Three women, three stories: how natural diamonds mark life’s milestones
Every diamond tells a story. Some whisper of first loves, others showcase episodes of family traditions passed down through generations. In Hong Kong, three women have discovered that the most precious stones are those that carry the deepest meaning. Amanda Cheung, managing director of First Initiative Foundation, Alison El Azar, Hong Kong-based influencer, and Antonia Da Cruz, eco-driver, each wear diamonds that speak to something deeper than luxury.
Cheung’s most prized possession carries both sentimental and artistic significance. “I inherited a remarkable grey diamond watch from my mother. When I was younger I always loved it. It was really special to both of us. Years later on my birthday, she gave it to me. It was one of the first pieces she designed with her own unique and beautiful cuts and presentation of grey diamonds. At that time it was a new way of working with diamonds, and she created a fabulous, bold, original feminine statement. Every time I wear it, I feel connection, happiness and love.”
El Azar sees each stone as a vessel of narrative. “For me, natural diamonds are the ultimate symbol of a story. They’re formed under immense pressure over billions of years, which makes each one feel like a tiny, timeless piece of the earth’s history.” Her connection to these stones runs deeper than appreciation for their beauty. “My most unforgettable diamond moment was my grandmother letting me try on her vintage diamond bracelet. She told me the story of how my grandfather saved up for it, and holding that history and meaning in my hands was just magical. It was so much more than just something shiny.”
Alison El Azar in jewels from Phillips' Hong Kong Jewels Auction (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)
Da Cruz views her collection through a different lens entirely. “My diamonds tell a story about love and relationships. My mother has gifted me so much jewellery over the years with the first most memorable diamond I received was a marquise diamond ring for my 21st birthday. My engagement ring is also a significant milestone between my husband and I as a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Each diamond holds memories of transformation and strength, much like my own personal growth.”
These women reject conventional wisdom about appropriate occasions for diamonds. “I’ve worn diamond earrings and bracelets as layered fashion pieces with casual streetwear, blending luxury with everyday wear. Diamonds can be versatile accessories, not just formal jewellery, but I try to avoid being too loud with it if I’m going with an understated look,” explains Da Cruz.
Antonia Da Cruz in jewels from Phillips' Hong Kong Jewels Auction (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)
El Azar has created her own emotional diamond vocabulary. For empowerment: “A pair of strong, geometric big diamond stud earrings or a bold cocktail ring, bold necklace. Something that makes a definitive statement and feels unapologetic.” For elegance: “A timeless tennis bracelet or a simple, perfect solitaire pendant. Something that whispers sophistication and is effortlessly chic with any outfit.” For romance: “A sexy design around the neck and a pair of diamond drop earrings that catch the light with every movement. Something soft, fluid and dreamy.”
Da Cruz champions an aspect of diamonds that often goes unnoticed. “I’d probably say craftsmanship? The intricate setting, and precision involved in cutting and polishing definitely deserve more recognition. So celebrating this honours the skill and effort that bring out a diamond's true brilliance, which makes us appreciate the piece of jewellery’s value and history so much more.”
Amanda Cheung in jewels from Phillips' Hong Kong Jewels Auction (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)
Cheung learned valuable lessons about independence through her first major diamond purchase. “I think my best celebration with diamonds marked a landmark day and a bit of a lesson for me. I had just started working. My parents always encouraged me to value independence—and that included finances. I absolutely adored a pair of Carnet brown diamond earrings, and my mum casually said ‘you can always buy them now that you’re working.’ And as soon as I saved up enough from my first paycheque, I did.”
The parallels between women and diamonds aren’t lost on Cheung. “I love that thought. We sparkle, we are strong and enduring, we have many facets, sometimes playfully changing with the moment, with the light, with those who are part of our lives.”
El Azar has her sights set on something deeply personal. “My ultimate coveted piece would be a personalised one. I love the idea of a classic design, like a pair of three-stone earrings, but with each diamond representing a different milestone or a special person in my life. That blend of timeless style with intimate, personal meaning is the dream for me.”
Hong Kong moves fast—what’s fashionable today is forgotten tomorrow. Yet these women have found something lasting in natural diamonds. Their stories reveal luxury redefined. Not as ostentatious display but as meaningful choice, not as following fashion but as creating personal narrative. Through their experiences, diamonds become vessels for memory, markers of growth, and bridges between generations.
Each woman brings her own light to the story, proving that brilliance isn’t just about what catches the eye—it’s about what captures the heart. In their hands, these stones fulfil their destiny as symbols of what endures and what connects us across time—reminding us that, like the bonds they represent, a diamond is forever.