Leading Indian jeweller Ganjam Nagappa & Sons has launched Cascada, the first ever handcrafted platinum collection in India. Indian supermodel Sheetal Mallar showcased the jewellery inspired from the beauty of the waterfall. The fluid and contemporary range is a novel interpretation of the theme - water, which is the international trend for the year. Captured in an enchanting flow of platinum, 'F' colour sawn diamonds and briolettes, is an array of necklaces, pendants, earrings, rings and wrist wear. This creation by the in-house designers and the product development team at Ganjam will define the trends of 2006. Ganjam is expanding its Indian presence by opening a showroom shortly at the Taj Hotel, Mumbai.

D'damas also announced its new brand ambassador Amrita Rao. Mehul Choksi, MD of Gitanjali, partner in D'damas, presented a cheque for an unspecified amount to a representative of Crayons, an NGO working to help underprivileged children.

Embodying the true celebration of wedding vows, Nirvana has created bridal designs that range from cocktail rings to chandelier earrings, elaborate neckpieces and dazzling solitaires, along with bangles and diamond nose pins. Sohil Kothari, a director of the firm says, "The designs are bolder, brighter and intricately designed as pieces of art. Starting from Rs. 75,000 the jewellery has the exact combination of traditional values and contemporary elegance making the designs suitable for other special occasions too." The jewellery brand also promises a lifetime warranty, exchange and buy back facility on every piece. A range of mangalsutras starting from Rs. 8,500 is also available in various styles and lengths in single as well as double strings.

Ishi's has introduced a contemporary diamond jewellery collection of pendants and bracelets for the wedding season. Christened the Parinay Collection, it is a tribute to the coming together of two individuals. The pendants, designed using a sequence of diamonds, combine the traditional with the modern look. The pendants can be worn as a tanmaniya when worn on a chain with black beads, while with a gold chain, the pendants make an elegant fashion statement. Marzin Shroff, Ishi's CEO, says, "The modern woman needs versatile jewellery that can be worn in different ways - Parinay is as versatile as the woman wearing it." The pendants crafted in 18kt gold in white and yellow polish are priced at Rs. 8,000 onwards.

Ace Jewels, part of the KP Sanghvi Group, has unveiled two new ranges, Elite and Dharma targeting the high-end and spiritually inclined buyers in India. According to Uday Nanavati, a director, of the firm, the Elite range has been positioned at rising high net worth buyers and the wedding season sales, while Dharma has been designed for the spiritually inclined. Priced between Rs. 25,000 - 1,000,000, Elite includes 100 designs with princess, marquise, baguettes and rough-cut diamonds. Dharma is priced from Rs. 5,000 onwards.

John Abraham, Lara Dutta and Sanjay Dutt with Mehul Choksi

A glittering evening with stars, stunning jewellery and a scintillating fashion show, witnessed the launch of D'Damas's new jewellery line under its Glitterati brand, inspired by the latest Hindi film Zinda. The Glitterati collection, a signature line of gold and diamond jewellery customised and designed by leading Bollywood stars, combines traditional Indian motifs with international settings. The patterns, flexible in utility as in their appeal, are intricately sculpted in white and yellow gold. This limited range for both men and women, is available from Rs. 15,000 onwards. The event included special appearances from the cast of Zinda followed by a live performance from Pakistani music group Strings.

Carbon has launched the Nox Collection, inspired by the Roman goddess of night. Created for women who seek a little adventure after dark, the collection is crafted out of white gold and solitaire diamonds. The array priced between Rs. 12,950 and 18,950 is available in a collection of 18 pendants, eartops and rings.

Kisna, the branded diamond jewellery line from the Hari Krishna Group, has launched incentive schemes for retailers on VVS quality jewellery till March 31. This unique programme intends to maintain a steady supply of the brand's designs on the retail counters, thus building trust amongst the customers. Stocks will be reinstated immediately to replace sold items. As an incentive to the retailers, every weekend, two lucky-draw winners from each territory will be awarded jewellery worth Rs. 5,000. Kisna is available in a range of rings, pendants, earrings and necklace designs in 18k gold across 60 outlets in Mumbai.

This romantic season Chopard presents the heart in all its facets, through a special Valentine's collection of necklace and watches. The Happy Spirit diamond necklace collection with a cascade of hearts, is designed in yellow and white gold. The Happy Spirit watch is designed in yellow gold hearts with a mobile diamond and a pink mother-of-pearl dial. Chopard has also launched a special Happy Valentine watch with rubies and a mobile diamond.

Nirvana, has designed a dazzling Valentine collection of rings called Stax. These rings symbolise timeless love and are the perfect gift to give that someone special. Each Stax ring consists of a set of three rings in yellow, pink and white gold beautifully crafted and embellished with diamonds. Sohil Kothari, a director of Nirvana says, "Stax rings have been crafted in a unique way so that the customer can either wear one ring individually or all three together, showcasesing the beauty of the entire set."

Kiah diamond jewellery, from the house of Sheetal Group, has created an exquisite line of jewellery especially for Valentine's Day. A collection of alluring diamonds studded in white and yellow gold, it is an assortment of pendants, rings and earrings. Designed to depict versatility, each jewellery piece has been created based on in-depth research, conducted to find the prevalent design preferences amongst young people. This special collection is a lightweight line which can also be worn as daily-wear.

Cygnus Diamond Jewellery has introduced a heart-shaped jewellery collection for this season of love. The Triple Heart and heart -shaped pendants, and earrings are crafted in 18k gold.

Adora has captured the expression of love in its latest dual form of diamond collection, Your Love Forever - a pendant by day and a tanmania by night. It has also launched a new range for youngsters, 4Teen Love Collection set for this season of love.