Diamonds always draw attention but it’s rare when the diamantaire seems to shine brighter than the stones he sets. Despite making a late entry into the retail business in 2010, Nirav Modi quickly gained a reputation as India’s jeweller to the stars as Hollywood A-listers from Kate Winslet and Dakota Johnson to Taraji P Henson walked the red carpet in diamonds from his eponymous brand. Late last year, Priyanka Chopra was roped in as brand ambassador. By 2013, he had made it to the Forbes’ billionaires list. The allegations of bank fraud that have emerged against Modi tarnished a brand that had been as carefully crafted as his signature stretchable bracelets. His public relations team made sure he got his share of flattering profiles in the media.

Diamonds always draw attention but it’s rare when the diamantaire seems to shine brighter than the stones he sets. Despite making a late entry into the retail business in 2010, Nirav Modi quickly gained a reputation as India’s jeweller to the stars as Hollywood A-listers from Kate Winslet and Dakota Johnson to Taraji P Henson walked the red carpet in diamonds from his eponymous brand. Late last year, Priyanka Chopra was roped in as brand ambassador. By 2013, he had made it to the Forbes’ billionaires list. The allegations of bank fraud that have emerged against Modi tarnished a brand that had been as carefully crafted as his signature stretchable bracelets. His public relations team made sure he got his share of flattering profiles in the media.