What Impresses Valérie Messika
The founder of Messika, the French luxury maison that recently debuted in India, on dudes, diamonds and designing her marvels
Men and jewellery have always belonged together. A ring, a chain, a sliver of sparkle—it should be a no-brainer in the vocabulary of style and discerning gentlemanliness. From Keith Richards to Harry Styles and LeBron James to Hardik Pandya, men and their relationship with their gems is something no amount of fashion could make up for.
Earlier this month, Messika made its India debut in the national capital. Founder Valérie Messika and actor Ishaan Khatter graced the launch of the renowned luxury jewellery house known for its innovative redefinition of diamonds—taking away their old-world formality and sprucing them up with a contemporary edge.
The house’s work leans toward sleek, architectural lines, layering pieces that feel so light to the touch rather than heavy or ornate. Their signature is the Move collection—diamonds set in minimalist cages that slide back and forth with motion, making the stone feel alive. Messika is also celebrated for bold high-jewellery pieces that merge Parisian refinement with a streetwise, fashion-forward sensibility.
The Parisian house opening its doors here with founder Valérie and Ishaan underlined both the seriousness and seduction of the moment. Messika, after all, was born in 2005 out of Valérie’s conviction that diamonds could be modern, wearable and far removed from their ceremonial image. Today the brand sits at the intersection of fine jewellery and fashion, beloved by athletes, rappers, actors and couture circles alike.
Esquire India chatted with Valérie on what the arrival of the maison on Indian shores means for the modern man—and how he chooses to amp up his personal style with jewellery.
ESQ: What piece of jewellery on a man would impress you the most?
Valérie Messika: A piece that feels natural on him. Whether it’s a ring, bracelet or chain, what impresses me is when a man wears jewellery with confidence—it becomes part of his personality.
ESQ: How do you design jewellery for men?
VM: I design with character in mind. For men, it’s about creating pieces that strike the right balance between strength and elegance—jewellery that feels powerful yet effortless to wear. Each design should carry a sense of boldness, but also integrate seamlessly into his everyday style, almost like a natural extension of who he is.
ESQ: India has a rich tradition of jewellery for men where it goes beyond watches, rings and bracelets. How excited are you about Messika’s foray into the Indian market?
VM: I am truly inspired by India. For centuries, Indian men have worn magnificent jewels with pride: from turban ornaments to layered necklaces and precious stones carrying both beauty and symbolism. This heritage fascinates me because it shows that jewellery for men has always been about power, spirituality and self-expression. Entering such a market is exciting, as Messika’s contemporary vision of diamonds speaks naturally to this tradition. Indian men already understand jewellery as an extension of identity, which makes our dialogue with them feel both authentic and inspiring.
ESQ: Your founder’s note says that through Messika, you wanted to “offer diamond jewellery that reflected the spirit of free, confident women”. Do you think jewellery also helps to empower the modern man?
VM: Absolutely. Jewellery is not about gender, it’s about self-expression. Just as it empowers women, it gives men the freedom to express identity, charisma, and presence—without saying a word.