'Legacy is a balance': Jaipur's Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh on royal heritage, natural diamonds and evolving traditions

For Sawai Padmanabh Singh, better known as Pacho, the world is both a polo field and an open itinerary. The 28-year-old professional polo player and titular Maharaja of Jaipur carries forward a legacy spanning three centuries while carving out a life shaped by sport, travel and contemporary culture. His sister, Princess Gauravi Kumari, is also helping bring Jaipur’s heritage into the present, championing its crafts and communities through her work. As De Beers Group’s official advocate for natural diamonds in India, Pacho brings his own perspective to a tradition deeply rooted in Jaipur’s jewellery and craftsmanship. Here, he shares the little luxuries he values most.

What is one heirloom jewellery piece you have preserved?

A set of buttons my grandmother designed for me—she actually sketched them herself. I’ve always been very fond of them because of that personal connection. They’re something I’ll always treasure and hope to pass down one day.

How has growing up in Jaipur shaped your appreciation of jewellery and craftsmanship?

Growing up in Jaipur, I've been fortunate to be surrounded by a rich tradition of jewellery and craftsmanship, and it's something I've come to appreciate more over the years. When the opportunity to collaborate with De Beers came about, I was keen to explore it and learn more about the history of natural diamonds. The fact that each diamond is formed naturally over billions of years and has its own unique characteristics is quite fascinating. Jewellery has always been an important part of our heritage, and it's interesting to see how younger generations are approaching it and developing their own sense of style.

Do you think legacy is about preserving what you inherit, or about evolving it and creating something that is distinctly your own?

I think legacy is a balance between preserving what you inherit and finding your own way of carrying it forward. Every generation brings its own perspective, and I think that evolution is what keeps a legacy relevant while still staying true to what it represents. In that sense, it’s much like a natural diamond, which takes on new meaning with every generation while its essence remains the same.

You come from a heritage where luxury has always been deeply connected to history and craftsmanship. What does “real” luxury mean to you?

Growing up in Jaipur, I’ve always been surrounded by incredible craftsmanship, so I naturally developed an appreciation for the time and skill involved in creating an object of lasting value. There is something special about owning a piece that is rare and unique, particularly when it carries a story and can be passed down through generations. That is also what I find interesting about natural diamonds - each one has its own history.

What is something from your own heritage that you hope will continue to have meaning for future generations?

Whether it’s a piece of jewellery, an object of art or even a tradition, I think these things become more valuable over time because of the memories associated with them. A natural diamond is a good example of this, it can become something far greater than an object once it carries the stories of everyone who has worn it.