Rajasthan may be known for its pink, blue and gold cities—but the colours of its gemstones are all the more vivid. Here, jewellery is not just a thing of adornment or beauty, it’s a central feature of everyday life. Jangling stacks of bangles, kundan-set necklaces and gold and silver piercings are worn across classes, faiths and incomes, passed down through generations via rituals, deaths and dowries. In India, every gem is pregnant with talismanic power, representing a system of faith across regions and ranks. This level of cultural appreciation comes with industrial power: nine out of every 10 diamonds you’ll see today will have been cut and polished in India.