The Jewel of Mumbai

When I first arrived in Mumbai, the glamorous interiors of the historic Taj Mahal Palace hotel immediately transported me to another era.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

After taking off our shoes, we entered this Hindu temple where the priest lit incense and tied bracelets on our wrists while praying.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

The Bombay canteen has a great list of cocktails and a menu full of street food-inspired cuisine.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

Marigolds were all over India!

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

In the midst of monsoon season, locals of Mumbai casually walked around with umbrellas waiting for the onslaught of sudden rain.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

There’s no way to avoid shoe shopping at the local street market. I bought several pairs.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

This little statuette of Ganesha—the Hindu God of wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings—was spotted all over.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

We saw Nirav Modi’s billboard as we head to his workshop to check out his design and stone cutting process.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

The beautifully delicate Fluire rings, which consist of white and yellow diamonds, were a treat to try on.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

Some of the pieces from Nirav Modi’s collection take years to design and perfect.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

All the beautiful colorful cabochon stones that make up Modi’s tutti frutti necklace.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

Nirav Modi explains how a diamond could be worn every day.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

From yellow to purple diamond rings, I was like a kid in a candy store.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

At his store in Mumbai, Nirav Modi had me try on his diamond and tanzanite necklace.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

The Burmese ruby in this collection is described by jewelers as “pigeon red.”

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.

Wearing three diamond bracelets felt like ultra glamorous armor.

Photo by Demetrius Fordham.