The internet has been buzzing with curiosity ever since Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru shared their wedding pictures. The focal point of intense discussion among jewellery experts, designers, and fans was not just the wedding, but Samantha's strikingly unconventional ring. Questions flooded social media: 'Is that even a diamond?' 'What is this unique cut?' 'Who designed this masterpiece?' We delve deep to decode the mystery behind this exceptional piece of jewellery.
The Mastermind Behind The Masterpiece
While Samantha herself has remained tight-lipped about the details, industry insiders have reached a strong consensus. The ring is believed to be crafted by Theodoros Savopoulos, a high-jewellery artist based in Athens. Savopoulos is renowned in elite circles for creating singular pieces that are nearly impossible to replicate. He is famously selective, avoiding mass production, ignoring fleeting trends, and almost never repeating a design.
Prajay Maganlal, CEO of Eleve Lab Diamonds, explains that a Theodoros piece is instantly recognizable and considered a collector's item. This theory gained traction when netizens discovered that Samantha follows Savopoulos's private Instagram account, which has a mere 434 followers, including global icons like Rihanna and Jonathan Anderson.
Deconstructing The Design: A Floral Diamond Lotus
So, what exactly is this ring? Most experts agree the centrepiece is a lozenge-shaped, portrait-cut diamond. Dhrumit Merulia, co-founder of NiZi Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery, clarifies that what many mistook for four separate baguette diamonds is actually a single two-carat portrait lozenge diamond. It is surrounded by eight custom-cut portrait diamonds arranged like petals, creating a floral or lotus-like motif that resonates deeply with Indian sensibilities.
Prajay Maganlal points out that the ring boldly breaks the mould. It prioritises design and symmetry over mere carat weight, using extremely rare portrait-cut diamonds. The central stone is flat and transparent, offering a gentle shine rather than loud brilliance, meant for someone who values subtlety and meaning. The overall aesthetic is a contemporary, minimalist interpretation of the Mughal portrait diamonds found in heritage jewellery.
Why It Defied Engagement Ring Expectations
In a fascinating twist, eagle-eyed fans realised the ring had been hiding in plain sight for months on Samantha's Instagram, visible in posts dating back to February. Its unconventional style was so distinct that no one guessed it was an engagement ring. Dhrumit Merulia exclaimed that even as someone raised around diamonds, he never fathomed it could be an engagement ring, calling it in a category beyond "insane diamonds."
Jewellers note that the portrait cut represents silent grandeur, not loud fashion. Dhruv Jhaveri, Director of Madanji Meghraj Jewellers, says the design breaks from classic solitaire norms with a geometric, cluster-based artistic approach. Pratik Dugar, Owner of Indian Gem and Jewellery Creation, describes it as a bold, statement cocktail ring reflecting Samantha's distinctive style—sleek and understated, not the typical large-center-stone look.
A Testament to Rare Craftsmanship
The technical mastery behind this ring is extraordinary. Aditi Daga, co-founder of Angara, shares that portrait diamonds are ultra-thin with almost no depth. This means any tiny imperfection is visible, requiring stones of exceptional clarity. Setting such a flat diamond without stressing it is incredibly complex. The lozenge shape demands perfect symmetry and precision-cut corners, making this one of the most technically challenging cuts in the industry.
The portrait cut, also known as a 'lasque', has deep historical roots in India. It dates back to the Mughal era under Emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned thin, transparent diamonds to be placed over hand-painted miniature portraits in his jewels to protect the art. This technique later gained popularity in European royal and aristocratic portrait jewellery.
In conclusion, Samantha Ruth Prabhu's ring is more than just an engagement piece; it is a personal statement, a work of art, and a nod to historical craftsmanship. It signifies a growing movement among celebrities to choose rings that are deeply meaningful and reflective of their unique identity, rather than merely following traditional, expensive trends.
