At New Frontiers Executive Function Coaching, we work with leaders across industries to strengthen adaptability, decision-making, and long-term focus — the same cognitive and emotional skills that keep legacy businesses thriving through change. In that spirit, today we’re sitting down with Rahul Kheskwani, President and CEO of Milano Jewelry, a family-run business with over 35 years of heritage in the luxury jewelry space.
With a strong international presence across major tourist destinations and cruise ports, Milano Jewelry has quietly established itself as both a legacy brand and a forward-thinking leader, particularly in the bridal jewelry segment.
What sets Milano apart isn’t just its scale or product offering — it’s the brand’s ability to remain deeply grounded in its values while evolving alongside its clients. Under Rahul’s leadership, Milano has continued to refine its identity as a trusted destination for bridal jewelry, combining timeless craftsmanship with a sharp awareness of where the industry is headed. This thoughtful balance between stability and innovation mirrors many of the executive function skills we see in great leaders — strategic flexibility, emotional regulation under pressure, and an ability to anticipate what’s next while honoring what’s always worked.
As consumer preferences shift, whether toward lab-grown diamonds, new metal alternatives, or evolving ideas around value and design, Milano doesn’t follow trends for the sake of it. Instead, the brand stays agile, adapting intentionally rather than reactively — a hallmark of effective executive functioning. When the modern bridal client wants the sparkle of lab-grown diamonds, Milano delivers it with integrity. When another prefers the timeless authenticity of natural stones, Milano remains a powerhouse in that category. When gold prices soar, Milano leans into silver and gold vermeil, reinterpreting its best-loved pieces to remain accessible without sacrificing style or quality.
This balance of innovation and restraint continues to define Milano’s leadership in the bridal space. The brand is not trend-driven — it’s client-driven. And in an industry that often swings hard in one direction, Milano’s strength lies in its ability to evolve with purpose.
We spoke with Rahul to get his thoughts on where the bridal market is going, how Milano stays at the forefront, and why staying close to the customer will always be more powerful than chasing the latest headline.
Q&A With Rahul Kheskwani, CEO of Milano Jewelry
Q: Rahul, what’s your take on the current state of the jewelry industry, particularly the bridal space?
A: We’re at an interesting crossroads. The bridal market is still strong, but the customer has changed. Today’s bridal client is more informed, more intentional, and often less brand-driven than previous generations. They’re looking for meaning, quality, and value, but they also want flexibility. Some are drawn to traditional diamond solitaires, others want lab-grown, colored stones, or even alternative settings.
The idea of what an engagement ring should be has expanded — and that’s a good thing, especially for Milano. But with that change comes responsibility. You can’t just chase what’s trending. You have to listen carefully, prioritize what matters, and stay agile without abandoning your core. Those are leadership habits we’ve built into our culture — filtering through noise, setting clear priorities, and adapting with intention rather than reacting impulsively.
Q: Milano is known for being both heritage-driven and adaptive. How do you strike that balance without losing your identity?
A: That’s something we take very seriously. We’ve never tried to be the trendiest brand in the room, but we’ve also never wanted to be stuck in the past. What gives us our edge is our ability to pivot when our clients need us to — not when the industry tells us to.
Take lab-grown diamonds, for example. When the conversation around lab-grown started heating up, we didn’t jump in right away. We listened; we watched how our clients responded. And when we saw the demand was coming from an authentic place, not just hype, we made sure we could offer those products at the same level of quality and service our clients expect.
At the same time, for clients who remain loyal to natural stones, we continue to be an authority. We didn’t have to pick a side — we stayed focused on what our clients wanted from us. That kind of decision-making requires emotional regulation and perspective-taking — two skills that are critical in leadership. You can’t let fear or trend pressure dictate direction; you have to act from a grounded sense of purpose.
Q: You mentioned materials — how has Milano responded to the rising cost of gold, and what trends are you seeing in that space?
A: Gold pricing is definitely a factor right now, and rather than shy away from it, we’ve used it as an opportunity to be creative. We’ve reimagined some of our most popular styles in sterling silver and gold vermeil so that clients looking for more accessible price points still get the Milano quality they know us for.
At the same time, we’ve doubled down on value within our solid gold collections. We’re extremely thoughtful about how we design and price our pieces so that customers who do want to invest in gold feel like they’re getting real craftsmanship and longevity for their money. It’s not about cutting corners — it’s about creating smart, beautiful alternatives while maintaining our standards.
In leadership terms, that’s planning and problem-solving in action: looking at a constraint and turning it into an opportunity, rather than seeing it as a limitation.
Q: What trends are you seeing in bridal aesthetics or design requests right now?
A: We’re seeing a desire for individuality. Clients want rings that feel personal, whether that’s a unique setting, an unexpected gemstone, or custom engraving. Ovals are still popular, and three-stone and toi-et-moi styles have had a big moment. But overall, there’s a return to emotional storytelling. Couples are thinking about why they’re choosing a particular ring, and we’re here to help them find something that reflects that journey.
Also, versatility is huge. Clients want rings they can wear every day, sometimes even mix and match with fashion jewelry. We’re leaning into that — offering engagement and wedding bands that are elegant but also wearable and expressive.
It’s similar to how leaders and teams approach modern problem-solving — they want flexibility, personalization, and authenticity in the systems and tools they use. There’s no one-size-fits-all anymore, and that’s where real executive function shows up — knowing how to tailor a plan, adapt to the context, and still stay aligned with your values.
Q: What does the future of bridal jewelry look like from Milano’s perspective?
A: It’s going to be more diverse, in every way. Diverse materials, diverse budgets, diverse stories. The brands that will win in this space are the ones that know how to listen and respond, not just react. That’s where we feel really confident.
Milano is in a unique position because we’re not boxed into one identity. We’ve built trust across generations, and that gives us room to grow without compromising who we are. We’re not here to tell clients what to want — we’re here to help them find what’s right for them. That approach has served us for 35 years, and I think it’s more relevant now than ever.
Adaptability and humility are key. You have to recognize when something’s working and when it’s time to evolve. That’s leadership at its core — balancing confidence with curiosity.
Closing Reflection
Milano Jewelry’s story is one of cognitive flexibility in motion — staying organized around its mission while adapting to a changing world. The way Rahul and his team approach decision-making, planning, and empathy reflects the same executive function skills we see at the core of resilient leadership.
At New Frontiers Executive Function Coaching, we help leaders and teams build those same habits — prioritizing what matters most, adapting under pressure, and maintaining clarity through growth and change. Explore our Executive Function Coaching for Professionals to learn more about how these skills translate into sustainable success.
