heated before returning to its original hue. A five-carat Forevermark diamond was also presented as a part of the installation, accompanied by a ring design created by a Milan-based design team.
Speaking on the installation and its India debut, Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President, De Beers Group, said, “Natural diamonds are among nature’s most extraordinary artworks, formed over billions of years, each one entirely unique. Presenting ‘Voyage Through the Diamond Realm’ at India Art Fair feels fitting; diamonds are cultural artefacts, that inspire artistic dialogue which feels deeply relevant to India. Our collaboration with artist Lakshmi Madhavan brings together two worlds of creation, one born deep within the earth, the other shaped by generations of human hands, while our association with India Art Fair reinforces our belief that art is a powerful lens through which material, heritage and meaning can be re-imagined.”
The installation was previously shown at Frieze Masters, London, in 2025. For the India edition, De Beers collaborated with contemporary artist Lakshmi Madhavan. Her work featured Kasavu, Kerala’s gold-bordered handwoven textile, developed in collaboration with the Balaramapuram weaving community. The installation placed Kasavutextile alongside diamonds, drawing attention to shared themes of time, craftsmanship and continuity.
Lakshmi Madhavan said, “The installation positions Kasavu as a human analogue to the diamond. Both materials carry histories of time and transformation and are activated through wear, touch and lived ritual.”
Jaya Asokan, Director, India Art Fair, said, “De Beers’ presentation reflects the fair’s ongoing commitment to expanding how audiences encounter creativity, by placing natural diamonds within an artistic and cultural framework that speaks to time, craft and human desire. ‘Voyage Through the Diamond Realm’ is a compelling example of how material heritage and artistic practice can be brought into meaningful dialogue.”
The opening reception was attended by actor Khushi Kapoor, producer and entrepreneur Rhea Kapoor and others from art and design. De Beers also hosted an evening with the India Art Fair’s Young Collectors Programme, bringing together collectors and cultural professionals.
Established in 1888, De Beers Group operates across diamond discovery, mining and jewellery, with presence in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa.
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