Bringing In Baguettes

Baguettes are used mostly for the Art Deco style. As the baguette production has gone down, demand has slowly risen. We noticed a new trend evolving around baguettes. To find out whether the baguettes are making a comeback and its various facets in the new age, Kunjal Karaniya spoke to the industry players.

Do you see Baguettes making a comeback?

Sahil Shah: I have seen an increase in the demand for baguettes this season; although on the jewellery side I have not seen many designs that have used baguettes.Yet, I feel sooner or later they will make a comeback but maybe not this season.

Samir Kakadia: Baguettes are making a comeback in the bridal and fashion world, adding its sleek facets to many jewellery designs as a center stone.

Amish Kothari: Baguettes were not totally out of fashion. In jewellery,use of baguettes is always there, but yes, in the new season, the designs with baguettes have gone up.

Devang Sanghai: I do not think that the baguettes are making a comeback, infact the production of baguettes have gone down. The manufacturers previously dealing in baguettes have started shifting to other shapes, also baguette setting and other things related to it is very tedious.

What are the jewellery trends that see baguettes largely?

Sahil Shah:I have noticed that the Art Deco style is starting to make a comeback although it has not picked up in a large way but there is a steady increase for this kind of jewellery. Designs that incorporate baguettes are limited to certain styles; you have to keep in mind that baguettes usually cannot be used in organic designs and as of now organic designs are preferred.

Samir Kakadia: Striking shapes and sparkling baguette diamonds are more in trend in casual and fashion segments especially with rings, earrings and pendants. As it is preferred by the modern woman of all age groups as it suits their sentiments well.

Amish Kothari: Jewellery with curves goes well with baguettes. These kind of designs are in trend now.

Is it majorly used in traditional jewellery or contemporary?

Sahil Shah:It can be used in both, but if by traditional you mean Indian traditional then no it is rarely used in those.

Samir Kakadia: I feel it is used in both traditional as well as contemporary. Baguette diamonds when paired with other stones creates exclusive yet contemporary styles.

Amish Kothari: I feel it is mostly used in contemporary designs.

Devang Sanghai:Usage of baguettes in traditional Indian jewellery is never out, so I can say 70 per cent of baguettes are used in traditional jewellery and 30 per cent in contemporary designs. The reason for this is, Tier 1 cities are more likely to have contemporary designs but Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4 cities still prefer traditional designs.

Are baguettes loved by all age groups?

Sahil Shah:Baguettes are not age specific, I would say, it all depends on the design and how they have utilised the baguettes.

Samir Kakadia:Elite designs created by using baguette cut diamonds are loved by all age groups; it is also a perfect option for gifting purposes.

Amish Kothari: According to me, young age group prefers more.

What millimetre sizes work for baguette-shaped diamonds?

Sahil Shah: Even this is all based on the design, baguettes can be used in all sizes, there is a trend that people prefer better shaped, not needle type baguettes this season.

Samir Kakadia:Most of the jewellery would be perfect in an average size, up to 2mm. Besides needle, baguettes of the sizes from 3mm to 5mm are also widely used in luxury products.

Amish Kothari: Widely used size is below 3 mm, according to me.

Devang Sanghai:It all depends on design and concept. Nevertheless there are hardly any manufacturers manufacturing baguette above 4 mm.

What are the price points that is loved well?

Sahil Shah:Due to the lack of production,baguette prices are on an increase and good quality baguettes are commanding a higher price. Price point factor again varies on the design, kind of clientele and to a certain extent what is in trend for that particular season.

Samir Kakadia:The price points that are most looked in for are from 299$ to 549$.

Amish Kothari: Price is not important factor, as baguette adds flavour to designs and it used from rings tonecklace set, almost everything.

What quality and colour is best suited?

Sahil Shah:You will find that baguettes that are of better quality are better suited but in my opinion, baguettes that have a nice cut and that are well proportioned are better suited.

Samir Kakadia:SI and I1 quality are widely used in commercial jewellery, besides VS is also used in luxurious products.

Amish Kothari: Mainly white is preferred in baguettes.

Devang Sanghai:In India, VVS and VS is mostly preferred, but choice of colour and quality differs from state to state.

Sahil Shah:Well, you have your tapered baguettes and you have your ‘needles’ baguettes that are long and thin.

Samir Kakadia:The most common sub type of standard baguette is tapered baguette. The narrowing shape of the baguettes accentuates and compliments the shape of other stone. Besides this, using baguettes to make multi-stone center is also widely used. It also helps to form different composite heads and such multi-stone centers are budget friendly, giving a bigger look in lesser cost.

Which countries have baguettes more in demand?

Sahil Shah:I have seen that Indians are starting to lean towards baguettes a bit more this season; with the other countries I have not noticed an increase yet.

Samir Kakadia:Countries like U.S., Australia, Middle East andJapan has high demand for baguette jewellery.

Amish Kothari: Our main market is India and Gulf region. From these sectors, we are getting good demand for jewellery with baguettes.

Devang Sanghai:Hong Kong, Bangkok and India are countries with more demand for baguettes as compared to others.