DW JAN - FEB 2020

FOunDER: Late Vidya Vinod Kala 

Vol. 47 No.2 INDIA 300 

Alok Kala 

Editor and Publisher 

Arpit Kala 

Associate Publisher 

Vijetha Rangabashyam 

Senior Editor 

Gunjan Jain 

Business & Marketing 

Dhananjay Kokate 

Graphic Designer 

Subscription: 

India: 

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Single Copy: Rs. 300.00 

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The 

Viral 

aTTack 

How Coronavirus is 

affecting the Global 

G&J Industry 

60 Years of BVC 

D-Day Diamond Jewellery 

Light, breezy & versatile does 

it for brides 

Sell your diamonds based 

on authenticity say retailers 

IIJS Signature 2020, Antwerp 

Diamond Market, Red Carpet 

Jewels & more 

Vol. 47 # 2 • January-February 2020 

Cover Courtesy: Orlov 

Jewelry 

Administrative & Editorial Office : 

‘Journal House’, A-95, Janta Colony, 

Jaipur-302 004 (India) 

Ph.: (91-141) 2614398, 2610906, 

2602900 

E-mail: jaipur@diamondworld.net 

Website: http://www.diamondworld.net 

Mumbai Office : 

Unit No 19, Ground floor, 

Vasan Udyog Bhavan, opposite Phoenix 

Mills, Sun Mills Compound, Lower Parel 

(West), Mumbai - 400013 

Phone- (022) 26756055/66 

E-mail : mumbai@diamondworld.net 

Owner : 

International Journal House 

Publisher and Printer: Alok Kala 

Printed at : 

Thomson Press India Ltd., Faridabad 

Published from : 

Journal House, 

A-95, Janta Colony, 

Jaipur 

Coronavirus’ Impact on Global G&J Trade 

G&J Trade Loses 

Momentum, Thanks 

to Coronavirus 

Hong Kong is where the East meets West. It has been a 

melting pot of cultures, where many luxury brands have 

found their safety nets. There is nothing in Hong Kong you 

won’t find, including beautifully designed jewels, gemstones 

in variegated colours and of course diamonds. However, in 

the past few months, the city has been awash with crises. Following 

the antigovernment protests, the dreaded coronavirus 

is not just harming people, it is taking the flourish out of HK’s 

economy. A usually packed Kowloon is now deserted, as offices 

and factories remain closed. What’s more 

problematic in all this is the effect all of this is having on the 

Indian G&J trade reports Diamond World 

56 | The Big Story

64 

64 | Trade Fair 

IIJS Signature 2020 

Diamond Jewellery 

witnesses good 

demand 

107 | The roCk Talk 

Aquamarine, rainbow colour 

gemstones, charmed pieces 

& moon motif 

68 | anTwerp 

diamond markeT 

Antwerp Indicates 

Winds of Change 

86 | speCial FeaTure 

What Brides Want? 

72 | hoT oFF 

The press 

DW’s Fav 5 

78 

93 | speCial reporT 

GJSCI Symposium 

Spreading Knowledge & 

Technical Know-How 

120 

120 | red CarpeT Jewels 

Jewels from Golden Globes, 

SAG & Grammy Awards 

78 | Trade Fair: Vicenzaoro 

Vicenzaoro January – A Crowd 

Pleaser! 

112 

112 | naTion noTes 

Turkey: The Ottoman Magic 

100 | Company FoCus 

Beacon of Inspiration: 60 Years 

of Safeguarding the Industry 

116 

116 | design 

sTudio 

Sylva Yepremain 

- Sylva & Cie

editorial 

Gone Viral 

Just when we thought the industry will finally rest in peace after U.S. 

and China had signed the trade treaty, shock waves were felt across 

the industry because of a new problem and this time in the form of a 

virus. Coronavirus has turned the world upside down and with it the G&J 

industry has taken a beating too. India, which exports 30 per cent of its polished 

diamonds to China via Hong Kong is obviously feeling the impact of this global 

phenomenon and exporters are expecting anywhere between 8 – 10 percent drop 

in sales. 

The much anticipated HK Show has been postponed from March to May 

for obvious reasons and though inevitable, the industry is not happy about it. 

They were expecting to do good business, however, not everybody is sure if the 

new dates will be fruitful. January and February is officially the award season 

and we all waited with bated breath to see how the A-Listers would accessorize 

themselves. What can we say? Diamonds will always remain a red carpet’s best 

friend. 

We wanted to find out from retailers what brides want in terms of diamond 

jewellery and they had some very good insights to give. Diamond promotion, from 

mines to market is the need of the hour and hence we asked retailers how they 

are promoting their diamond jewellery. Interestingly, given the current context, 

promotions relating to certification and diamond authenticity works best. 

Another edition of IIJS Signature came to a successful finish and we learnt 

that buyers were more than interested in ordering diamond jewellery. There is 

hope after all! 

Happy reading! 

Editor 

Alok Kala 

DiamonD WorlD | january-february 2020 | 29

Round & About 

ROugH & Mining 

ALROSA relocates its March 

auctions from Hong Kong 

to other trading centers 

An auction for special size rough diamonds will take place in 

Moscow from March 2 to 18, 2020. Ramat Gan (Israel) will 

host a polished diamond auction. 

"ALROSA is a regular participant of a major jewelry fair in Hong 

Kong. Every year, we hold 

auctions and tenders 

for rough and polished 

diamonds there. This year, 

the organizers decided to 

postpone the spring fair 

until the second half of 

May. Our company has 

adjusted its business plans respectively, and relocated two auctions 

scheduled for March fair," commented Evgeny Agureev, Deputy 

CEO of ALROSA. 

Every year, ALROSA holds four auctions in Hong Kong for 

special size rough diamonds and two polished diamond tenders. 

ALROSA unearths large 191ct 

rough diamond 

ALROSA unearthed the crystal in the early hours of 

December 25 at the Botuobinskaya kimberlite pipe 

in Yakutia. According to estimations made by ALROSA’s 

experts on site, a rough diamond weighing 190.77 carats 

has high quality characteristics. 

The age of the stone 

is estimated at about 2 

billion years. Further 

mineralogical analysis 

will reveal more precise 

numbers. “This is a 

true sign to find such a 

large and high-quality 

diamond just around the end of the year. The Nature 

has already endowed us in 2019. For example, a heartshaped 

diamond was mined at the Udachnaya pipe just 

before Valentine's Day. Surely, such findings are very 

remarkable," said Evgeny Agureev, Deputy CEO of 

ALROSA. 

Russian banks start granting loans to 

ALROSA's foreign clients 

international diamond manufacturer 

Dali Diamond, one of ALROSA's 

long-term clients, signed a loan 

agreement with EXIMBANK OF 

RUSSIA for the financing of rough 

diamond purchases from ALROSA. 

The loan agreement between 

EXIMBANK OF RUSSIA and Dali 

Diamond provides for a 24-month 

revolving credit line in Euros. The 

terms of financing are among the 

best in the industry today - both with 

regard to rates and deferred payments 

to the bank. EXIAR is in charge of 

risk insurance under the agreement. 

"It's another milestone for Dali 

Diamond to receive a seal of confidence 

of the EXIMBANK OF RUSSIA in 

choosing Dali as their first client in 

diamonds," noted Isidore Morsel, 

President of Dali Diamond Co. 

"We are happy that our long-term 

client Dali Diamonds had successful 

negotiations with the EXIMBANK 

OF RUSSIA and for the first time 

ever could finance the purchase of 

ALROSA's goods within a revolving 

credit line. It is a new source of funds 

in our industry, and we hope that such 

form of cooperation will work out," 

says ALROSA Deputy CEO Evgeny 

Agureev. 

30 | january-february 2020 | DiamonD WorlD

Round & About 

Rough & Mining 

Graff to buy diamonds 

from Lucapa Diamond 

Company 

Lucapa has signed an agreement with Safdico 

International, Graff's subsidiary according to which 

Safdico can buy 60 per cent of Lucapa's diamonds from 

Lulo mine. Safdico, Graff's subsidiary, provides the highend 

jewellery house with rarest polished diamonds from 

across the world. Under the agreement signed, Safdico 

will purchase 60 per cent of diamond roughs from Lulo 

mine. The Lulo diamonds purchased by Safdico are 

placed into the cutting & polishing partnership. Once 

procurement and manufacturing costs are deducted, 

the profits generated beyond the mine gate from the sale 

of the resultant polished diamonds are shared equally 

between SML and Safdico. The new revenues streams 

come as SML completes a self-funded US$12 million 

capital investment program designed to expand total 

group production to >60,000 carats in 2020 (on a 100% 

basis). This production increase, coupled with the new 

revenue streams generated from the cutting & polishing 

agreement with Safdico, will enable SML to generate 

higher returns for its partners and make more regular 

loan repayments to Lucapa. 

Petra Diamonds 

revenue slips as 

China, hong Kong 

demand wanes 

Petra Diamonds’ first-half revenue fell 6%, dented by lower 

prices as the diamond industry grappled with soft demand 

from China and Hong Kong, but the African miner said it would 

meet or exceed its annual production target. 

The industry has been facing slowing demand due to antigovernment 

protests in Hong Kong and the bruising trade dispute 

between China and the United States, while some analysts blame 

it on laboratory-grown diamonds. 

There has, however, been an improvement in demand in the 

second quarter, with rough diamond pricing seeing a modest rise, 

the miner said, adding it is on track to meet or exceed its full-year 

production outlook of about 3.8 Mcts. Revenue for the six months 

ended Dec. 31, came in at $193.9 million compared with $207.1 

million last year, while production inched up 3% during the first 

half, the African diamond miner said. Petra said lower prices 

and poor quality diamonds from the Finsch mine in South Africa 

offset the sale of the exceptional blue diamond from its flagship 

Cullinan mine. Petra’s net debt stood at $596.4 million, at the end 

of December, from $592.8 million as of September-end. 


Round & About 

POLISHED DIAMONDS 

SRK introduces attractively 

designed diamond packets 

Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. 

(SRK), one of the largest diamond 

crafting company in the industry is 

introducing an innovative design for 

Diamond Packets. Designed for better 

security, this newly designed packet is 

re-defining the traditional norms of the 

industry. 

The idea of the packet has been 

conceptualized by an in-house team 

of SRK. These packets are extremely 

durable, and the best paper quality used 

will ensure its longevity. The first of its 

kind in the diamond industry, the new 

diamond packets are 100% reusable with 

its unique sticker prints which users can 

easily peel-off. With this, the user can now 

have his own details printing or written on 

the stone, the way he/she wants. 

The most important feature of this New 

Diamond Packet is its Window of Hope; 

the new packets have a Transparent 

Peep-in window which will give surety 

to the Diamond owner about the physical 

presence of the diamond in the Packet without unfolding 

the full packet. This not only will ensure better enhanced 

security to the stone, but also will improve the efficiency in 

the time required to handle them, as they need to unfold it 

less to view the stones. 

The introduction of this innovation from SRK comes 

shortly after the company that polishes one of the largest 

inventories of 3Cts. and 5Cts.plus, Natural Diamonds 

launched their Traceability initiative “The Footprints” last 

year which is certified by British Standard Institute with 

PAS 7000 certificate. 


Round & About 


Pink diamond tiger leaps 

onto rare Perth Mint coins 

As one of the most powerful animals 

in Eastern culture, the majestic tiger 

has been immortalised in rare Argyle 

pink diamonds on The Perth Mint’s most 

significant release for 2020. 

The opulent Jewelled Tiger coin is 

crafted from 10oz of 99.99% pure gold 

and adorned with a finely sculptured threedimensional 

18 carat rose gold tiger pavé 

set with nearly three carats of fancy vivid 

intense pink diamonds from Rio Tinto’s 

famed Argyle Diamond Mine. In contrast to 

its warm hue, two vibrant green Columbian 

Muso Emeralds represent the eyes of the 

mighty animal.Surmounting the coin, the 

tiger is presented with a fierce expression 

to display its dominance as it ascends a 

stylised rocky outcrop of mountain ranges 

with oriental foliage. The design is headed 

by the inscription THE JEWELLED 

TIGER and includes the Chinese character 

for ‘tiger’. Native to many mountainous 

regions across Asia, the tiger is believed 

to be the ruler of all beasts and ‘king’ of 

the mountains. Renowned for its power 

and beauty, the tiger shares the symbolic 

virtues of gold, so it was a natural choice 

to feature this revered creature on such a 

sophisticated release said Perth Mint Chief 

Executive Officer Richard Hayes. 

This rare Australian collectable features 

the Jody Clark effigy of Her Majesty Queen 

Elizabeth II, the monetary denomination 

and the 2020 year-date on its obverse. 

Priced at $259,000 (incl GST), the Jewelled 

Tiger coin is available for purchase instore 

or online. 

135 Fatherless 

Daughters tied knots 

at Mass Wedding 

Ceremony in Surat 

The Mass Marriage Ceremony in Surat 

featured 271 young couples from 

diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. 

The ceremony that was organized by Kiran 

Gems Private Limited and PP Savani Group 

on December 21 and 22, 2019 was attended 

by State Ministers, Shri Bhupendrasinh 

Chudasama and Shri Ganpatsinh Vasava. 

Shri Vallabhbhai Patel, Shri Mavjibhai 

Patel, Dinesh bhai Lakhani and Rajesh 

bhai Lakhani performed the Hindu ritual 

of Kanyadaan – the practice of giving away 

one’s daughter in marriage. 

Star Rays becomes a carbon neutral company 

Star Rays, a leading Indian diamond 

manufacturer and exporter, has 

underlined its commitment to sustainable 

business practices by 

working towards becoming 

India’s first carbon-neutral 

diamond company. Star Rays 

is participating in the World 

Jewellery Confederation’s 

(CIBJO) Greenhouse Gas 

(GHG) Measuring and Offsetting Initiative 

to ensure that its carbon emissions and 

removals are measured in accordance 

with international standards. 

“Global warming and climate change 

have come to the fore as a key issue in 

sustainable development. Every human 

activity in the world releases 

carbon dioxide. We are 

committed to reducing carbon 

emissions at every step in our 

business and personal life. As 

a responsible company, our 

motto at Star Rays is to make 

the world a better place to live in. We 

have therefore decided to collaborate 

with Carbon Expert, a carbon consultancy 

firm who have developed processes and 

best practices to help companies become 

carbon neutral by complying with GHG 

Protocol Corporate Standard” says Jitesh 

Shah - Partner Star Rays. 

“Environmental and social 

responsibility has become a mission for 

Star Rays. Carbon neutrality is just one 

of a number of initiatives Star Rays has 

adopted to ensure that our clients can take 

pride in purchasing natural diamonds 

manufactured by an environmentally and 

socially-conscious company,” says Rahul 

Jauhari – Sr. Vice President, Global 

Salesand Marketing, Star Rays. 


Round & About 


Season 7 of Kiran Premier 

League 2020 a Grand Success 

Captain - DM Tigers with the Captains of other teams 

Kiran Premier League 2020 – Season 

7 was a 4-day fun-filled carnival 

organized by Kiran Gems Private Limited. 

Season - 7 started with a bang and was held 

from January 30 to February 2, 2020, in Air 

India Sports Club, Mumbai. 

Directors, Dinesh Lakhani and Rajesh 

Lakhani welcomed the 16 participating 

teams and wished them luck! As always, 

the entire Kiran Team welcomed Kiran 

Alliance, the team of diamond brokers that 

played as well. 

Director, Dinesh Lakhani said, “Cricket 

is a sport that has the potential to unite 

Captain, Dinesh Lakhani of DM Tigers with 

his Trophy 

people in one thread. A sport that is engaging 

and increases camaraderie between the 

team members. It improves social skills 

such as cooperation, communication and 

learning how to cope with winning and 

losing, team skills and a fantastic way 

to re-connect with the colleagues.” The 

atmosphere on the pitch was energetic 

and action-packed. Stadium during all 

the games was the liveliest place that was 

witnessed by all that were present there. 

“We call ourselves One Big Family and it 

really is true”, mentioned Director, Rajesh 

Lakhani. “Every family member at Kiran 

Gems looks for ways to help each other. It’s 

a ‘Happy Workplace’. We encourage and 

foster a work environment that is fun and 

that inspires employees to take joy in their 

work,” he added. 

Kiran Premier League Trophy and 

Favourite Team Title was won by Dinesh 

Lakhani’s team DM Tigers. 


Round & About 

Lab & TechnoLogy 

De beers group Industry Services 

partners with RDI Diamonds Inc 

De Beers Group Industry Services 

has announced a new collaboration 

with leading US wholesaler, RDI 

Diamonds Inc., to become its premier 

source of diamond grading reports. 

The partnership marks De Beers 

Group Industry Services’ first step into 

diamond grading activity in the U.S. 

As part of the collaboration, De Beers 

Group Industry Services will be the 

exclusive grader of Rare and Forever 

diamonds from RDI and assist in 

various educational activities and sales 

training. Jonathan Kendall, President of 

De Beers Group Industry Services, said: 

“De Beers Group Industry Services 

prides itself on its high standards, 

consistency and proprietary technology. 

We are so pleased to see companies 

like RDI Diamonds taking measures to 

ensure their customers can be confident 

the diamonds they are buying are 

accurately represented on their grading 

reports. 

“This move will give RDI Diamonds 

something truly compelling to offer to 

their clients, from a company that is 

recognized as a leader in the diamond 

industry. They can substantiate, clearly 

define, and explain the differences 

between grades, guaranteeing the 

customer the highest standards 

of diamond grading supported by 

innovative and proprietary technology 

from De Beers Group Industry Services.” 

Michael Indelicato, CEO of RDI 

Diamonds, said: “We were humbled 

to be approached by De Beers Group 

Industry Services for such an important 

opportunity: introducing the United 

States to this grading report. We have 

been blown away by the integration 

of unparalleled technology to ensure 

consistent and accurate grading. These 

grading reports are going to be a gamechanger 

here in the States, and we are 

excited to be a premier partner.” 

GIA Offers $2 million in Scholarships for 2020 

scholarship from GIA 

a (Gemological Institute of 

America) can help with the cost of 

the Institute’s industry-leading and 

globally-recognized diploma and 

certificate programs. Applications 

are now available for scholarships 

for professionals and students 

interested in gemology and jewelry 

manufacturing arts programs, distance 

education courses and lab classes 

related to gems and jewelry. 

Anna Doll, GIA Graduate 

Gemologist, Applied Jewelry 

Professional and scholarship 

recipient, said, “The GIA scholarship 

made a huge impact in my life. I would 

not have been able to be here without it.” 

Scholarships funded by the GIA 

Endowment Fund and private donors 

are available for distance education 

eLearning courses and lab classes, 

and for GIA’s Gemology and Jewelry 

Manufacturing Arts programs and 

classes at the Institute’s campuses 

in Bangkok, Carlsbad, Hong Kong, 

London, Mumbai, New York and 

Taiwan. 

In 2019, GIA awarded 458 

scholarships that ranged from $600 to 

$23,000 to pursue eLearning courses, 

lab classes and on-campus programs. 

GIA has awarded nearly $10 million 

in scholarships since 2015, helping 

more than 2,000 students study at GIA 

globally. 


Round & About 


gIa brings Diamond 

origin Reports to 

Times Square 

gIA brings the message of its consumer protection 

mission and its new innovative Diamond Origin 

Reports to crowds in New York City’s Times Square during 

the holiday season, including the famous New Year’s 

celebrations and Valentine’s Day. 

“Over the coming months, there will be millions of 

engagement moments shared around the world. At the 

center of most will be the story of a diamond,” said Mark 

Buntz, GIA’s senior vice president and chief marketing 

officer. “At GIA, we are proud to give consumers the 

knowledge to tell that story, and to trust in the quality and 

origin of their diamond. There is no place better than the 

heartbeat center of New York City to introduce consumers 

to GIA’s mission, services and reports.” 

Two ads about GIA’s innovative Diamond Origin Report 

and the 4Cs of Diamond Quality – Color, Clarity, Cut and 

Carat Weight – alternate on the 56-by-29-foot wrap-around 

video billboard at 1500 Broadway on the north-east corner 

at West 43rd Street. One of the two 15-second spots will 

run three times each hour from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. until Feb. 

15, 2020. The two videos, along with a third ad focused on 

diamond shopping that ran from Nov. 15 through Dec. 25, 

2019 are also on GIA’s YouTube channel. 

DRC Techno introduces 

three new automatic CVD 

/HPHT diamond detectors 

F 

or the first time in the history of lab-grown diamond detection 

industry, DRC Techno is proudly introducing three new 

revolutionary automatic (objective type) series of lab-grown 

(CVD/HPHT) diamond detectors with the equivalent capabilities 

of our most refined and automatic detector developed till date for 

high capacity analysis; The J Smart Pro. 

Yes, you heard it right. No more ‘Maybe’, only ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. 

Gone are the days of manual (subjective type) result 

interpretation, where the human judgment might lead to an 

error in interpreting the lab-grown diamond detection results. 

Followed by rigorous research, customer surveys and product/ 

market fit; to identify the genuine pain points of all members in 

the natural diamond & diamond Jewellery supply chain. DRC 

Techno understood and realized the need of the hour to provide 

an uncomplicated solution to meet customer’s deep need of 

safeguarding their respective merchandise and brand image in the 

most convenient and cost-effective manner; because of the ever 

increasing global threat of the undisclosed lab-grown diamonds 

entering the natural diamonds 

supply chain. 

Now, with the unmatched 

state of the art technology from 

DRC Techno, every lab-grown 

diamond (loose or mounted) can 

be detected accurately, at each 

stage of a diamond journey. 


Round & About 

Lab & TechnoLoGy 

Sarine Technologies Continues 

Enforcement of its Intellectual 

Property 

Sarine and its subsidiary, Galatea Ltd., have filed 

additional lawsuits in India for patent and copyright 

infringement against manufacturers of IP-infringing Galaxy 

machines. As part of such lawsuits, court-appointed 

commissioners yesterday conducted surprise inspections of 

various locations in the diamond manufacturing centre of 

Surat where such systems are allegedly being manufactured 

and/or utilised in violation of Sarine’s patents and 

copyrights. 

David Block, CEO of Sarine, states that, “It is 

encouraging to see the drop in the response time of the 

Indian authorities to the problem of piracy in the market. 

In only a matter of days, the commissioners were appointed 

and sites inspected with police assistance so that our cases 

can proceed through the courts.” 

IGI empowers the 

retail team and 

end consumers at 

Londe Jewellers 

The International Gemological Institute, IGI, 

conducted a Retail Support Program for the sales 

team of Londe Jewellers at Nagpur. This was followed by 

the IGI Know Your Diamond Jewelry seminar for the end 

consumers where about three hundred end consumers 

and diamond enthusiasts were given a detailed 

understanding of the many aspects in solitaires and fine 

jewelry. Over 300 hundred participants attended the 

Know Your Diamond Jewelry seminar while the sales 

team underwent a retail training session. 

The Know Your Diamond Jewelry seminar was well 

attended by the jeweler’s esteemed clientele wherein 

they were enlightened about the many aspects in a 

diamond. "We, at Londe Jewellers, are truly grateful 

to team IGI for the extensive training and knowledge 

sharing sessions. Our employees have surely benefited 

from the sessions and the customers too, have gained 

major insights about diamonds and fine jewelry. We 

hope to utilize the knowledge shared in our future 

course of business," said Rajesh Londhe of Londe 

Jewellers. 

From things to remember while purchasing fine 

jewelry to evaluating the jewelry grading certificate, 

the session helped the end consumers understand the 

intrinsic characteristics that make a diamond. 


Round & About 


GIA Suspends 

Diamond Sealing 

Services 

g 

IA has suspended diamond sealing services. 

The Institute is taking this action after recently 

encountering a small number of GIA sealing packets that 

had been compromised by third parties after the sealing 

packets left GIA. In these instances, GIA determined that 

the diamonds originally enclosed in the compromised 

packets had been replaced with HPHT (high-pressure, 

high-temperature) treated natural diamonds. The 

substitute treated diamonds superficially matched 

the GIA report information for the original diamonds, 

including information on the sealing packet data label. 

GIA is suspending sealing services in all locations 

indefinitely, pending an investigation of the source of this 

fraud. Anyone with concerns about a GIA-sealed diamond 

may submit the unopened packet to any GIA laboratory 

for verification services. If GIA concludes that the 

diamond in the sealing packet is the diamond described 

in the original report, the Institute will issue a verification 

letter confirming the diamond matches the original 

report. If the diamond does not match the GIA report, 

the Institute will issue a new report with the correct 

results. All sealed diamonds submitted for this free-ofcharge 

verification service will be returned unsealed. The 

verification service will be provided free-of-charge for 

diamonds received in a sealed packet. 

gTL collaborates with 

ebay for gemstone 

certification 

In an attempt to put the Gem Testing Laboratory (GTL) on the 

global map, Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council 

(GJEPC) signed an MOU with eBay on 3rd January 2020. eBay 

will offer a special discounted price for gemstone certification by 

GTL under the terms of this MOU. 

The MOU was signed by Sanjay Singh, Regional Director, 

GJEPC and Vidmay 

Naini, Country Head, 

Ebay. Speaking on the 

occasion, Vidmay Naini 

commented, “With the 

help of social media we will 

market the certification 

in US thereby increasing 

consumer confidence 

which will lead to higher 

sales. One thing I would like to highlight is that when you’re 

selling on eBay, you’re not competing against your own sellers, 

you are competing against the world sellers. The sellers can be 

in Thailand, China, Europe or Africa- this certification will give 

us a competitive advantage over those sellers. Once buyers start 

recognizing this certification as quality and assurance, trust will 

go up. Once trust goes up so will our sales. So I congratulate all 

of us for this endeavour and hope this partnership will open up 

more doors and more markets for our sellers and overall win-win 

situation for all of us.” 


Round & About 

AssociAtion & trAde Bodies 

Haridas Kotahwala 

of Royal India USA 

elected President 

of IDCA 

iDCA elects Haridas Kotahwala 

of Royal India USA as its 

President for the year 2020. The 

Kotahwala family has been an 

expert in 

gems and 

jewellery 

spanning 

across 5 

generations 

with offices 

in Mumbai, Jaipur & U.S. Haridas 

has served as President in the year 

2009 as well. 

Shekhar Shah from Real 

Gems and Shiksha Naheta from 

Empresa Jewels will continue to 

be the group’s secretary and joint 

secretary respectively and Nitin 

Jobanputra from Sanghvi Diamond 

was elected vice president. Sujan 

Doshi from S.A. Diamonds was 

elected treasurer. 

Rutali Gandhi from Sagar 

Star Corp. was elected as board 

member. Shrenil Bhansali from 

Fairway Diamonds, Prakash 

Mehta from Interings, Prashant 

Mehta from Dia Expressions, 

Sailesh Lakhi from Sparkles & 

Colors USA and Nilesh Sheth from 

Nice Diamonds were re-elected 

as directors and Parag Jain from 

Paramount Gems and Amit Jhalani 

from TBR International were 

elected as new directors. 

International Diamond Week 

receives good response 

the International Diamond Week in 

Israel opened to a packed exhibition 

hall, with over 300 international buyers 

from 18 countries in attendance. Also 

participating were diamond leaders 

from around the world including Alrosa 

President Sergei Ivanov, WFDB President 

Ernie Blom, CIBJO President Dr. Gaetano 

Cavalieri, Bharat Diamond Bourse VP 

Mehul Shah, Dubai’s DMCC Executive 

Chairman and CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem, 

London Diamond Exchange President Alan 

Cohen and Honorary President of the World 

Diamond Council Eli Izhakoff. 

The ceremony was also attended by 

Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel ShamaHacohen, 

and Israeli diamond leaders Israel Diamond 

Exchange (IDE) President Yoram Dvash, 

Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association 

(ISDMA) Jacob Korn, Israel Diamond 

Institute (IDI) Boaz Moldawsky and 

Chairman of the IDWI 2020 Ezra Boaron. 

The show, which features more than $1 

billion worth of diamonds will continue 

through February 12, 2020. Among the 

300 buyers from around the world were 

110 buyers who arrived in Israel for the first 

time. 

In his opening remarks IDE President 

Yoram Dvash said, "I am delighted to see 

all the distinguished guests who came 

from Israel and abroad. This year, a record 

number of buyers and delegations from 

around the world have arrived here.”He 

said that thetotal number of participants 

would have been larger, but that due to the 

emergency declared in China, many of the 

East Asian buyers were not able to attend. 

“We all hope that the Chinese will soon be 

able to control the spread of the corona virus 

and that the entire world will breathe a sigh 

of relief.” 

Dvash added, "We are at the beginning 

of 2020 and we very much hope that this 

year will be one of recovery in the markets. 

In light of the reductions in rough allocation 

by some producers, shortages have been 

created and demand for certain goods has 

grown. This is certainly a step that will allow 

an adjustment in the global levels of rough 

and polished goods. We hope that this trend 

will continue in the coming months, and 

will create new opportunities for theworld 

diamond industry. " 


Round & About 

AssociAtion & trAde Bodies 

iGi opens new offices in shanghai 

Moving after 10 years from the 

Podung area to the prestigious 

Fosun building in the core of the Bund 

Financial Center, the new offices include 

multiple classrooms and a state-ofthe-art 

laboratory. IGI's Shanghai base 

is positioned as a hub in the Asia- 

Pacific region and will offer enhanced 

educational and grading services as well 

as gemological information to everyone 

interested in gems and jewellery. 

“IGI’s Shanghai base will promote 

mutual understanding between IGI and 

the domestic jewellery industry and 

establish its reputation and influence 

among consumers, which leads the 

domestic consuming market to gain 

more internationalized information,” 

expressed Yan Nanhai, vice president 

of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange. 

“IGI was one of the few representatives 

of international companies that was 

invited to participate in the second ‘Belt 

and Road International Cooperation 

Summit Forum,’ a successful model 

of cooperation between Western and 

Chinese companies under the national 

strategic framework, continued Nanhai. 

“We hope that in the new year, IGI’s 

Shanghai base will play a leading role 

in the industry." 

“IGI serves industry peers and 

consumers, providing professional 

services and quality assurance and 

helps the jewelry industry to improve 

their skills,” said Roland Lorie, 

global CEO of IGI. “With the rapid 

development of the Chinese jewelry 

market, IGI education offers the 

possibility for the domestic industry to 

improve acumen and gain international 

empowerment.” 

BVCI is now a certified member of 

Responsible Jewellery Council 

BV Chinai & Co. 

(India) Pvt. Ltd., 

(BVCI) India’s leading 

customs clearance 

company for diamond 

and jewellery, has 

achieved the certified Membership 

by the Responsible Jewellery Council 

(RJC) for the Code of Practices 

(COP) 2019. RJC is the jewellery 

industry’s foremost standard-setting 

and certification body. 

RJC membership always 

brings upon BVCI an enormous 

responsibility of ensuring 

the best practices in its 

business relationships & 

operations. BVCI’s ethical 

approach to business 

& continuous stress on 

regulatory compliances addresses 

the worries of its customers by 

assuaging and providing, in reality, a 

seamless EXIM operation. Further this 

membership is a symbol of enhanced 

customer trust in BVCI. 

Uday Chinai, Chairman,BV 

Chinai& Co. (India) Pvt. Ltd., (BVCI) 

said, “We are thrilled to receive 

the coveted membership certificate 

from RJC. Since its inception in the 

year 1960, BVC has been an active 

partner to the Gems & Jewellery 

industry, with logistics solutions for 

the entire value chain. We adhere 

to the highest standards of business 

ethics while providing a superior 

and modified solution with the aid. 

We will help bring in global best 

practices relevant to the precious 

cargo industry in India.” 


Round & About 

Export of lab grown polished diamonds 

witnessed a massive surge of 111% 

For the first time, the export of lab-grown 

polished diamonds ahead of Christmas 

season witnessed a massive 111 per cent 

increase to Rs 155 crore in November 

compared to Rs 73 crore in November 

compared to Rs 73 crore in November 2018. 

At the same time, the export of natural 

polished diamonds fell by 25%, though it’s 

much bigger in value terms. 

Many leading diamond jewellery brands 

Lab Grown DiamonDs 

in the US including Signet Jewellers largest 

retailer of diamond jewellery, now sell labgrown 

diamonds. 

Lab-grown Diamond and Jewellery 

Promotion Council (LGDJPC) chairman 

Shashikant Shah said, "Given their cheaper 

price, these diamonds are gaining huge 

acceptance among consumers in the US. 

Compared to natural diamond exports, the 

lab-grown diamond exports value is very 

negligible. But, this segment is seeing 

double digit growth and the exports will only 

keep increasing in the coming years." 

IIa Technologies 

successfully invalidates 

key Element Six patent 

The High Court of Singapore agreed with IIa 

Technologies and found that one of Element Six’s 

key patent no. 110508 in Singapore (“ SG ‘508”) which 

relates to the production and annealing of CVD Diamonds 

to improve their color, is invalid. The High Court has 

ordered that SG ‘508 

be revoked. For this 

reason, the High Court 

further concluded that 

IIa Technologies has 

not infringed SG ‘508. 

The High Court found that another Element Six patent 

no.115872, which relates to the production of optical 

grade diamonds, is valid and has been infringed. IIa 

Technologies and its lawyers are studying the judgment 

and will consider its next steps. 

Vishal Mehta said, “IIa Technologies has developed 

its proprietary process in the last 15 years and is proud 

of the work we have done to bring lab grown diamonds to 

the world. The current judgment will be considered in its 

entirety and then the company will take necessary steps 

to protect its interests.” 

iia Technologies found to 

have infringed Element six 

synthetic diamond patent 

Element Six expressed satisfaction at the successful conclusion 

of its patent infringement action against IIa Technologies 

in Singapore. IIa Technologies was found by The High Court of 

Singapore to have infringed an Element Six patent for proprietary 

synthetic diamond products and their method of manufacture 

(Singapore patent number 115872). The patent in question relates 

to the production of 

material which is 

desirable both for 

use in laboratorygrown 

diamond jewellery, and in optical applications such as 

infrared spectroscopy and high-power laser optics. 

A secondary Element Six patent relating to the treatment of 

CVD synthetic diamond (Singapore patent number 110508) was not 

found to be valid in Singapore and Element Six is considering its 

legal options with regards to this decision. 

Element Six has invested hundreds of millions of dollars over 

more than 60 years to become a leading producer of synthetic 

diamond material, developing new material to tackle some of science 

and industry’s most intractable challenges. Any use of Element Six 

patents, without its consent, negatively impacts its ability to get a 

full return from its investment and undermines its ability to carry out 

further important research and development. 


Round & About 

Lab Grown DiamonDs 

swarovski's new lab-grown diamond 

collection includes new cuts and colours 

During Paris Haute Couture Fashion 

Week, Swarovski launched 16 

new created diamonds in astonishing 

cuts and colours. Swarovski created 

diamonds are a 21st century innovation 

that builds on their heritage of mastery 

and craftsmanship, dating back to the 

company’s founding in 1895. With 

the debut of this colourful collection, 

Swarovski pushes the boundaries of 

art and science, offering lab-created 

diamonds in 16 astonishing colours – 

the most extensive assortment of hues 

available on the global market today. 

2020 is Swarovski’s 125th anniversary 

and this exploration of new materials 

and technologies marks the promise 

of a colourful year and future. The 

colors in the collection pay homage to 

Swarovski’s history of mutually creative 

collaborations and to the vision and 

innovation on which the brand’s heritage 

and enduring ingenuity is built upon. 

The 16 colours are arranged in four 

pillars, each referencing a creative 

field in which Swarovski has always 

played a vital role: Fashion, Art, Music 

& Architecture. The colours come from 

a range of inspirations: the sky in a 

cubist painting, a gothic sculpture, a 

couture gown and the colours dominating 

a variety of music cultures. Each pillar 

of the lab-grown diamonds contain four 

cushion cut diamonds led by the boldest 

of the four colours available in 2.5 ct. 

size. The rest three colours are 1.25 ct. 

each. The standard selection in fancy 

colors will reportedly be offered from 

0.25 ct. to 1.5 ct. 

Carnegie Institution Seeks Cut of Rising Lab- 

Grown Diamond Sales 

The Carnegie Institution of 

Washington, which has been 

doing scientific research for more than 

a century, filed lawsuits in New York 

alleging its patents for growing diamonds 

in a lab are being infringed by some top 

makers of such gem stones. 

The institute filed three complaints 

Thursday in Manhattan federal court 

against six companies, including 

Pure Grown Diamonds Inc. and IIa 

Technologies PTE Ltd. Carnegie 

and M7D Corp., which licenses the 

technology, said in the lawsuits that 

they are seeking cash compensation and 

court orders blocking unauthorized use of 

two patents. Carnegie says its technology 

uses a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) 

process to control growth from a diamond 

seed, “atom by atom, to the highest purity 

and quality.” Sales of man-made diamonds 

have been increasing in recent years 

because many are offered at lower prices 

than similar gems from a mine. 

“Grown or synthetic diamonds are 

chemically, physically and optically 

identical to mined diamonds,” Carnegie 

said in one complaint. “In fact, the 

Federal Trade commission has recently 

changed the definition of the term 

‘diamond’ to remove the term ‘natural.’” 

Pure Grown and IIa Technologies 

were sued in one complaint, while 

another was filed against ALTR Inc. and 

its parent, R.A. Riam Group Inc. A third 

targets Mahendra Brothers Exports Pvt. 

Ltd. and its parent, Fenix Diamonds 

LLC. 


Round & About 

Retail & e-CommeRCe 

tiffany comes to india! 

the iconic jewellery brand has finally arrived on the Indian soil as they flung their 

doors open for business in the Capital after a soft launch on the eve of Republic 

Day. The global jewellery giant enters India through a joint venture with the retail arm 

of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries making Delhi's Chanakya Mall - the new 'it' 

destination for jewellery lovers now. Although 

the iconic Blue Box Cafe is yet to open (not 

announced), one can still bask in the glory of 

the timeless classic Audrey Hepburn's film 

Breakfast At Tiffany's, well almost! 

From gemstones to diamonds, the 

2,600sqft store in Delhi showcases the full 

range of Tiffany including Tiffany T, Tiffany 

HardWear, Tiffany True and their Home & 

Accessories collection. Not just that, to make your experience top-notch, they also 

have a luxurious private salon for scheduled appointments. 

“From their new designs as well its classic collections, the new store celebrates 

the craftsmanship and exceptional quality that characterise the brand’s extraordinary 

pieces,” a statement issued through Reliance said. The 183-year-old company is 

reportedly opening its second store in Mumbai later this year. 

malabar Gold & Diamonds 

opens new store in Qatar 

malabar Gold & Diamonds, one 

among the largest jewellery 

retailers globally with a strong retail 

network of over 250 outlets spread across 

10 countries, has revealed its new store 

in Qatar. The new store conveniently 

located at Fereej Al Nasr Street is the 

14th store of Malabar Gold & Diamonds 

in Qatar. Malabar Gold & Diamonds is 

the flagship company of Malabar Group, 

a leading diversified Indian business 

conglomerate. Established in 1993 in 

the Indian state of Kerala, Malabar 

Gold & Diamonds today has a strong 

retail network of over 250 outlets spread 

across 10 countries, 14 wholesale units 

in addition to offices, design centers and 

factories spread across India, Middle 

East, Far East & USA. With an annual 

turnover of $4.51bn, the company 

currently ranks one among the largest 

jewellery retailers globally. 

With 14 cluster manufacturing 

units in India and GCC – the company 

currently has 12 jewellery brands 

to cater to the discerning needs of 

customers. With headquarters in Kerala 

and branches across India, Middle 

East & Far East, Malabar Group is 

best known for its activities in the field 

of gold, diamonds, silver and lifestyle 

articles. 

Second biggest 

diamond ever 

now belongs to 

Fashion Mogul 

Louis Vuitton 

Sewelo - the largest rough diamond 

discovered since 1905 now 

belongs to French fashion house and 

luxury retailer Louis Vuitton. The 

news created quite a stir in the gems 

and jewellery industry worldwide 

since this was an unprecendeted move 

from anyone in the fashion industry. 

While the biggies of the industry 

wrap their heads around the big 

move by LV, Michael Burke, the chief 

executive of 

Louis Vuitton, 

in one of his 

interviews, 

shared how 

surprised his 

competitors 

are adding that it will spice things up a 

bit and wake up the industry. 

Discovered in April 2019 at the 

Karowe mine in Botswana (owned by 

Lucara Diamond Corp, a Canadian 

miner), the baseball-size Sewelo is 

the second largest rough diamond 

ever mined. The largest was 3,106.75 

Cullinan diamond, which was 

discovered in South Africa in 1905 

and eventually yielded two enormous 

high-quality stones — one of 530.4 

carats and one 317.4, both now part 

of the British crown jewels, as well as 

many smaller stones. 


Divine Solitaires 

announces exciting 

solitaire offer at Kuldip 

Sons Jewellers 

(L-R) Nagendra Keshri, Jignesh Mehta & Saket Keshri 

Divine Solitaires announced the launch of an exciting solitaire 

jewellery exhibition at the famous Kuldip Sons Jewellers store 

in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Jignesh Mehta, Founder & Managing Director, 

Divine Solitaires and Rajesh Verma, Managing Director, Kuldip Sons 

Jewellerswere present and addressed the members of the press. 

The city of Ranchi, being the capital of Jharkhand and one of the 

names under the Smart Cities Mission, is home to many from other parts 

of the country. Since many years, the city’s local population has shown 

a strong inclination towards beautiful jewellery of different kinds and in 

various designs. While this is unchanged, the newer population is also 

actively developing a taste for diamond and solitaire jewellery. Not only 

do they seek the best quality and variety in solitaire jewellery but also 

something more in terms of pricing and value. 

Jignesh Mehta, Founder & Managing Director, Divine Solitaires 

said, “We are pleased to be with a brand like Kuldip Sons Jewellers. 

Like us, they don’t just believe in providing the best quality to their 

customers but also understand how important customer fulfilment is. 

This is something that we really look forward to as Divine Solitaires 

reaches out to the people of Ranchi through our solitaire jewellery 

exhibition at Kuldip Sons Jewellers. 

Rajesh Verma, Managing Director, Kuldip Sons Jewellers said, “For 

more than two decades, we have been providing high-quality gold and 

diamond jewellery to our customers in Ranchi and Jamshedpur. They 

love what we have to offer. And with Divine Solitaires, we are sure that 

the people here will also enjoy buying solitaires and solitaire jewellery 

in beautiful designs.” 

Round & About 

Retail & e-CommeRCe 

Divine Solitaires’ launches 

exciting solitaire offer at 

Mahabir Danwar Jewellers 

Divine Solitaires is pleased to announce the launch 

of its exciting solitaire jewellery exhibition at the 

reputed Mahabir Danwar Jewellers store in Salt Lake, 

Kolkata. Jignesh Mehta, Founder & Managing Director, 

Divine Solitaires, Arvind Soni, Director, Mahabir 

Danwar Jewellers and Sandeep Soni, Director, Mahabir 

Danwar Jewellers, interacted with the press at the 

event. Jignesh Mehta, Founder & Managing Director, 

Divine Solitaires said, “It’s great to be working with a 

label like Mahabir Danwar Jewellers. They value their 

customers and have been giving them the best quality 

for years now. Like them, Divine Solitaires, too, believes 

customer satisfaction is paramount. We really want the 

people of Kolkata to get the best out of this solitaire 

jewellery exhibition at Mahabir Danwar Jewellers. 

Arvind Soni, Director, Mahabir Danwar Jewellers 

said, “For close to forty years, we have been offering 

high-quality handcrafted gold, diamond, Kundan 

jewellery and more to our customers in Kolkata. We 

value their patronage and understand how important 

their satisfaction is. With Divine Solitaires, we want 

to continue offering the best solitaires and solitaire 

jewelleryto them in a range of beautiful designs.” 

Sandeep Soni, Director, Mahabir Danwar Jewellers 

said, “Our customers have always been pleased with 

our service and quality. In so many years, we have come 

to understand what they want in terms of design and 

quality. Through the solitaire exhibition from Divine 

Solitaires, we are sure that they will find the quality 

they want.” 

(L-R) Vijay Soni, Jignesh Mehta & Arvind Soni 


The Big STory 

Coronavirus’ Impact on the Global G&J Trade 

G&J Trade Loses 

Momentum, Thanks 

to Coronavirus 


The Big STory 

Hong Kong is where the East meets West. It has been a 

melting pot of cultures, where many luxury brands have 

found their safety nets. There is nothing in Hong Kong you 

won’t find, including beautifully designed jewels, gemstones 

in variegated colours and of course diamonds. However, 

in the past few months, the city has been awash with 

crises. Following the antigovernment protests, the dreaded 

coronavirus is not just harming people, it is taking the 

flourish out of HK’s economy. A usually packed Kowloon is 

now deserted, as offices and factories remain closed. What’s 

more problematic in all this is the effect all of this is having 

on the Indian G&J trade reports Diamond World 

China is a nucleus in the global 

economy. It is a manufacturing 

centre that contributes almost 

16 per cent to the global gross domestic 

product. Hence, when the country is 

being overrun by a super-spreader like 

coronavirus, certain amount of collateral 

damage was expected. And Hong Kong, 

one of the main centres for gems and 

jewellery globally, is not too far away 

from Wuhan, the city where this dreadful 

virus first germinated. About 3350 

manufacturing companies import and 

export precious jewellery in Hong Kong. 

The outbreak has left the jewellery 

industry in a state of frenzy. In Hong 

Kong, more than 15 cases have been 

reported so far. The Hong Kong 

International Diamond, Gem & Pearl 

Show, one of the most important events 

for the gems and jewellery industry 

has been postponed. HKTDC stated 

that the show which was originally 

scheduled March 4 – 8 at the Hong 

Kong Convention Centre and the 


Show scheduled March 2 – 6 at 

AsiaWorld-Expo, will be postponed to 


The Big STory 

We all acknowledge 

the great importance 

of Hong Kong and 

Mainland China for 

the global diamond 

and jewellery trade. 

The long term effect 

of the coronavirus 

will be measured in 

time. However, for the 

time being, given the 

current situation there 

was no other option 

than rescheduling the 

Hong Kong trade show. 

Hopefully the situation 

will be resolved very 

soon and we can all 

go back to business as 

usual 

Shai Schnitzer, 

S.Schnitzer Diamonds 

May 18 - 21 at the same venue. 

Months of preparation ahead of 

the show has been put to test with the 

decision of postponing the show, as 

many stakeholders believe that the new 

timing of the show may not be fruitful 

after all. It does seem like Hong Kong 

has been jinxed, with issues cropping 

up one after the other, first the protests 

and now the deadly virus. The prodemocracy 

protests proved a headache 

to the entire gems and jewellery 

industry, especially India, which 

exports a third of its diamonds to Hong 

Kong. Ahead of Chinese New Year 

and Christmas, both very important 

events in HK, the protests presented 

a challenge, stunting the Chinese 

economy to a large extent. A report 

by Reuters suggested that the Hong 

Kong government has shut 10 border 

checkpoints with mainland China but 

stopped short of a complete closure. 

The city which is full of opportunities, 

always buzzing with activity is now fear 

stricken with a weak morale, because 

it is braving political, social and 

economic problems at the same time. 

Global Impact 

Retailers and manufacturers in 

Mainland China have closed down 

indefinitely and Hong Kong too 

declared a holiday till the first week 

of March. The mass shutdown to curb 

the spread of the virus has resulted in 

a massive supply chain distress. The 

concern for everybody in the industry is 

that the pandemic is yet to be contained, 

and its impact both domestically and 

internationally will be felt for a long 

time, as tourism will be hit hard. “We 


The Big STory 

all acknowledge the great importance 

of Hong Kong and Mainland China for 

the global diamond and jewellery trade. 

The long term effect of the coronavirus 

will be measured in time. However, 

for the time being, given the current 

situation there was no other option 

than rescheduling the Hong Kong trade 

show. Hopefully the situation will be 

resolved very soon and we can all go 

back to business as usual,” said Shai 

Schnitzer of S.Schnitzer Diamonds. 

China is an important economic 

centre for various trades and more than 

17,000 people have been affected by 

the outbreak, causing trades across 

all sectors to come to a standstill. 

“It is unfortunate but expected. Our 

industry will be greatly affected as 

the busy season really begins after the 

Chinese New Year holidays. Now with 

the postponement of the show and with 

more countries imposing travel bans on 

people travelling to and from HK, sales 

will be affected without a doubt. And 

with Chinese authorities asking many 

factories to delay opening, production 

of HK companies who have factories in 

China, will be halted, but expenses will 

still continue,” said Manoj P. Butani of 

Butani Jewellery, Hong Kong. 

The newly announced dates of the 

Hong Kong show also seems a little 

tricky and whether it will attract enough 

visitors or not is now in question as it 

falls right after Basel and just before 

JCK, add to that the fact that it falls 

after the Ramadan season. “We can 

only hope by then that the virus has 

been tackled but it remains to be seen 

whether customers will be will be 

willing to travel to HK so soon after,” 

adds Butani. 

In its statement, HKTDC said, “the 

safety of exhibitors and buyers has 

always been a priority for the HKTDC. 

In line with the measures taken by the 

Hong Kong SAR Government against 

the spread of the novel coronavirus, and 

after consultation with representatives 

of the jewellery industry, the HKTDC 

will reschedule its HKTDC Hong Kong 


Show 2020 (originally scheduled for 

2-6 March) and the HKTDC Hong Kong 

International Jewellery Show 2020 

(originally scheduled for 4-8 March) to 

18-21 May 2020.” 

The virus first emerged in Wuhan, a 

city in central China, in late December 

and has killed more than 360 people 

in Mainland China. Over 20 countries 

have reported around 140 cases and all 

It is unfortunate 

but expected. Our 

industry will be 

greatly affected as 

the busy season 

really begins after 

the Chinese New Year 

holidays. Now with the 

postponement of the 

show and with more 

countries imposing 

travel bans on people 

travelling to and 

from HK, sales will 

be affected without 

a doubt. And with 

Chinese authorities 

asking many factories 

to delay opening, 

production of HK 

companies who have 

factories in China, 

will be halted, but 

expenses will still 

continue 

Manoj P. Butani, 

Butani Jewellery 


The Big STory 

I think it is a disaster for 

the diamond industry. 

If this situation does not 

come under control, then 

the financial situation 

would be worst for the 

diamond industry. We have 

to gather and unite and 

solve the problem as soon 

as possible 

rashmin Donda, 

Rainbow Gems 

We are currently 

negotiating with the 

exhibition organizers 

regarding cancellations 

and registration changes. 

As of today, there has 

been no harm to the 

diamond export growth 

forecast due to the effects 

of the coronavirus 

eran Zini, MD, Israel 

Diamond Exchange 

major airlines temporarily suspended 

their flight service to China. “I think 

it is a big disaster for the diamond 

industry. If this situation does not 

come under control, then the financial 

situation would be worst for the 

diamond industry. We have to gather 

and unite and solve the problem as 

soon as possible,” said Rashmin Donda 

of Rainbow Gems, Hong Kong. 

“Not much to say. Hong Kong has 

been jinxed. Back to back negativity. 

We’re all just praying and hoping for 

everyone’s health and safety. Business 

will bounce back after all this turmoil, 

that’s for sure. Just need to pass and 

survive through such bad times,” said 

Harsh Maheshwari of Kunming Trading 

Company. Some even believe if the 

decision to postpone the show to May 

was in haste as the extent of the virus 

and whether or not it will be kept under 

control by March is still not clear. 

“We are currently negotiating with 

the exhibition organizers regarding 

cancellations and registration changes. 

As of today, there has been no harm 

to the diamond export growth forecast 

due to the effects of the coronavirus,” 

said Eran Zini, MD, Israel Diamond 

Exchange. 

Luxury brands have been affected 

the most, with consumers keeping away 

from stores. The effect on the demand 

for luxury goods is not negligible. Many 

reports suggest that the sales have 

been hit harder than last year’s antigovernment 

protests. “Postponing the 

show seems to be deferring the decision 

of cancelling the show as the impact 


The Big STory 

of the virus is not yet fully assessed. 

It will impact the business heavily in 

all industries across the board. As 

people will refrain from travelling and 

every one would be looking forward 

to assessing the actual impact of the 

same,” said Sanjay Phophaliya of Indus 

Jewellery. The virus is leaving a major 

strain on the global macroeconomic 

affairs and no one knows when the 

epidemic will be contained and when 

things would get back to normalcy. 

Fear looms in Surat 

Almost 300 diamond and gems and 

jewellery companies participate in the 

HK show every year. Thousands of 

buyers who attend the show drive the 

business of these Indian companies. 

Surat, which is the cutting and 

polishing hub of India, is set to lose 

Rs 8,000 crore in the next couple of 

months, leading to a 20 per cent drop 

in exports because of the impact of the 

outbreak. 

All of our major 

buyers are from the 

Far East. With the 

onset of the virus, we 

are going to lose out 

on business for sure. 

I foresee an 8-10 per 

cent dip in the exports 

in the first quarter and 

I don’t see the virus 

fading away anytime 

soon. The effect of 

the virus will be there 

till June. The show 

being postponed is 

also not a good thing. 

I don’t know how 

effective it will be as 

it is coinciding with 

Basel and JCK. We 

need to focus on other 

markets like Europe, 

U.S. and Middle East 

to make up for the lost 

business 

Vipul Shah, Asian 

Star 


The Big STory 

It was an eventuality, the show 

either had to be postponed 

or cancelled. Around 30 per 

cent of our goods get exported 

to the Far East and now with 

the impact of the virus, we 

will definitely be losing some 

amount of business. Hong 

Kong has cordoned off its 

borders and even if someone 

wants to buy goods, they can’t 

Ankit Shah, Ankit Gems 

There will be an impact for 

sure on the diamond industry; 

however, health is of foremost 

concern. People who have gone 

to villages for the holidays are 

not in a position to come back 

to Hong Kong and resume 

work. The Shanghai Diamond 

Exchange has announced 

that work will be resumed in 

February first week. So, we will 

have to wait and see 

Vipul Sutaria, 

Dharmanandan Diamonds 

Every year, Rs 50,000 crore worth 

of polished diamonds are exported to 

Hong Kong amounting to 37 per cent 

of total polished diamond exports. As 

Hong Kong has declared a month long 

holiday, Indian diamond traders who 

have offices in Hong Kong are coming 

back to India. 

“There will be an impact for sure on 

the diamond industry; however, health 

is of foremost concern. People who have 

gone to villages for the holidays are not 

in a position to come back to Hong 

Kong and resume work. The Shanghai 

Diamond Exchange has announced that 

work will be resumed in February first 

week. So, we will have to wait and see,” 

said Vipul Sutaria of Dharmanandan 

Diamonds. 

Several orders are placed ahead of 

the Hong Kong show and it is also a 

place where manufacturers get to know 

the pulse of the market and what the 

demand is like. “It was an eventuality, 

the show either had to be postponed or 

cancelled. Around 30 per cent of our 

goods get exported to the Far East and 

now with the impact of the virus, we 

will definitely be losing some amount of 

business. Hong Kong has cordoned off 

its borders and even if someone wants 

to buy goods, they can’t,” said Ankit 

Shah of Ankit Gems. 

The Indian trade was expecting a 

relief and a spike in exports after the 

U.S. China trade treaty. However, with 

the sudden outbreak of the virus, first 

quarter is not going to fair well. “All 

of our major buyers are from the Far 

East. With the onset of the virus, we are 

going to lose out on business for sure. 

I foresee an 8-10 per cent dip in the 


The Big STory 

exports in the first quarter and I don’t 

see the virus fading away anytime soon. 

The effect of the virus will be there 

till June. The show being postponed is 

also not a good thing. I don’t know how 

effective it will be as it is coinciding 

with Basel and JCK. We need to focus 

on other markets like Europe, U.S. and 

Middle East to make up for the lost 

business,” said Vipul Shah of Asian 

Star. 

The other problem lies in the pricing 

of cut and polished diamonds. If the 

problem persists, the prices of polished 

diamonds will not increase resulting in 

the squeezing of the margins. No one 

knows when the virus will be contained, 

till such time, it is standstill mode for 

the industry. 

Postponing the show seems 

to be deferring the decision 

of cancelling the show as the 

impact of the virus is not yet 

fully assessed. It will impact 

the business heavily in all 

industries across the board. 

As people will refrain from 

travelling and every one 

would be looking forward to 

assessing the actual impact of 

the same 

Sanjay Phophaliya, Indus 

Jewellery 

Not much to say. Hong Kong 

has been jinxed. Back to 

back negativity. We’re all 

just praying and hoping for 

everyone’s health and safety. 

Business will bounce back 

after all this turmoil, that’s 

for sure. Just need to pass 

and survive through such bad 

times 

harsh Maheshwari, 

Kunming Trading Company 


Trade Fair 

IIJS Signature 2020 

Diamond Jewellery 

witnesses good demand 

With the wedding season coming to a close, the show floor was 

filled with buyers who were in serious business mode, looking to 

buy small ticket items in diamonds. Demand for heavy diamond 

jewellery is on its way out 

Karshev Jewellery 

Wondercuts 

The 13th edition of IIJS 

Signature was inaugurated 

with the organisers, The Gem 

& Jewellery Export Promotion Council 

(GJEPC), expressing the confidence 

that the Indian G&J industry was 

successfully navigating its way forward 

in the face of many external challenges. 

Cutting the ribbon to mark the 

formal inauguration of the event that 

is being held at the Bombay Exhibition 

Centre in Mumbai from February 13- 

16, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and 

Mining, Government of Maharashtra, 

Subhash Desai expressed the support 

and best wishes of the government to 

the industry. 

“IIJS Signature has received a good 

response with over 700 exhibitors 

occupying 1,300 booths and nearly 

12,000 pre-registered visitors,” said 

GJEPC Chairman Pramod Kumar 

Agrawal while addressing the inaugural 

function. 

In conjunction with IIJS Signature, 

the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery 

Expo (IGJME), is also being held at the 

same venue, where international and 

domestic manufacturers of machinery 

and related services and accessories, 


Trade Fair 

Inauguration ceremony with council members 

will be showcasing their offerings. 

Agrawal listed out some of the 

projects initiated by the GJEPC, with 

support from the Ministry of Commerce 

and the Ministry of Finance, including 

the setting up of common facility 

centres (CFCs) and design institutes, 

as well as the plans for Jewellery 

Parks, SNZs, a Gem Bourse and Model 

Workshops, which were at various 

stages of development. 

Vice Chairman Colin Shah also 

pointed out that the GJEPC had taken a 

number of steps to overcome the credit 

crunch faced in the last couple of years 

by working with the banks through 

a Coordination Committee and other 

platforms. Shah said that the green 

shoots of a recovery after the slowdown 

of last year were already being seen 

with exports of silver jewellery and lab 

grown diamonds registering significant 

growth. Expressing the confidence that 

for most other verticals, “the worst was 

over”, he added that the Council was 

very hopeful that the situation would 

improve in the second half of the 

current year. 

Briefly referring to the launch of two 

new shows scheduled over the next 

couple of months, the International Gem 

& Jewellery Show (IGJS) in Jaipur and 

the Mega Shopping Festival planned 

for Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, the 

Council officials said that these would 

provide a further boost to exports. 

They complement the IIJS shows 

that were already being held twice a 

year, as well as the India Pavilions at 

international shows across the world, 

and the numerous buyer-seller meets 

that were organised in India and abroad, 

both Agrawal and Shah explained. 

“IIJS caters to the local retailers 

and also attracts a number of overseas 

retailers, mainly NRIs from across the 

world, who cater to the Indian diaspora 

in their respective countries,” Shah 

elaborated. “On the other hand, we 

have consistently reached out to other 

international buyers with product 

lines suited to the needs of their local 

clientele, through both the India 

Pavilions and BSMS. The IGJS aims to 

boost interaction with this segment of 

the global market, and we are carefully 

curating lists of selected buyers who 

are being invited to participate.” 

Elaborating on the Mega Shopping 

Festival, Agrawal said that the 

concept had been presented by the 

Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Nirmala 

Sitharaman as one of the steps to boost 

Indian exports in various categories and 

promote Make in India merchandise. 

“The Festival is being organised on 

behalf of the ministry by the ITPO, 

and the respective Export Promotion 

Councils are being associated with 

them. Every Indian mission across 

the world is publicising the show to 

potential visitors, and we hope that not 

only will it provide an immediate boost, 

but that it will also grow significantly in 

the years to come.” 

This time GJEPC had also introduced 

a special Crafts Pavilion to showcase 

India’s traditional jewellery making 

crafts, with the aim of helping to revive, 

modernise and eventually market 

these localised art forms. There were 

eye catching ornaments and gift items 

with complex designs and intricate 

detailing including handcrafted 

Temple Jewellery from Nagercoil in 


Trade Fair 

Tamil Nadu, the Art of Bidri, native 

to Bidar in Karnataka and the delicate 

craftsmanship of Silver Filigree in 

Karimnagar district in Telangana. 

Also part of the show was the exclusive 

Signature Club which included 

exhibitors like Kantilal Chhotalal, 

KGK Jewellery, Tanvirkumar & Co, 

Jewelkraft Creations Pvt. and more. 

The exhibitors showcased an array of 

collections from bridal to modern and 

light weight pieces. Hall 6 also had a 

special section for women jewellery 

entrepreneurs on one side as well as a 

section for jewellery designers on the 

other, who presented their exclusive 

creations to the visitors. 

exhibitor Speaks 

The show was 

slow and our old 

clients didn’t turn 

up. However, we 

managed to garner 

new business. 

We met 2-3 new 

clients who showed interest and 

they were quality buyers. 

Toshiba Jariwala, Zundaa 

Overall the show 

had low footfall as 

compared to last 

year but those who 

came did good 

business. New 

leads were fewer 

than last year too. 

Sumit Kamalia, Uma Ornaments 

The show was 

amazing. We got 

the chance to 

renew our old 

relationships and 

make new ones. 

It was a fantastic 

platform for relationship 

building. We garnered new 

businesses and only quality 

buyers walked in. One feedback I 

have is that they should keep the 

last day as Monday, because on a 

Sunday we get a lot of business. 

As Sunday was the last day, 

people were packing up early, but 

buyers were still coming in. 

Nirav Taswala, Peacemoon 

Traders 

Consumer preferences are constantly evolving 

and the IIJS Signature trade show has helped the 

industry by providing the exhibitors a first hand 

chance to interact with thousands of buyers from 

all across the globe and to keep track of their 

dynamic preferences. 

Poonam Kothari, Achal Jewels 

Footfall was low. But 

since we specialize 

in fancy colour 

diamonds, this show 

has always been 

about educating 

the buyer about our 

product portfolio and pricing. We 

were able to make the buyers aware 

that we have a nice product category, 

and so this is also an option other 

than white diamonds. We were also 

able to identify their demand, and 

what they are exactly looking for. 

darshit Hirani, P.Hirani 

The response was 

pretty decent, nothing 

extraordinary. 

However, we had a 

number in mind and 

we came close to it 

so we are happy. The 

first two days buyers were focused on 

gold, but the last couple of days they 

were seriously looking to buy diamond 

jewellery. They were looking for 

something fresh, and pieces that are 

not found in the market and we were 

able to offer them the same. 

anuj Chatterjee, Saunay Jewels 

The footfall 

was less but 

the people who 

came in where 

in serious 

buying mode. 

Even though 

the walkins were lesser than last 

year, those who came were quality 

buyers with good enquiries. Since 

the wedding season is ending, 

buyers were looking at light 

weight diamond jewellery for 

Gudipadwa and Akshaya Tritiya. 

Hardik Shah, BR Designs 

The show was 

very good for us. 

We participate 

in IIJS Signature 

because this is 

where serious 

business 

happens. We got very 

good enquiries. People are 

increasingly leaning towards 

smaller ticket items. Demand 

for large diamond necklaces and 

heavy pieces is gone. 

Viral Kothari, Kosha Fine Jewels 


Show RepoRt 

Antwerp Diamond Market 

Antwerp Indicates 

Winds of Change 

Antwerp has and will always be one of the most important centers 

for diamonds in the world. Global volatility has affected the 

market in Antwerp, however, players here believe that market 

consolidation is well on its way and good service and exclusivity 

are key factors for both success and survival finds out Gunjan Jain 


Show RepoRt 

We are mainly manufacturing 90 pointers to 30 cts. 

Our production is back on track since December 

2019. KGK today is one of the major manufacturers 

for big size stones in the global market and recently 

we have made a one price policy for all our 

polish sales. This will make it easier for 

small and mid size traders to source 

from KGK and will also help us to 

increase our presence in the market. 

The pricing of diamonds has been 

stable in the past 2-3 months and 

U.S. and China are doing well. The 

recent developments in China might give 

a push back but only time will tell. There is 

definitely a consolidation in the market and that is 

good and will be healthy for the future. Companies 

will be able to make some profits and grow 

hasmukh Ramani, KGK Diamonds 

I 

have been visiting Antwerp 

every January in the last few 

years and the fact that it is the 

only diamond centre in the world, 

which is a perfect blend of rough 

and polished diamonds has not 

changed. Winter thronged the streets 

of the Diamond District, dotted 

with hundreds of offices and people 

walking in and out from one office to 

the other. 

The business is bad, no doubt, as 

is the case globally, but for Antwerp, 

the fact that the city is well connected 

to global markets with Indians and 

Jews working together is and has 

always been a major plus point. 

After interacting with many 

players, one thing that is apparent 

is that with every passing year, 

the market is getting majorly 

consolidated, where the bigger 

companies are getting bigger and 

the monopoly is falling in the hands 

of a few companies. To maintain 

a steady turnover and to run the 

operational costs and other expenses 

is something the smaller companies 

are finding difficult. Larger players 

are able to do this because they have 

the support of their global networks, 

financial management and big teams. 

The rough is strong in terms 

of prices and Antwerp was full 

of manufacturers from Surat and 

Navsari actively buying. They were 

hopping in and out of offices, fishing 

through parcels. The reason behind 

the activity is the low supply of 

roughs in the last quarter. January’s 

DTC sight goods came in on the day 

I arrived, late January. 

The market is going through many 

changes and the climate is lukewarm 

for sure, but the demand is driven by 

multiple factors. Here’s what some of 

the players had to say: 

We have been in the business 

for 25 years now. We were 

originally a rough trading 

company but now we do 

more of polished goods. We 

sell both online and offline 

and we are also into jewellery 

manufacturing. Business is 

getting tough every year, but 

there is demand for polish 

diamonds and to make 

profits, one needs to be very 

dynamic. One has to adapt 

to the changes, otherwise 

there is no question of 

existence. My core focus is 

the European market and 

the jewellers here. There is 

potential and the retailers 

need good service, hence 

we source precise goods 

for them. Service is key to 

success today. They don’t 

mind paying 1 – 2 per cent 

extra but they want prompt 

service and desired goods. I 

buy diamonds from India and 

process them based on my 

clients’ requirements. Sales 

is not an issue but we need to 

promote generic diamonds to 

the future generations to keep 

our business flourishing 

Alain Zlayet, Zlayet and Sons 

Diamonds BVBA 


Show RepoRt 

We are buying agents for 

American manufacturers and 

jewellery brands. Service is 

the main thing and they trust 

us and our expertise to source 

diamonds in Antwerp. We do 

all the buying on their behalf. 

The competition in business 

is increasing year by year but 

these buyers need a variety 

of products which one 

single manufacturer 

cannot supply. 

This is where we 

come into the 

picture and 

we source 

commercial 

quality goods for 

them in reasonable 

prices from top 

manufacturers, assort and 

provide it to them. Now we are 

also planning to participate in 

various trade events, through 

which we will get in touch 

with new retailers and buyers 

and grow the business further. 

I am based here and my father 

in Tel Aviv. We have access to 

all the best possible goods in 

the market 

Ayelet Lerner, Lerner 

Diamonds 

We had a very good 2019 at IGI, our numbers 

were up compared to last year, considering how 

challenging it was. Globally, there 

have been a lot of changes and 

this is because of political 

reasons. Hong Kong has 

been very difficult and it is 

the only place where our 

numbers were low. The 

dispute between different 

countries regarding import duties 

is also an issue but this should settle 

soon. Lab-grown diamonds can be positive for 

the market. It is here and going to stay and it will 

attract younger people who can’t afford natural 

diamonds or are intimidated by it. However, later 

in their life, when they get engaged, they will 

prefer natural diamonds 

Roland Lorie, IGI 

We deal in gemstones of high quality. We source sapphires 

from Kashmir, emeralds from Colombia and Zambia 

and rubies from Burma and Mozambique. We are only 

dealing with higher level clients right now because 

the commercial market is very quiet at the moment. 

Prices of diamonds are going down. Even in auctions, 

gemstones are garnering more prices. So, investors are 

looking at buying certified high quality gemstones 

oded Shapiro, Shapiro Gems 


Show RepoRt 

We have been in this business since 2001. We are dealing in 

large white diamonds and fancy colour diamonds like blue, 

pink, green and yellow. 

We also deal in exclusive gemstones like 

Burmese rubies, Kashmir, Burmese and Ceylon 

sapphires and Colombian emeralds. 

We create bespoke jewellery pieces for 

clients around the world as well. Over 

the past 3 years, we have seen both a 

transition in the way business is done as well 

as the availability of capital. Early recognition 

and adaptability has given us a first mover 

advantage with an offering and global clientele that is truly 

differentiated. In 2020, looking at the current global situation 

we plan to remain balanced in our approach - lending credit to 

select relationship clients, focusing on certain less competitive 

business segments, and offering differentiated products. We 

don’t want to be everything to everyone. we are confident that 

through hard work, determination and focused approach we 

will continue to run a successful business. 

Chaitanya Vanjara, Sunview 

We try to be an all rounder company. We provide 

rounds, fancy shapes, fancy colours from small 

to big, certified by GIA & HRD. Our specialty 

includes baguettes, emerald cuts, tapers 

in all sizes in layouts or parcels. We are 

a one-stop-shop for a customer. Times 

are tough but we are trying to help our 

customers as much as we can in terms of price 

and service. We have always been service oriented 

pascal Szwarcenberg, Rubin & Zonen 

We deal in all kinds of 

goods from 0.5 point all 

the way up to 50-100 cts. 

But mostly we provide 

commercial variety, H 

and down - price oriented 

goods. We know exactly 

what the market wants. 

We have the right goods 

and we understand the 

kind of service they want. 

It is easy for customers 

to work with us as we 

are very flexible with 

our services. 2020 has 

been a good start for 

Anita Diamonds, a lot 

of demand from many 

new markets. We are also 

very careful about the 

prices, which is why we 

are getting business. With 

right prices, it is easy for 

customers to have the 

right margins to survive in 

the business. There is no 

shortage in the market, if 

you have the right goods 

in the right prices, you 

can do well 

Chirag Shah, Anita 

Diamonds BVBA 


Hot off tHe Press 

DW’s Fav 

New stores, jewellery, trends, appointments & more 

What? Tiffany’s Temp 

Store is the Coolest 

1 2 

And… The doors open to The Tiffany 

Flagship Next Door, marking the beginning 

of Tiffany & Co.’s journey to transform 

its iconic New York flagship store, 

which will redefine the modern luxury 

experience. Located at the adjacent 6 

East 57th Street, this location will serve 

as Tiffany’s New York City flagship 

store until the transformation of 727 

Fifth Avenue is complete in late 2021. 

Customers will encounter an atmosphere 

that feels familiar, yet refreshed. The store 

is designed around a vaulted, escalatorflanked 

atrium and retains a playful, 

fun look with a modernized attitude. 

Combining naïve materials like concrete 

and stainless steel with amazing nickel and 

Art Deco cases inspired by the original 

store. Tiffany brand codes are presented 

throughout the store in unexpected ways, 

from wood paneling with Tiffany’s Flora 

and Fauna motif stenciled onto crates, 

to Tiffany’s signature Wheat Leaf motif 

reimagined as a ‘Color Block’ painted 

feature wall. Each floor offers a unique 

visual concept that complements its 

contents and embraces the experimental 

nature of the space with whimsical nods to 

its impermanence. 

What? Marc 

Hruschka, CEO 

& President, 

Graff USA 

And… Marc Hruschka joins 

Graff to take charge of Graff’s 

stores in New York, Chicago, San 

Francisco, and Miami. He joins 

the luxury jewellery brand in its 

60th anniversary. Hruschka brings 

with him more than 25 years of 

experience in various luxury brands 

like Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels, 

Cartier, Montblanc and Chanel, 

John Hardy and Tiffany & Co. He 

will be reporting to Francois Graff, 

Global CEO. 


Hot off tHe Press 

What? Rock & Diamonds 

by Roberto Coin 

3 

And… To rock means to be vibrant and alive, to know how to mix grace 

with irreverence. Rock and Diamonds is dedicated to those women who 

can wear an evening gown with a leather jacket – women who dress in 

contradictions and are able to dominate them both with elegance. Roberto 

Coin’s rock collection is the first to combine studs of gold and jade with the 

pure brilliance of diamonds. The design is meticulous. No coloured stones 

or variations in shape are allowed. The same concept is repeated over and 

over like a musical motif, sexy when it plays with the sinuousness of the 

bracelets and rings and astute in the combination of earrings. 

What? Bill Porter 

at the Grammy’s 

4 

And… Billy Porter brought disco style to the 

Grammys red carpet donning a jewel-encrusted 

spider bracelet that perfectly matched the Pose 

star’s sequined teal ensemble. He accessorized 

it with over $2 million worth 

of Tiffany & Co. diamonds, 

including an $11,000 

diamond pinky 

ring in the 

shape of a 

disco ball, as 

an ode to his 

new “disco 

era.” 

What? WJA’s March 

is Me Month 

5 

And… The Women’s Jewelry Association 

(WJA) announced a new, industry-wide 

marketing initiative March is Me Month to 

align with International Women’s Day, March 8, 

2020. This annual initiative will be supported 

by many of the biggest names in jewellery and 

watch manufacturing and retail. The campaign 

was developed by over 30 members of WJA 

Women’s Executive Leadership Forum, who 

initially met in New York City on March 8, 

2019. One of the goals developed out of the 

meeting included building purposeful and 

strong partnerships across the jewellery and 

watch industries in order to prepare for the 

future of jewellery retail and the rise of the 

female self-purchaser. 


Trade Fair 

Vicenzaoro 

Vicenzaoro 

January - A 

Crowd Pleaser! 

Jewellery’s most awaited destination, 

Vincenzaoro saw a spectacular success at 

its January edition 

Interconnections with the world 

market, strategic cultural content, 

creativity, innovation, training, 

design, territory: a total of 1,500 

exhibitors, over 35,000 visitors (the 

highest number in the last 10 years) and 

over 40 events with the participation of 

leading jewellery institutions and the 

most well-known global brands. 

This is the snapshot of VOJ - 

Vicenzaoro January 2020 “The 

Jewellery Boutique Show®” and 

T.GOLD, the international show for 

jewellery machinery and technologies 

applied to gold and jewellery 


Trade Fair 

processing, taken on the last day of 

the two shows. Running alongside 

VOJ and T.GOLD was VO Vintage, the 

new exclusive marketplace for vintage 

watches and jewellery, which made 

its debut, meeting with the satisfied 

consent of the traditional public and 

the community of enthusiasts and 

collectors. 

Organized by IEG - Italian Exhibition 

Group at the Expo Centre in Vicenza, 

the centrality of VOJ20 and T.GOLD 

in terms of business and overall 

promotional appeal was appreciated 

by the global jewellery sector: not only 

new ideas and trends in terms of style 

and creation by top brands but also 

in terms of technological, sales and 

distribution services and digitalization. 

The increase in the number of visitors 

confirmed the positive trend of foreign 

incoming from over 126 countries 

worldwide, covering an overall 60 per 

cent of the total. And Italy’s figure was 

also positive, taking on renewed shine 

with +12 per cent. 

To be precise, the United States 

headed the chart of the most represented 

foreign states with an extraordinary 

+30 per cent compared to 2019. Japan 

(+22 per cent) confirmed the growing 

interest of the strategic markets for 

Made in Italy manufacture, as did the 

Middle East (+6per cent overall). Asia 

and the Far East recorded +4per cent 

combined. The macro-region of Africa 

stood at +7 per cent. Russia also began 

to increase with +6 per cent. 

The number of visitors from Europe, 

which amounts to about 50per cent of 

the foreign attendance at Vicenzaoro, 

was up +9per cent more than the double 

figure increase of 2019, with particular 

increases from German-speaking 

countries. Vicenzaoro, despite market 

turbulence, confirmed its appeal for 

world traders and its strategic relevance 

due to its ability to offer the sector 

all types of technological innovation 

and design, connect the entire supply 

chain, provide inspiration and the tools 

to develop business. 

The partnerships with ICE – the 

Agency that promotes Italian companies 

and their internationalization abroad 

– and the Ministy of Foreign Affairs 

for the “Prima” project, sponsored 

by Confindustria Federorafi, 

Confartigianato, Confimi Industria 

gold and silver division and CNA, 

contributed enormously to the success 

of the show. Agenzia ICE also promoted 

specific activities on the United States’ 

market which were triggered by 120 

B2B meetings at Vicenzaoro between 

buyers from large-scale retail in 

America and Italian companies, as well 

as the presence of start-up companies 

through the StartUp & Carats project. 

Priority topics for IEG were 

sustainability, creativity and innovation, 

which opened the calendar of events 

with the VISIO.NEXT focus entitled 

“The future of jewellery”, which took 

place thanks to collaboration with Club 

degli Orafi Italy and was attended by 

Confindustria Moda and brands of 

such calibre as Bulgari, De Beers and 

Vhernier. The conference organized 

by CJBIO – the World Jewellery 

Confederation then took an in-depth 

look at the ability of SMEs to introduce 

sustainable processes and procedures. 

The territory played an essential 

role in making the international buyers 

happy: the hospitality that the city of 

Vicenza reserved for its guests with 

VIOFF “The Golden Factor”, the 

VicenzaOro Off Show event devised 

by Vicenza Council together with 


Trade Fair 

IEG and the involvement of economic 

categories, received unanimous 

approval, upholding the value of 

our Italian patrimony of beauty and 

know-how as well as putting students 

into contact with sector companies at 

training encounters and school and 

career orientation meetings. 

Stephen Lussier, Executive Vice- 

President Consumer and Brands at De 

Beers Group, who outlined the emerging 

trends to watch out for in order to satisfy 

the taste of young consumers said, “The 

concept of luxury, which once, besides 

quality, evoked exclusiveness and 

social status” he said, “now continues 

to speak of quality but the artisan kind, 

one that must inspire inclusiveness and 

a social purpose.” The new consumers 

want to know that they are contributing 

to resolving a problem, not creating 

one, even when they buy jewellery.” 

The question of sustainability 

was dealt with by Eleonora Rizzuto, 

Sustainable Development Manager at 

Bulgari & LVMH Italia, underlining 

how it is not possible to ignore the 

coexistence of its three economic, 

social and environmental aspects. Hers 

was an appeal to explore synergies that 

can be generated along the gold and 

jewellery production chain, according 

to the principle of circular economy. 

“Let’s imagine a future made of bridges 

able to make different industries 

communicate. Jewellery can lead, 

for example, to links to the textile or 

food industries in the area where it is 

produced. It is an optimistic outlook, 

and the only one able to see our era 

from the perspective of progress.” 

For Isabella Traglio, Deputy Director 

General Vhernier, the key element for 

creating a relevant and contemporary 

jewellery item is creativity, the ability 

to experiment and allowing ourselves 

to be inspired “by what is happening 

around us and by observing our 

customers but with a more watchful 

eye on those who are not. In this way 

you can see the trends that are guiding 

the new generations’ choices: multifunctionality, 

the non-binary choice 

that interprets the freedom to be 

yourself, recognizability.” 

Claudio Marenzi, CEO at Herno 

S.p.A. and President of Confindustria 

Moda, called for systemization 

and invited companies to aim at 

sustainability. Remembering the size of 

the fashion system, which is the second 

largest manufacturing industry in Italy 

and represents 44 per cent of the entire 

fashion and accessory industry in 

Europe, underlined how Made in Italy 

boasts numerous virtuous examples 

that do not, however, communicate 

effectively. “We must put our heads 

together to create quality products. We 

must aim at beautiful and well done, 

at inclusive excellence where the 

relationship between value and object 

must be long-lasting.” 

The next appointments on IEG’s 

Jewellery Agenda: OROAREZZO from 

18th to 21st April 2020, Vicenzaoro 

September from 5th to 9th September 

2020 and VOD Dubai International 

Jewellery Show in the autumn. 


In ConversatIon 

Tom Moses, GIA Executive Vice 

President & Chief Laboratory and 

Research Officer 

Promoting 

Transparency All 

the Way 

Tom Moses, GIA Executive Vice President & 

Chief Laboratory and Research Officer speaks to 

Diamond World about Diamond Origin Report 

and why it is relevant given the current context 

and the response it has garnered from the 

stakeholders in the diamond value chain 

Launched in 2019, the GIA 

Diamond Origin Report uses 

scientific evaluation to match a 

polished diamond to its original rough, 

providing confirmation of the origin 

information provided by the diamond 

mining company. This report includes 

information that helps consumers 

understand the positive social and 

economic impact that mined diamonds 

have for the countries and communities 

that produce them. As the world 

leader in gemological research, GIA is 

uniquely able to leverage over 60 years 

of scientific knowledge and technology 

to deliver the rough-to-polish matching 

confirmation for polished stones. GIA 

collects data and images for rough 

analysis. Once GIA receives the 

polished diamond, GIA uses markers 

and data identified during the analysis 

of the rough to scientifically match the 

polished diamond to its original rough, 

confirming the diamond’s country of 

origin. 

What has been the response for 

DOR in India? 

We’ve received great interest in GIA’s 

Diamond Origin Report. Several 

diamond and jewellery manufacturers, 

wholesalers and retailers have shown 

interest in participating in the program. 

In the coming months, we see significant 

potential for demand for the Diamond 

Origin Report in the Indian market. 

Why is knowing the origin of 

diamonds more relevant and 

important today than before? 

Traceability is the first step in 

sustainability and understanding that a 

diamond was mined responsibly. When 

you buy a diamond of known origin, 

you can understand the positive impact 

your purchase has on the development 

of that country’s local communities. 

You are not only helping people thrive, 

but also helping to build infrastructure, 

educate young people, and bring health 

systems to whole populations. 

Consumers today are increasingly 

interested in knowing about the origin 

of the goods they buy. This is certainly 

true for diamonds as well. Another 

interesting aspect of today’s consumer 

is that they respond well to storytelling. 

To be able to tell this story to 

consumers, GIA understood that the we 

needed to talk about the good diamonds 

do in an effective and accurate manner. 

Retailers who carry diamonds with GIA 

Diamond Origin Reports get Diamond 


In ConversatIon 

Origin Books – one for each country of 

origin, be it Botswana, Canada, Russia 

or South Africa. 

The Diamond Origin book for Botswana, 

for example, talks about how the 

diamond industry has built hospitals, 

schools and roads, transforming 

Botswana into one of Africa’s most 

prosperous countries. Literacy rates 

have reached above 80 per cent, and 

healthcare and compulsory primary 

education are free. Over 90 per cent 

of the population has access to clean 

drinking water and electricity, and 

the country has more than 9,000 

kilometres of paved road today. With 

approximately 20 per cent of its 

population employed by the diamond 

industry, Botswana and the diamond 

industry have created a middle class 

and produced a stable economy. 

How is the Diamond Origin report 

different from blockchain and 

other provenance programs? 

The service does not currently utilise 

blockchain or other digital tracking 

mechanism, but instead relies on GIA’s 

matching process. While blockchain 

provides a means of logging 

transactional data, it requires 

meticulous transactional 

recording at each step in 

the process. As long as the 

participants in the chain are 

diligent in entering data in the 

Blockchain platform, the data 

should be reliable. 

GIA continues 

to explore 

enhancing 

its service 

offerings through 

many technologies. GIA continues to 

investigate the efficacy of blockchain 

and whether it is appropriate for GIA 

reports and services, including the 

Diamond Origin Report. 

Can you tell us how stakeholders 

in the diamond value chain 

(manufacturers and retailers) be a 

part of this program? 

The programme is open to the industry. 

Interested businesses can contact 

us and we will provide them the 

information to participate as a diamond 

or jewellery manufacturer, wholesaler 

or retailer. Currently, there are mine 

operators, manufacturers, wholesalers, 

and retailers participating in the 

programme and the list continues to 

grow. GIA maintains a list of 

participants on its website to connect 

participating miners, manufacturers, 

wholesalers and retailers. This ensures 

that expertly graded natural diamonds 

that have been matched to rough of 

know origin reach the end consumer. 

Retailers and wholesalers desiring 

to purchase and offer diamonds with 

origin reports may visit our website, 

GIAindia. 

in/diamondorigin-report, 

to find the 

manufacturer 

participants 

listed there. There’s a good chance that 

an existing supplier may already be a 

part of the programme. If not, they can 

contact GIA and we will work with their 

existing polished diamond suppliers to 

explain the programme to help them 

find the right provider. 

In addition, retailers can review 

sample collateral and point-of-sale 

(POS) materials from GIA to help 

them develop an in-store programme. 

Retailers can also review training 

materials from GIA regarding 

communicating and promoting the 

programme to consumers. Also, 

retailers can register on the free GIA 

Retailer Lookup so consumers can find 

retailers that carry diamonds with GIA 

Diamond Origin Report easily. 

The industry today is in a constant 

flux - conditions haven’t really 

improved over the last few months 

and a recent report by Bloomberg 

suggests that this lull in the industry 

is going to continue for sometime 

- do you believe this is true? If so, 

where did we go wrong and how do 

we redeem ourselves? 

It is important to engage in telling the 

story of diamonds. Formed billions 

of years ago deep within the earth, 

diamonds have a fascinating story to 

tell about the formation of our planet. 

In addition, diamonds have aa positive 

in the local mining communities. In 

addition, diamond merchants and 

jewellers in India support health and 

education causes. I believe bringing all 

these together and presenting a story 

will help generate interest and engage 

with consumers. 


IJ AwArds 

9th Edition JJS- IJ Jewellers Choice Design Awards 

IJ Hosts a Successful 

9th Edition of JJS- IJ Jewellers 

Choice Design Awards 

Indian Jeweller (IJ) hosted a one-of-a-kind glittering award 

ceremony the “JJS-IJ Jewellers’ Choice Design Awards 2019”, this 

time at the convention centre in JECC 

Alok Kala, Publisher, Indian Jeweller 

IJ Awards entered its 9th year 

and was bigger and better this 

year! 24 select participants were 

awarded for their outstanding designs 

in respective categories 

Manufacturers, retailers and 

designers from across the country had 

submitted their designs under various 

categories and price points for review 

and selection. The competition required 

manufacturers, designers and retailers 

to submit their best designs across 

21categories. The winning pieces from 

over 600 + entries were reviewed and 

chosen by an eminent Jury Panel. 

The host of the show Sumona 

Chakravarthy of the Kapil Sharma show 

fame kept the audience in rapt attention 

with her quick delivery and wit. Noted 

film star Vaani Kapoor was the Chief 

Guest for the evening who presented 

the awards to the winners. Prominent 

people present at the award ceremony 

were Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director 


IJ AwArds 

Compere Sumona Chakravarthy 

Film Star Vaani Kapoor 

of GIA India & Middle East, Rajiv 

Jain, Secretary, JJS, Saankar Sen, Vice 

Chairman, GJC, Ramesh Narang from 

Hazoorilal Legacy and Vijay Khanna 

from Khanna Jewellers amongst others. 

Alok Kala, Publisher and Editor, 

Indian Jeweller said, “Design is of 

paramount importance in jewellery 

and our objective with this event is 

to encourage the design fraternity. As 

each year passes by, we only want to 

outdo ourselves.” 

Comedian Kiku Sharda performing his act 

Comedian Kiku Sharda kept 

the audience in splits at the show 

with his addictive humour. Some of 

the prominent winners at the show 

were Khurana Jewellery House, 

which bagged two awards Pantone 

Colour of the Year 2019 and 

Statement Jewellery and Birdhichand 

Ghanshyamdas, Jaipur for Statement 

Jewellery. Tara Fine Jewels won the 

award for Heritage Jewellery above Rs 

5 Lakhs while Achal Jewels won the 

award for Heritage Jewels under Rs 

5 Lakhs. Manish Malhotra Jewellery 

by Raniwala 1881won the award for 

Red Carpet Jewellery & KK Jewels 

won the award for Best Accessory. 

Manoharlal Jewellers won the award 

for Transformative Jewellery. Winners 

for Best Cut Gemstone under 10ct was 

Jaipur Johri and between 10-20 ct was 

Canarys, Jaipur. 

The awards night brought 

forth a wonderful opportunity for 

manufacturers, retailers and designers 

of India, to showcase their talent, 

creativity and products through its 

unique platform. Powered by GIA, the 

IJ Awards is presented by JJS. The other 

partners include Hari Krishna Group as 

Diamond Jewellery Category Partner, 

Raniwala 1881 as Heritage Jewellery 

Category Partner, Jaipur Ratna by Anuj 

Gems & Jewellery as Best Necklace 

Design Category Partner, Radhika 

Jewels as Temple Jewellery Category 

Partner, BVC Logistics as Logistics 

Partner, Vasansi Jaipur as Ethnic Wear 

Partner, and CNBC Awaaz as Television 

Partner while Pema Wellness as the 

Wellness Partner and Diamond World 

magazine is the Media Partner. 


Special Feature 

Bridal diamond 

jewellery trends 

What 

Brides 

Want? 

With the ongoing 

wedding season, we 

wanted to understand 

how diamond jewellery 

is fairing across India. 

With gold prices 

skyrocketing and a shift 

in consumer preference, 

diamonds are still very 

much in vogue, albeit 

in a lighter and a much 

stylised avatar 

From recessions due to 

coronavirus to the latest union 

budget, a lot has happened 

in the first month of this brand new 

year. However, the wedding season 

is sure to give jewellers some respite, 

as diamonds are an integral part of 

weddings in India. Perhaps, the way in 

which brides were their diamonds has 

changed, but the fact of the matter is, 

they are very much still a bride’s best 

friend. We spoke to jewellers from 

North, South, East and West, and here’s 

what they had to say about what brides 

are looking at this wedding season. 

NORTH 

It all comes 

down to the 

illusion 

Today, cost effectiveness of 

the products matters the 

most. People in the north 

are opting for pieces that look big 

but aren’t necessarily heavy. They 

want the appearance of a 10 ct set 

which is in reality is a 5 ct one. 

“These days, customers are mostly 

inclined towards light-weight sets 

such as removable pendants that 

can be converted into earrings for 

later use,” says Akshay Verma of 

Verma Jewellers, Solan, Himachal 

Pradesh. Tanmaniya Mangalsutras 

are trending big time and when it 

comes to engagement rings, men prefer 

platinum bands or white gold bands 

with 30-70 pointers and women prefer 

minimum 1 ct in fancy cuts. “After 

gold prices shot up, people now prefer 

diamond jewellery and the sales have 

gone up, earrings, rings, small pendant 

sets depending upon the budget. For 

gifting, people prefer to spend approx 

50k to a lakh,” adds Verma. 

After gold prices shot 

up, people now prefer 

diamond jewellery and 

the sales have gone up, 

earrings, rings, small 

pendant sets depending 

upon the budget. For 

gifting, people prefer to 

spend approx 50k to a 

lakh 

akshay Verma, Verma 

Jewellers 



We are easily selling 70 

pointer upwards to a carat or 

two these days in rings. We 

have a conservative market 

out here. People prefer 

smaller items in gifting such 

as studs, smaller earrings 

etc. Pendant sets and 

bracelets are also popular 

styles for gifting 

rajnish Verma, Punjab 

Jewellers 

New-age brides are practical 

Brides are bidding goodbye to heavy diamond jewellery, they want practical 

pieces. They are going in for larger stones in larger sizes than -2, -4 sizes. 

Elaborate sets are also not selling since people prefer simpler sets with 

straight lines but with larger stones. Chokers have gone out of style, but necklaces 

in general are still in vogue. They are looking for classier stuff, something that 

can last them for years. They want pieces that they can carry off for the next 20 

years. “Traditional bangles are done and dusted; people are now looking for more 

intricate and fancier shapes and designs. Bracelets have become more practical 

and versatile to wear. We are easily selling 70 pointer upwards to a carat or two 

these days in rings. We have a conservative market out here. People prefer smaller 

items in gifting such as studs, earrings, smaller earrings etc. Pendant sets and 

bracelets are also popular styles for gifting . Even men prefer bands rather than 

big bulky rings. We also have customers asking for diamond jewellery sets with 

coloured stones,” adds Rajnish Verma of Punjab Jewellers, Dehradun. 

Multipurpose jewellery on the rise 

More and more people are 

now looking for lightweight 

jewellery these 

days in diamonds, especially in 

smaller stones. The focus is more 

on design and fashion rather than 

weight. Especially if the customer is 

young, they want fashionable pieces 

when it comes to bridal jewellery. 

Heavy weight jewellery in this time 

and age only draws attention from old 

people, younger folks prefer sleeker 

look for their big day or everyday 

accessories. Another jewellery trend 

that has become people’s favourite is 

multipurpose jewellery. “Brides prefer 

diamond earrings, platinum band, 

solitaires and light-weight sets these 

days. When it comes to gifting, people 

prefer gold over diamonds. For men, 

platinum sale is on the rise. Colourful 

jewellery is another thing people are 

opting for along with diamonds,” says 

Yogesh Gupta of Lala Purshottam Das 

Jewellers. 

Brides prefer diamond 

earrings, platinum band, 

solitaires and lightweight 

sets these days. 

When it comes to gifting, 

people prefer gold over 

diamonds 

Yogesh Gupta, Lala 

Purshottam Das 

Jewellers 



SOUTH 

Brides love bling 

In bridal jewellery, the younger 

generation is more into rings, tops, 

pendants etc. In the south, long 

chains are more in demand especially in a 

set with choker, bangles and earrings. Hair 

accessories is yet another thing people 

like to wear in south Indian weddings 

and these days they like the accessory to 

be in diamonds instead of gold. “Earlier, 

the trend was to buy gold pieces, however, 

now the trend is changing and people 

are looking forward to buying diamond 

jewellery and incorporating one or two 

pieces of the same to their bridal looks. 

Mid-level customers prefer carat sizes 

from .50 to 1 ct and for people with more 

disposable income one cannot predict, as 

they could buy anything over and above 1 

ct ,” says Joy Alukkas of Joyalukkas. 

Earlier, the trend was to buy gold 

pieces, however, now the trend is 

changing and people are looking 

forward to buying diamond 

jewellery and incorporating 

one or two pieces of the same 

to their bridal looks. Mid-level 

customers prefer carat sizes from 

.50 to 1 ct and for people with 

more disposable income one 

cannot predict, as they could buy 

anything over and above 1 ct 

Joy alukkas, Joyalukkas 

Under 1 ct diamond rings 

for the win 

The new-age brides in 

the south are informed 

jewellery buyers. They 

always look for wearability, quality 

and above all a reflection of their 

individual style statement while 

buying jewellery. As a result, they 

now prefer to include diamond 

jewellery in their bridal ensemble. 

Lightweight and delicate 

necklaces, diamond earrings, 

diamond mangalsutra, diamond 

rings and diamond bangles are in 

the demand at the moment. “We 

have witnessed sizeable demand 

for diamond necklaces in the 

recent past, as they act as a graceful 

style statement on the D-Day. 

Engagement rings under 1 ct size 

are in demand at the moment. As 

India is a gold consuming nation, 

Light & Breezy 

the demand for gold jewellery will 

always be there. However, due 

to evolving fashion sensibilities, 

there is a consumer segment 

emerging in the country which 

is showing inclination towards 

buying diamond jewellery,” says 

Ahammed MP of Malabar Gold & 

Diamonds. 

We have witnessed 

sizeable demand for 

diamond necklaces in the 

recent past, as they act as 

a graceful style statement 

on the D-Day. Engagement 

rings under 1 ct size are in 

demand at the moment 

ahammed Mp, Malabar 

Gold & Diamonds 

Southern brides these days prefer smaller jewellery pieces with the 

rise in the price of gold. People are spending less these days so 

with less budget, they can afford to buy light-weight jewellery. 

“Earlier for weddings, consumers would come looking for heavy jewellery 

but nowadays they have become extremely confused in buying jewellery. 

They don’t spend like earlier. The average budget for a piece of diamond 

jewellery is 1 to 2 lakhs and with engagement rings, they prefer buying 

50 cent rings ,” adds Varghese Alukka of Jos Alukkas. 

Earlier for weddings, consumers would come looking 

for heavy jewellery but nowadays they don’t spend 

like earlier. The average budget for a piece of diamond 

jewellery is 1 to 2 lakhs and with engagement rings, they 

prefer buying 50 cent rings 

Varghese alukka, Jos Alukkas 



WEST 

Subtle says it all 

Necklaces, especially the 

lightweight ones are trending 

as far as brides in the west are 

concerned. “Precious setting jewellery 

has caught the eye of the consumer 

where the piece gives the illusion of a 

solitaire but isn’t actually a solitaire. 

Then there are delusional settings, 

which are also gaining popularity, 

where the diamond that is set on gold 

frame is not seen properly as it merges 

with the necklace or sometimes a 

dress. These are done for customers 

who prefer elegance over flashy pieces 

as they want the diamond set to look 

subtle,” adds Siddharth Bafna of R C 

Bafna Jewellers. Brides also like to 

go for multipurpose jewellery these 

days, which requires a great deal of 

craftsmanship. “Engagement rings sale 

generally starts from 40 cents these 

days as very few clients come looking 

for 1 or 2 ct diamond rings. For gifting 

purposes, clients look for charms or 

rings. They don’t want to spend on 

something traditional when it comes to 

gifting,” adds Bafna. 

Precious setting 

jewellery has caught 

the eye of the consumer 

where the piece gives 

the illusion of a solitaire 

but isn’t actually a 

solitaire. Then there 

are delusional settings, 

which are also gaining 

popularity, where the 

diamond that is set on 

gold frame is not seen 

properly as it merges 

with the necklace or 

sometimes a dress 

Siddharth Bafna, RC 

Bafna Jewellers 

Diamonds in 

fusion 

These days, brides from metros 

prefer more coloured stones like 

ruby, emerald and sapphire. 

“Brides prefer colour stones, however, 

fusion diamond jewellery is always a 

favourite. Planned purchases include 

chokers and necklaces. In engagement 

rings, people like to shuffle between 50 

cent to 1 ct. Multipurpose jewellery is 

also in trend as people want jewellery 

that is not heavy and they can wear 

it for multiple occasions. They want 

something they can wear on a day to day 

basis as well,” says Mahesh Jagwani of 

Mahesh Notandas Fine Jewellery. 

Planned purchases include 

chokers and necklaces. In 

engagement rings, people 

like to shuffle between 50 

cent to 1 ct. Multipurpose 

jewellery is also in trend as 

people want jewellery that is 

not heavy and they can wear 

it for multiple occasions 

Mahesh Jagwani, Mahesh 

Notandas Fine Jewellery 



EAST 

Diamonds good for gifting 

In Kolkata, diamond jewellery is the 

most versatile for wedding purpose. 

It goes with everything and a bride 

can choose anything from a simple 

and elegant necklace to a much more 

bolder and exquisite piece. These days 

even for Christian weddings, diamond 

jewellery is preferred. “Buyers mostly 

prefer 1-1.5 ct in diamond rings. It is 

mostly preferred because it is neither 

too small nor too gaudy. Also, lightweight 

and multipurpose jewellery is 

trending right now. They are also a good 

gifting option as it is budget friendly 

and stylish. People still gift diamond 

jewellery, because it serves as an asset 

too. The products depend on the budget 

of a buyer. Diamond chains/earrings 

are doing well mostly because they 

come under all budgets and for all age 

groups. Also diamond band rings do 

well because as they can be customised 

and also are unisex,” says Abhishek 

Kajaria of Avama Jewellers. 

Buyers mostly prefer 

1-1.5 ct in diamond 

rings. It is mostly 

preferred because it 

is neither too small 

nor too gaudy. Also, 

light-weight and 

multipurpose jewellery 

is trending right now. 

They are also a good 

gifting option as it is 

budget friendly and 

stylish 

abhishek Kajaria, 

Avama Jewellers. 



Accessories 

with diamonds 

are in 

Chokers and diamond 

heavy polki necklaces 

are moving very fast 

this wedding season. For brides, 

bracelets and bangles have stopped 

being in demand off late. “These 

days, brides prefer detachable sets 

and those pieces are very high in 

demand. For engagement rings, 

people like anything between 

.70 to 1 ct or 1.5 ct. Men like to 

go for solitaire or a simple band. 

Nowadays, customised name 

button covers and cufflinks set 

with diamonds are also trending for 

gifting purpose. Pendants, chains 

and bracelets are done and dusted 

and people are looking for new 

things like tie-pins or something 

new and fresh to gift,” says Vikash 

Soni of L Gopal Jewellers. 

Diamond bangles off the radar 

“Brides of today are well educated. 

They have started taking their own 

decision in life so it has become 

more imperative for us to provide 

them with more trendy and lightweight 

jewellery for their everyday purpose,” 

says Pintu Agarwal of Panna Diamond 

World. A bride doesn’t want to keep her 

jewellery in the locker these days; they 

want to wear their jewellery on a day to 

day basis. “Jewellery below 5-10 lakhs 

has become a trend. Smaller stones are 

in demand and the bigger shapes are 

only restricted to a certain segment of 

the society. Bangles have completely 

gone off the radar since watches sale 

has peaked. Bracelets are something 

people prefer to buy in my stores these 

days. When it comes to caratage of 

engagement rings, people prefer below 

10-15 ct. The market has completely 

changed and people prefer pieces that 

look western. Traditional, Indian pieces 

are restricted to a few families these 

days,” adds Agarwal. 

Smaller stones are 

in demand and the 

bigger shapes are only 

restricted to a certain 

segment of the society. 

Bangles have completely 

gone off the radar since 

watches sale has peaked. 

Bracelets are something 

people prefer to buy in 

my stores these days 

pintu agarwal, Panna 

Diamond World 

These days, brides prefer 

detachable sets and those 

pieces are very high in 

demand. For engagement 

rings, people like anything 

between .70 to 1 ct or 

1.5 ct. Men like to go for 

solitaire or a simple band. 

Nowadays, customised 

name button covers and 

cufflinks set with diamonds 

are also trending for gifting 

purpose 

Vikash Soni, L Gopal 

Jewellers 


Special RepoRt 

GJSCI India Jewellery Excellence Symposium 

Spreading Knowledge & 

Technical Know-How 

GJSCI’s India Jewellery Excellence Symposium turned out to be an 

excellent platform where participants gained a lot of knowledge 

about what’s latest in the manufacturing front 

India’s first Jewellery Excellence 

Symposium organised by GJSCI 

held in Mumbai was a big success 

where experts from all over the world 

where invited to share their knowledge 

on various topics 

The Indian Jewellery Excellence 

Symposium that took place in Mumbai 

on January 8 and 9 was nothing short 

of an indulging affair. From key note 

speakers to renowned jewellers and 

retailers, it saw the presence of the 

prominent members of the Gems & 

Jewellery industry. The event was not 

only informative but was also a medium 

to enlighten the who’s who in trade on 

the pressing issues of the industry and 

how we can benefit by sharing gained 

knowledge. 

Dignitaries from Ministry, NSDC & 

Trade Bodies made their significant 



presence for the grand inauguration 

of the symposium. The inauguration 

saw the presence of Chief Guest 

– Rupa Dutta, Economic Adviser, 

Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 

Guest of honour - Manish Kumar, MD 

& CEO – National Skill Development 

Corporation (NSDC), Pramod Agrawal, 

Chairman – Gem & Jewellery Export 

Promotion Council (GJEPC), N. 

Anantha Padmanabhan, Chairman – 

All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic 

Council (GJC), GJSCI Chairman, 

Sanjay Kothari, and Director, GJSCI 

Shishir Nevatia and Executive Director 

- CEO, GJSCI, Rajeev Garg. At the 

event, Indian and international experts 

made presentations on manufacturing 

and business best practices to an 

exclusive audience comprising owner/ 

promoters and senior professionals 

from across the gems and jewellery 

industry. Adapted on the lines of the 

Santa Fe Symposium®, the IJES 

debut show hosted 22 seminars with 

top experts including Frank Cooper, 

Deirdre Featherstone, Hemant Shah 

and Ravi Giani. 

GJSCI chairman Sanjay Kothari 

said, “Jewellery Excellence Symposium 

is unique, unparalleled and is great 

initiative by GJSCI with the support from 

various industry partners. Through this 

platform, I urge the (jewellery) industry 

to learn and improve productivity to be 

at par with global standards.” He also 



shared that knowledge is important and 

they aim to up skill the manufacturing 

processes and train the people so that 

India can eventually start supplying to 

top global brands. “We need to up our 

game and be globally competitive. Our 

ultimate goal is to see India flourish.” 

The first edition of India Jewellery 

Excellence Symposium recorded a 

registration of approximately 300+ 

delegates representing more than 140 

companies all over India. The first 

day was entirely engaged with the 

sessions led by eminent speakers viz. 

Ravi Gilani, Frank Cooper, Ashish 

Arora, Dr.Anand Deshpande, Peter 

Bubendorfer, Ms. Jill Goodson, 

Anikesh Pandey, Ashish Arora, Luigi 

Carboni all accomplished names from 

the gems and jewellery industry world 

over. The second day was equally 

exciting delivering various sessions by 

renowned experts like Jayant Murthy, 

Dierdre Featherstone, Hemant Shah, 

GaniIqbal, Meghna Saraogi, Jason 

Fava, Soran Jota, Fulvio Sinisi, Dr. Po. 

Hung Ko, along with other eminent 

speakers. 

Talking about innovative 3D 

printing, Frank Cooper in his session 

shared how one needs to do a lot of 

research before investing in a good 

machine. “There are very large 

numbers of 3D printers available for 

the jewellery industry at different price 

points.You need to do a lot of research 

before investing in a 3D printing 

machine. Don’t fall for the cheapest. 

3D systems ProJet (multijetting) Prints 

directly into photo polymeric resin. If 

you use budget machines, surfaces are 

usually uneven. The difference comes 

through in the finish. On the other hand 

Hemant Shah was seen sharing his in 

depth knowledge through the medium 

of innovation. “There are 4 types of 

innovation- incremental, disruptive, 

architectural and radical. Out of these, 

it is radical innovation that will help 

you change the game and achieve 

success,” he quipped. Gauge reaction 

of your audience and use feedback 

received to improve your product and 

process, he further added. All the 

way from New York, came jewellery 

designer Deirdre Featherstone to cast a 

spell on the audience. In her session, 

she explained the importance of a story 

that leads to the construction of a design 

that is custom made for your client. “If 



expert Quotes 

75 per cent of 

talent quit their 

jobs in the first 

year of joining 

because they 

don’t know 

how what they 

do contributes to the vision of 

the company. Employee needs 

are shifting and it’s important to 

understand that to attract good 

talent. Psychological safety is 

more important than monetary, 

which is what makes companies 

like Google what it is. 

ashish arora, MD, HR NXE 

No matter 

where you are 

in the supply 

chain, you have 

to find a way to 

create custom 

experience for 

your client. The new retailer 

comes into business straight 

out of college with no inventory 

and with the help of digital 

inventory, how does he do that? 

CAD is the answer; it is the hub 

of the wheel. 

Jill Goodson, Founding Partner, 

Gemally 

Your engineers need to have a good grasp of the 

technology and how CAD works. Rhino CAD 

program is the most popular because it’s the easiest 

and cheapest. Matrix is the best program if you 

have to show the best rendered image to your 

customers. Excellent for setting stones. Design is 

parametric and works backwards. Good options 

for rendering with even higher quality rendering 

options. Brush is very popular and is well worth investigating 

especially for sculptural work. 

Frank cooper, School of Jewellery, Birmingham 

We started off small in the year 1993 in Calicut. 

At that time our Chairman had a dream of 

opening 100 stores. Today we have 250 stores 

globally and around 140 stores internationally. 

We have always believed that the day you 

believe that you know everything, you know 

nothing and the day you feel like you don’t 

know everything, you probably know something. It’s been so 

many years, but we continue to learn every day. 

asher o, Malabar Gold & Diamonds 

Jewellery industry needs to innovate and if one 

does not innovate, one will always stagnate. 

The path to innovation begins with pinpointing 

potential. Study and research all aspects like 

location, sustainability, cost and so on. Study 

the sustainability and acceptability of a product 

that you are working on. Only if the project is 

commercially viable, is it worth taking it ahead. 

Hemant Shah 

you work with platinum, you have to 

create designs that are timeless. Due 

to limited supply of the metal, whatever 

you create must be exceptional. 

Designing for clients involve listening 

to their demands, what they give value 

to and giving them what they want but 

in your own unique way,” she shared. 

Augmented Reality in jewellery 

industry was addressed by Meghna 

Saraogi, who revealed how one can 

reap rewards of the advancement in 

technology. “AR helps you to digitise 

inventory. It can be shared with people 

across the globe with just a click.You 

can add real data like gold quality, 

diamond data, price etc along with 

the jewellery pieces.In a way AR also 

detects your emotions as it detects 

smile/ frown through face recognition. 

Since jewellery is a an emotion based 

decision, you can get better insight into 

likes and dislikes of consumers through 

AR. Consumers have short attention 

span and most consumers spend most 

time on their phones. A revolutionizing 

way for consumers to try on jewellery 

from their phones will give people 

instant access,” she revealed. ? 

IJES indeed turned out to be a onestop 

source for bringing together the 

industry’s most innovative and diligent 

experts to share their ideas, innovations, 

best practices, experiences, techniques 

and insights on manufacturing 

excellence. The event gracefully 

concluded felicitating the eminent 

speakers & also demonstrated the 

commitment of GJSCI to continue IJES 

with yet another edition in January 

2021. 


DW Promotion 

Limelight Lab-Grown Diamonds 

Pooja Sheth of Limelight Diamonds 

receives ET Business Icon award 

Pooja Sheth aspires to create a luxury niche in the world for 

lab-grown CVD diamonds from India 

Limelight Diamonds, India’s 

first luxury brand offering 

handcrafted lab-grown CVD 

diamond jewellery is pleased to 

announce that Pooja Sheth, Founder 

& Managing Director was felicitated 

as Technology Leader for Sustainable 

Diamond Creation at ET Business 

Icon award on 23rd January 2020. ET 

Business Icons, an initiative by OMS 

- a Times group company identifies 

the contribution of the country’s most 

powerful enterprises in their respective 

fields. 

The forte of Limelight Diamonds 

lies in offering the most exquisite 

& carefully handcrafted diamond 

jewellery. Their forte lies in crafting 

the impeccable Type IIa diamonds, 

whose luster is analogous to that of the 

legendary Koh-i-Noor. Headquartered 

in Mumbai, they are a limited company 

backed by one of the world’s largest 

CVD diamond labs based in Surat. 

Pooja Sheth aspires to create a luxury 

niche in the world for lab-grown CVD 

diamonds from India. Hailing from 

an investment banking background, 

Pooja has amassed her knowledge from 

leading global education schools such 


DW Promotion 

“With Limelight Diamonds, we are making 

a socially responsible and sustainably 

conscious effort towards a brighter future 

for everyone in the real sense by creating 

an aesthetic that makes every design stand 

out.” - Pooja Sheth 

as the London School of Economics and 

Harvard Business School, USA. Having 

previously worked for Barclays Capital 

in London, she now heads the strategy 

& operations for Limelight Handcrafted 

Diamonds. Her sound understanding 

of management coupled with a global 

perspective sets her apart as the newage 

leader. 

Pooja is a strong advocate of 

sustainable and conscious living. With 

Limelight Diamonds, she wants to 

maintain the legacy, superior quality 

and yet build the category on the pillars 

of responsibility and sustainability. 

These diamonds are grown in a lab 

and not found in mines, hence they are 

conflict-free and sustainable, saving 

water and land extraction. The brand 

has been at the forefront of showcasing 

lab-grown CVD diamond-studded 

jewellery within the responsible luxury 

niche in India and globally. With the 

laboratories based in Surat, the Group 

annually produces large volumes of labproduced 

rough diamonds, unmatched 

in the world. 

On receiving this award, Pooja 

Sheth said,“We at Limelight Diamonds 

are very fortunate to be awarded this 

prestigious title by ET Business and 

will forever strive to deliver quality and 

an opportunity for conscious consumers 

to make a responsible choice. With 

Limelight Diamonds, we are making 

a socially responsible and sustainably 

conscious effort towards a brighter 

future for everyone in the real sense by 

creating an aesthetic that makes every 

design stand out and with technology 

that greatly reduces the environmental 

impact.” 


Company FoCus 

(L-R) Harsh Arora - President Global Solutions - BVC Logistics, Rajesh Neelakanta - ED & CEO - BVC Logistics, Uday Chinai - Chairman, Bharat 

Badani - President - BVC Clearance, Yogesh Bansode - President - BVC Brinks & Krishna Bastikar - VP - BVC Brinks 

BVC Logistics 

Beacon of Inspiration: 60 Years 

of Safeguarding the Industry 

As the foremost leader of logistics & security, BVC Logistics 

has become this industry’s safe haven. 60 years since its 

modest beginning, the company has grown leaps and bounds, 

diversifying into unchartered territories and reaping success 

in doing so. Here’s the journey of a company whose vision and 

mission have had no bounds 

of Humble Beginnings & 

passing of the Torch 

Bhagwanji Vallabhji (BV) Chinai 

founded BVC as a customs brokerage 

company in Zaveri Bazaar, Mumbai 

in 1960. Uday Chinai, the present 

Chairman and son of B V Chinai 

joined the group in 1980 at a tender 

age of 18 and took the torch from 

his father, expanding the company 

strength to strength, from a customs 

broker company to an end-to-end 

logistics company for the diamond & 

jewellery industry. In 2013, Bhavik 


Company FoCus 

Chinai joined the company as the 

third generation entrepreneur and 

under his leadership, the company 

today has become synonymous with 

logistics and security in the jewellery 

industry covering logistics, tourism, 

security, investments and technology 

under its wings. 

an Empire of a secure 

Logistics Company 

BVC Logistics was the first company 

in India to start organized customs 

brokerage for the diamond and 

jewellery industry. Since then, BVC has 

been a pillar of support to the industry 

by creating India’s first international 

secure door-to-door solution in 1980, 

thereafter domestic in 1999. As a 

leading customs broker, BVC’s format 

of the customs documents was adopted 

by the Indian Customs for all export 

and import in late 1980s. As the first 

enterprise in India to adopt EDI, use 

GPS enabled armoured trucks and 

enable shipping to 130 countries, BVC 

has led the industry’s evolution through 

example. Since 2013, BVC has grown 

exponentially, expanding their offices, 

team, solutions and customers, working 

with over 16,000 businesses in the 

mine to market value chain consisting 

of miners, manufacturers, wholesalers, 

retailers and e-tailers. BVC operated 

in 8 cities in 2013 and realized the 

domestic jewellery industry needs 

organized logistics for an ever growing 

share of organized trade. BVC grew 

from 8 cities to over 20 cities in a period 

of 3 months and thereafter has grown 

its presence in over 50 cities, servicing 

over 10,000 pincodes for door-to-door 

secure logistics. 

From having a team of less than 

200, BVC has grown to more than 1300 

individuals across India, Singapore and 

November 2019 

marks the start of 

BVC’s 60th year and 

BVC launched its 

new vision, Vision 

2022. The new 

vision of BVC is 

‘To Make Shipping 

The Competitive 

Advantage of 30,000 

Businesses by 

March 2022’ 

Hong Kong. With hundreds of bullet-proof 

vehicles and a nationally appreciated 

signature vehicle design, BVC is 

synonymous with security and trust. 

BVC has historically worked with 

thousands of exporters and importers 

and since 2013 has grown the number 

of businesses it serves from 3,800 to 

over 16,000. Today, BVC provides its 

topnotch services to mining giants like 

Rio Tinto and De Beers as well as large, 

medium and small manufacturers, 

wholesalers, retailers and e-tailers. 

Bhagwanji Vallabhji (BV) Chinai, Founder, BVC Logistics 

achieving the unachievable 

In 2015, BVC started a specialized 

solution for e-commerce logistics and is 

a proud exclusive partner of Flipkart, 

Amazon and others for the jewellery 


Company FoCus 

Timeline of success 

1960 

1980 

1988 

BVC starts its 

operations in 

Mumbai 

BVC Logistics 

achieves IATA 

accreditation 

Pioneers 

India’s first EDI 

System 

1999 1995 1992 

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2009 

BVC Logistics 

starts global 

secure logistics 

The first official 

logistics partner 

for IIJS 

India network 

expanded to 6 

cities 

BVC Logistics 

handles logistics 

of Indian Premier 

League 2 

Expands its 

domestic presence 

to over 30 cities 

Launches the 

joint venture with 

Brinks Inc. 

Launches world’s first 

integrated logistics 

platform Vamaship 

Achieves 50% 

market share for 

the first time 

Launches BVC 

Consultancy 

BVC WeddingSHIP 

handles all 

destination Bollywood 

weddings 

Vamastores 

launches & Alibaba 

partnership inked 

Rajesh Neelakanta, CEO, BVC Logistics, Uday Chinai, Chairman, BVC Logistics, Bharat 

Badani,President, BVC Clearance & Yogesh Bansode, President, BVC Brinks at the 

launch of BVC Vision 2022 

category. BVC teamed with the customs 

to bring the cost of international B2C 

shipping down by over 70 per cent, 

enabling the growth of online sales. 

In 2014, BVC created the largest 

strategic collaboration of this industry 

by forming a joint venture with the 160 

year old American enterprise Brinks, 

enabling delivery within 24 hours in 

over 130 countries. 

In 2015, BVC started Vamaship, a 

technology platform making shipping 

easy and cheap for thousands of 

e-commerce SMEs across India which 

has today become India’s largest. 

Thereafter in 2017, BVC started 

BVC Consultancy. BVC Consultancy 

works with dozens of entities as an 

extended legal partner to decode 

customs regulation. BVC created 

solutions in 2018 to make any business 

export ready in 7 days and helps large 

enterprises receive AEO certification. 

In 2018, BVC launched its first 

direct to consumer solution ‘BVC 

WeddingSHIP’ where BVC does doorto-door 

secure logistics of jewellery for 

destination weddings, from the guests 

homes to the venue and back, offering 

absolute peace of mind for the largest 

life event. 

Beyond logistics for diamonds 

and jewellery, BVC supports almost 

every Indian luxury brand for secure 

logistics. Among its USP is its fully 

insured exhibition solution for private 

and public exhibitions. BVC is the 

proud Official Logistics Partner of over 

100 Indian exhibitions and all major 

global exhibitions. 


Company FoCus 

Initiatives like Vamastores and 

Alibaba are the start of a range of 

solutions to help businesses find 

new customers in India and globally. 

Through deeper collaboration with 

ecosystem partners like banks and 

packaging manufacturers, BVC aims 

to create a holistic solution for all 

diamond and jewellery merchant needs. 

As a market leader, BVC’s vision is 

now to deepen relationships and bring 

logistics solutions which exist only in 

developed nations to India. 

BVC being awarded the best Customs Broker of the Year 2019 award at the 46th India Gems & 

Jewellery Awards (IGJA) 

In early 2019, BVC launched 

Vamastores which makes a jeweller 

e-commerce ready in 24 hours with 

a mobile friendly website integrated 

with payment gateways, logistics, 

SMS, email and dozen other and helps 

increase sales through listing inventory 

on jewellery marketplaces. 

In late 2019, Alibaba and BVC’s 

Vamaship collaborated for enabling 

exports for thousands of domestic 

jewellery merchants and increasing 

sales for exporting merchants. This 

long term partnership is going beyond 

jewellery to help handicrafts, textile 

and fashion merchants who work with 

Vamaship. BVC has been actively 

investing in technology startups 

and has invested in companies in 

crowdfunding, HR tech, legal tech and 

several high growth industries. 

a Vision like no other 

November 27, 2019 marks the start of 

BVC’s 60th year and BVC launches 

its new vision, Vision 2022. The new 

vision of BVC is ‘To Make Shipping 

The Competitive Advantage of 30,000 

Businesses by March 2022’. 

Today, logistics is a cost centre 

for every business and BVC aims to 

transform this and make shipping a 

competitive advantage where simply 

by using BVC to ship, businesses can 

make their customers’ experience a 

beautiful buying experience. 

To achieve this vision, BVC has set 

aggressive service targets like achieving 

delivery within 24 hours anywhere 

in India and deep use of technology. 

BVC is also expanding its geographical 

coverage from 10,000 pincodes to over 

20,000 pincodes, making hundreds of 

bullet-proof vehicles, recruiting over 

1000 BVCites, all over the coming 30 

months. 

In BVC’s philosophy, logistics is 

like electricity, road or water, it’s a 

utility. The way life in a village gets 

transformed by access to a new road, 

jewellers in small towns can transform 

their businesses through access to 

reliable secure logistics. BVC aims to 

go beyond logistics to become a partner 

for jewellers to increase sales and 

reduce indirect costs. 

a samaritan at Heart 

Making a difference to society is the 

reason for being in business for BVC 

and BVC Foundation is the group’s 

organization which focuses on making 

a difference in education, healthcare, 

animal welfare and supporting other 

Foundations. 

The Foundation runs three flagship 

events, the DOO Initiative, Blood 

Donation Week and Tree Plantation 

Drive. The DOO Initiative, held every 

May makes a difference to over 30,000 

kids in orphanages and adults in old 

age homes across over 30 states of 

India by contributing books, stationery 

and clothes. 

The Blood Donation Week, held in 

November is held in over 20 cities in 

India where the BVC ecosystem joins 

to maximize blood donated. BVC 

started planting over 1000 trees in its 

annual Tree Plantation Drive and aims 

to grow this by 10x over the coming 

years. Beyond direct initiatives, BVC 

supports several Foundations in their 

initiatives by contributing financially 

and its team’s time. 


Asked & Answered 

Bejewelled Romance 

Collection by 

Motisons Jewellers 

Diamonds Jewellery Sales 

HOW ARE YOU 

PROMOTING 

YOUR DIAMOND 

JEWELLERY? 

Four jewellers known for their 

exclusive diamond jewellery spill the 

beans on how they promote diamond 

jewellery to a customer who might 

actually be walking in to buy gold 

The sentiment as far as diamond jewellery is concerned has 

been tepid in India for some time now. With the wedding 

season going on, there may be some improvement, but 

overall, diamonds have not been quite the performers. Retailers are 

grabbing any and every opportunity to promote diamond jewellery 

at their stores. Special diamond sales, discounts on solitaires, 

buyback offers – the list is endless. However, when we spoke to these 

retailers, we understood that given the context today, promoting the 

authenticity of diamonds is the best way to capture the audience. 

Elegant Earrings 

crafted in 18 K gold 

and studded with 

rubies and fine-cut 

diamonds by Shobha 

Shringar Jewellers 

Diamond 

Jhumkas, 

VBJ 



No Discount 

Policy 

saurabh Baradia, 

Anopchand Tilokchand 

Jewellers, Raipur 

People are increasingly opting for 

affordable diamond jewellery 

which is priced below Rs 5 lakhs. 

When a customer walks in to buy 

gold jewellery with a set budget, we 

show him or her a few pieces of his 

or her liking, but eventually, we try to 

show him a few pieces in the diamond 

segment that fall under their budget. 

We don’t believe in giving discounts, 

rather we try to promote our low-end 

diamond jewellery through online 

mediums. 

Floral Inspired ring crafted in 18K gold with 

fine cut diamonds by Tanya Rastogi for Lala 

Jugal Kishore Jewellers 

Anti Discount 

Campaign 

Ujjwal Agarwal, Modern 

Jewellers, Bareilly 

We are purely promoting our diamond 

jewellery based on authenticity. We 

highlight that all our jewellery are IGI certified. 

Secondly, we are promoting them on an antidiscount 

basis. We tell our customers that other 

jewellers are offering diamond jewellery on an 

artificial discount; our campaigns state that 

customers should calculate the price and then 

buy diamond jewellery and not fall for discounts. 

So, our ads illustrate that a customer should 

compare the prices that we are offering with that 

of a jeweller who is giving a discount, through 

which they come to realise that our jewellery is 

priced lower. Promotions related to authenticity 

works best in the given scenario, price becomes 

secondary. If a person is selling diamond 

jewellery at a very low price, a customer wonders 

whether the diamonds in the jewellery are real 

or not. We don’t want to give the idea of the price 

in our campaign – it’s always about a diamond’s 

authenticity and design. 



Neckpiece crafted in 

18K gold with fine cut 

diamonds by Tanya 

Rastogi for Lala Jugal 

Kishore Jewellers 

Presence in 5 

Star Hotels 

Ashraf Motiwala, AS 

Motiwala Fine Jewellery, 

Mumbai 

Besides typical bridal sets 

in diamonds, people are 

inclining towards gifting diamond 

jewellery. We have a robust social 

media presence to showcase 

our creations. We also retail our 

jewellery in about eight locations 

at Taj Hotels. Mostly, weddings 

happen in 5 Star properties, so we 

try to get a catchment of customers 

there, especially those who are 

looking to gift. All our jewellery in 

all our locations our IGI certified 

– we foresaw that there would 

be skepticism in the minds of 

consumers sooner or later about 

diamonds. So, now we are saying 

that our jewellery comes with a 

third party certificate about colour, 

clarity etc. 

Word of Mouth 

Venkata Bhanu, Ananth 

Diamonds, Vijayawada 

My clientele constitutes only 

of brides. We don’t make or 

sell light weight jewellery. Since it 

is the wedding season, the demand 

has been quite good. We don’t do 

any promotional activities for our 

jewellery. I have never advertised. 

Word of mouth works best for us. 

Vijayawada is a small city, and 

everybody knows everybody. Good 

or bad feedback, both spreads 

fast here. I exclusively rely on my 

designs – that is our selling point 

and has always been our selling 

point. 

Ring from ‘Yes I Do’ 

Collection by Divine 

Solitaires 

Pearl Diamond 

Earrings by Varda 

Goenka Fine Jewels 

by Diagold 


The Rock Talk 

An aquamarine and 

Diamond brooch, by 

Tiffany & co 

Exquisite art deco 

Aquamarine and 

Diamond tiara necklace, 

Cartier 

DIVAS’ DREAM openwork ring 

in 18 kt white gold with an 

aquamarine and set with pavé 

diamonds, Bulgari 

Aquamarine 

The aqua effect 

These gorgeous stones with a hint of blue 

that mimic droplets of water so beautifully, 

are one of nature’s true miracles 

Oasi bracelet with aquamarine 

and diamonds set in white gold, 

Buccellati 

White gold Peau d’Âne collection 

aquamarine earrings with 

diamonds, sapphires and 

tourmalines, Van Cleef & Arpels 

78.33-carat Santa Maria aquamarine Hiver 

Impérial Baïkal necklace, Boucheron 

An aquamarine and 

Diamond ring, mounted by 

Cartier 

Aquamarine and 

diamond necklace, 

Bulgari 


The Rock Talk 

High Jewellery 

Brooch Moon, 

Jewellery Theatre 

Earrings set with a half moon 

Colombian emerald and a half 

moon diamond, Moussaieff 

Phases Of 

The Moon 

Multi- 

Sapphire 

Necklace, 

Andrea 

Fohrman 

Star and Moon 18K Oxidized 

Gold, Diamond and Moonstone 

Earrings, Colette Jewelry 

Moon Motif 

Fly me to the Moon 

The moon in its various avatars has long 

been jewellers’ favourite. From half 

moons to fading crescents and those 

surrounded by glittering stars, here are 

our favourite picks 

Fly Me To The Moon Mismatched 

Gold-Tone, Crystal And Pearl 

Earrings, Shourouk 

Marquetry Moon & Star Earrings, 

Silvia Furmanovich 

Kundan Vintage Diamond 

And 18K Gold Crescent 

Pendant Necklace, Amrapali 

Sapphire cresecent moon earrings, 

Silvia Furmanovich 

Moon & sun 

necklace, Lele 

Sadoughi 

Savanna moon earrings, 

Eduarda Brunelli 


The Rock Talk 

Jubilee 22K Gold Multi-Stone 

Charm Bracelet, Mallary Marks 

Charm necklace, Grazia & 

Marica Vozza 

Vintage Charm Yellow Gold Bracelet, Eleuteri 

Antique Gold, Gemstone, and 

Diamond Charm Necklace, 

Renee Lewis 

Charm Jewellery 

enchanting charms 

Everybody can do with some luck. Charm jewellery with 

pretty trinkets are back in fashion. From multistone 

bracelets to necklaces with gemstone, diamond and gold 

charms, here are our favourite creations 

Button charms bracelet, Chanel 

Elephant 

charm 

bracelet, 

Van Cleef & 

Arpels 

Diamond Platinum 

Charm Bracelet 

with Heart Charms, 

Tiffany & Co. 

Happy 

Diamonds 

Lock and 

Key Charm 

Bracelet, 

Chopard 


The Rock Talk 

18K Yellow Gold 

Rainbow Baguette 

Gold Link Choker, 

Shay 

14k Rainbow Mini 

Bar Necklace, EF 

Collection 

14KT Gold Rainbow Sapphire & 

Diamond Eternity Ring, The Foundry 

Rainbow Jewellery 

of hues & happiness 

A universal symbol of hope and happiness, rainbow, one of 

nature’s magical phenomenons has been a great inspiration for 

artists across the board. From dainty neck pieces and rings to 

chunky chokers and cocktail rings, here are some kaleidoscopic 

pieces that inject a dose of happiness with just a glance 

Rainbow Grommets 

Gold-Plated Brass And 

Cubic Zirconia Statement 

Earring, Joanna Laura 

Constantine 

Isabelle Rainbow Brass And 

Crystal Hoop Earrings, Dannijo 

18K Yellow Gold 

Rainbow Sapphire Eros 

Folded Heart Charm, 

Elena Votsi 

Inlay collection rainbow sapphire 

ring, Suzanne Kalan 

Rainbow sapphires 

& diamonds ring, 

Turgeon Raine 

One Of A Kind 

18K Gold Jumbo 

Rainbow Link 

Necklace, Shay 

Under The Rainbow 18K 

Gold Diamond AA Grade 

Pendant, Korite Ammolite 

Rainbow Pavé Cuore 

Ring, Carolina Bucci 


NatioN Notes 

Turkey 

The Ottoman 

Magic 

Gilan Istanbul - 

Theodora earrings 

The jewellery trade in Turkey is 500 years old. Much like 

other jewellery centers, global economic volatility and 

domestic political tensions have constantly tested the 

strength of the jewellery industry, however, its signature 

craftsmanship and affordable labour has made it one of 

the most sought-after hubs of jewellery 


NatioN Notes 

Ottoman 

Empire 

Diamond 

Necklace 

Turkish jewellery 

exports touched 

$7.2 billion in 2018, 

exceeding the 

previously set 

goal of $6 billion. 

The country 

exports 

jewellery to UK, 

United Arab 

Emirates, 

the U.S., Hong 

Kong and 

Switzerland 

Turkey holds a leading position 

amongst the jewellery exporting 

countries in the world. A large 

manufacturing base with affordable 

labour along with an increasing 

number of designers has helped Turkey 

in becoming an important jewellery 

making centre. Besides, the country’s 

important geographical location helps 

bridging East and West, making it an 

important distribution and re-export 

centre. Turkey’s jewellery industry 

received a huge boost with government 

decisions taken in the early 1980s to 

liberalize the gold trade and foreign 

exchange, according to the Turkish 

Jewelers Association (TAJ). The 

TAJ promotes the export of Turkish 

jewellery, advances the interests of the 

Turkish jewellery sector internationally, 

and supports the activities of the 

Turkish jewellery export sector. Turkish 

jewellery exports touched $7.2 billion 

in 2018, exceeding the previously set 

goal of $6 billion. The country exports 

jewellery to UK, United Arab Emirates, 

the U.S., Hong Kong and Switzerland. 

The mark Turkey has left globally 

as far as its jewellery is concerned is 

inimitable. With craftsmanship at par 

with its European manufacturers, it has 

managed to keep competitors at bay 

with its low prices. 


NatioN Notes 

There are more 

than 50 

major companies 

in which 200-1500 

qualified workers 

are employed. The 

industry is a huge 

one amongst the 

Turkish 

manufacturing 

industries and 

employs about 

2,50,000 people 

currently 

A ring from the Fauna 

collection, with a cabochon-cut 

emerald, Aida Bergsen Jewellery 

Market Potential & 

Craftsmanship 

According to the Turkish Trade 

Government, there are more than 50 

major companies in which 200-1500 

qualified workers are employed. The 

industry is a huge one amongst the 

Turkish manufacturing industries 

and employs about 2,50,000 people 

currently. Traditional Turkish jewellery 

making techniques include filigree 

(telkari), niello (savat) and wickerwork 

(hasir). Filigree is a technique in which 

the artist creates motifs by soldering 

together fine silver or gold wires. 

Since the wire used is often extremely 

delicate, this technique requires an 

almost infinite degree of patience. 

The niello technique is based on tiny, 

delicately-worked pieces of handpainted 

enamel which are partitioned 

by precious metals. In wickerwork, 

another technique used by Turkish 

jewellers, delicate wires are woven 

together. 

Journey 

to Dreams 

collection - 

Gilan 

Ottoman Empire 

Diamond Brooch 


NatioN Notes 

Istanbul Jewelry Show 

Istanbul Jewelry Show is referred as the 

bridge between European and Middle 

East markets. The biannual show 

takes place in March and October. The 

October 2019 edition saw a 12 per cent 

increase in the number of international 

visitors. Istanbul Jewelry Show plays 

an important role to Turkish Jewelry 

Industry reach its 2019 export target of 

USD 6 billion and March and October 

Exhibitions of Istanbul Jewelry Show 

broke its own record by hosting over 50 

thousand jewellery buyers in 2019. 

Chance collection, Boybeyi 

Love for Gold 

Much like India, the Turkish people love 

gold. It’s second nature and plays an 

important role in their cultural milieu. 

In the third quarter of 2019, global 

tensions led to an upward movement 

in global gold prices, however, Turkey 

recorded the highest purchases in gold 

in this period and reached 385.5 tons 

in total gold reserves. According to 

WGC’s Gold Demand Trends report 

for the third quarter, while worldwide 

demand for gold continued to increase, 

the Central Bank of the Republic of 

Turkey (CBRT) came to the fore among 

the world’s central banks with largest 

amount of gold purchased in the third 

quarter. The world gold council released 

a report on World Gold Holdings, which 

stated that Turkey holds 415.2 tonnes 

of gold, ranking number 14, in the list 

of countries that reserves gold. 

Market Trends 

According to Euromonitor, China 

declared 2018 Turkish Tourism Year, 

which boosted the number of Chinese 

inbound tourists to Turkey in 2018 

and into 2019. After a lackluster 

performance in 2017, jewellery 

recorded much improved retail value 

growth figures in 2018/2019, supported 

by this initiative. The report also stated 

that product placement in Turkish soap 

operas such as Yasak Elma and Ufak 

Tefek Cinayetler is a key marketing 

tool. Manufacturers such as Gülaylar 

Altin, Altinbas and Assos ve Atasay 

have begun to work closely with media 

channels to promote their products 

in the most effective way possible. 

Endorsements by celebrities and 

influencers remained important parts 

of the marketing mix in 2018/2019, 

with jewellery players using these 

endorsements for limited periods to 

position their brands as trendy. In 

2018, the leader in jewellery, Atasay 

Kuyumculuk, collaborated with a 

popular social media influencer, Seyma 

Subasi, launching a special line which 

was supported by the celebrity. 


Design stuDio 

Sylva Yepremain - 

Sylva & Cie 

Back 

in Time 

Los Angeles based Sylva 

& Cie has garnered 

loyalists across the 

board for its pieces that 

transports the wearer 

back in time. Designer 

Sylva Yepremain, with 

her Middle Eastern 

upbringing and 

European influence 

injects so much soul 

into every single piece 

she makes. They are 

beautifully outlandish 

and truly one-ofakind 

observes Vijetha 

Rangabashyam 


Design stuDio 

Large button earrings that glow 

with opals surrounded by 

diamonds, an 18th Century 

Russian Icon Cross fashioned into a 

pendant set in rose gold with single 

cut diamonds or a pair of Lava cameo 

flower stud earrings encircled with 

diamonds – when you look at Sylva’s 

jewellery, you can rest assured that 

she loves gemstones and treats them 

with the respect they deserve and that 

she panders to nobody’s whim except 

her own. The story of how she began 

her journey along with her husband 

Raffi Yepremain is the stuff you read 

in novels or watch in movies. Two 

Lebanese jewellers, who were best 

friends, migrated to Los Angeles from 

Beirut to realise the American Dream. 

Decades of thick friendship came to 

a halt when their son and daughter 

exchanged glances in an elevator at 

the building where both their parents 

had their establishments. Not only did 

their parents eventually come around 

but Sylva & Raffi’s union also led 

them to continue their fathers’ legacy, 

of creating jewellery that celebrated 

Lebanon’s prodigious jewellery 

craftsmanship. “My passion for 

jewellery is most definitely inherited. 

I come from a long line of artisans 

and artists and I’ve been thought to 

recognize admire and respect excellent 

craftsmanship,” says Sylva. 

When you look at all of Sylva’s 

pieces, you find yourself in a 

conundrum – whether she goes in 

search of these exceptional reclaimed 

stones one after the other or they find 

her instead, because what she fashions 

out of them is soulful, almost like it’s 

is the only way they are meant to be. 

She is minimalist in her approach, 

yet her pieces are noticeable from 

My client is a 

collector who 

wants to 

stand out in oneof-a-kind 

pieces. 

She knows 

what she wants. 

She also wants 

wearable luxury. 

She wants to be 

able to wear her 

jewellery every 

day 


Design stuDio 

I’ve learned all 

I know from my 

father who is a 70+ 

year bench master. 

Having lived in 

both Lebanon 

and Paris has 

definitely shaped 

my esthetics and 

I’m always striving 

to create a new 

language within 

my Middle Eastern 

and European 

influences 

any corner. Her designs are clean and 

simple and there is no hodgepodge of 

gemstones – she makes the gemstones 

shine with a smattering of diamonds at 

the most. Most of her pieces are Gothic 

in appeal – dark, mysterious and rustic; 

the beauty in these pieces doesn’t come 

from the fact that they are sparkly, like 

with most jewels, but from the fact 

that they have been sourced for their 

organic appearance. 

It feels wrong to say that Sylva hasn’t 

had any formal training. If years of 

watching her father who has been an 

expert bench master for decades is not 

training, then what is? “I’ve learned 

all I know from my father who is a 70+ 

year bench master. Having lived in 

both Lebanon and Paris has definitely 

shaped my esthetics and I’m always 

striving to create a new language within 

my Middle Eastern and European 

influences.” 

She works with medallions, cameos, 

diamond roughs, conch shells, mother 

of pearls, dinosaur bone and what not. 

Sylva finds beauty in the strangest of 

materials, what most jewellers would 

rubbish as lacking in aesthetics. So 

her clientele that constitutes the likes 

of Oprah & Reese Witherspoon, like to 

wear jewellery that isn’t flamboyant and 

showy yet they root for pieces that are 

innately precious and one-of-a-kind. 

“My client is a collector that wants to 

stand out in one-of-a-kind pieces. She 

knows what she wants. She also wants 

wearable luxury. She wants to be able 

to wear her jewellery every day.” 

These pieces which are diligently 

handcrafted by Sylva’s craftsmen 

take you back in time, to another 


Design stuDio 

world, which most people vicariously 

live through books and movies. But 

she is one of the few jewellers who 

transport you to a bygone era with 

her creations. “Lately I’ve been 

really interested in the 40’s and 50’s, 

jewellery drastically changed with 

those two decades from feminine and 

ornate to more architectural shapes. 

My latest collection encompasses 

some of these qualities.” 

Though she comes from a family 

of jewellers, Sylva wasn’t handed 

everything in a platter. Her journey has 

been one of self introspection, of what 

the world wants and what she wants. 

When she decided to take the plunge to 

design her jewellery, she decided that 

she wants to do it her way and either 

people like it or they don’t. What has 

worked for her is also a set of niche 

clients, who find her imagination and 

creative process interesting. “I think 

the market has changed these last few 

years. Consumers are less interested 

in having luxury for the masses and 

are more seeking to make an emotional 

connection with their next purchase of 

jewellery.” 

Inspiration for someone like Sylva 

could come from anywhere. However, 

she loves the Alahambra palace. “A few 

places have influenced me as much as 

my visit to Alhambra, Spain. The mix 

of the Moorish architecture and designs 

mixed with European influences speaks 

to me!” 

The market has 

changed these 

last few years. 

Consumers are less 

interested 

in having luxury 

for the masses and 

are more seeking to 

make an emotional 

connection with 

their next purchase 

of jewellery 


Red CaRpet Jewels 

Jewellery at Golden 

Globes, Grammys & SAG 

spaRKlY 

Moments! 

The award season just came to 

a close and fashion enthusiasts 

across the globe waited with 

bated breath to find out the 

trends that dominated the red 

carpets this season. Diamonds 

have always been celebrities’ 

favourite and this year too, the 

stars dripped in diamonds as 

they sashayed the red carpets 

in stunning gowns at the 

Globes, SAG & Grammys 

Golden Globes and Screen Actors 

Guild paved way for some major 

sartorial moments for the world to see. 

From diamond chokers with a vibrant splash 

of coloured gemstones, collar bone-hugging 

statement necklaces to vintage pieces and 

diamond studded hair accessories; there sure 

was no dearth of sparkle on the red carpet this 

year. Men too took the spotlight for accessorising 

their outfits with jewellery to the nines. 

Golden Globes 

Priyanka Chopra 

wore a high jewellery necklace 

featuring over 56 carats of 

diamonds and diamond earrings 

by Bulgari. 

Jennifer Aniston slayed 

in a vintage Cartier necklace 

from the 1950s, courtesy of Fred 

Leighton, along with two Art 

Deco rings that complemented 

her entire look. 



Olivia Colman, who won 

Best Actress in a TV Drama 

Series for The Crown, chose 

to make a political statement 

with her diamonds. One of her 

three rings read, “50/50, Equal 

Representation for Actresses.” 

Ansel Elgort wore the 

Enchant butterfly brooch 

in platinum and sapphires. 

The actor also wore a Tiffany 

1837 Makers 27 mm square 

watch in stainless steel and a 

stunning platinum ring with 

a Sri Lankan sapphire of over 

nine carats and diamonds. 

Gillian 

Anderson wore a 

dazzling platinum and 

diamond drop earrings 

worth $40,000 while her 

Tiffany Circlet diamond 

necklace are worth 

$165,000. 

Cynthia Erivo’s left no stones turned 

when it came to dazzling at the red carpet. 

She wore $5 million worth of jewels. The 

centerpiece of her choker was a 40-carat 

sapphire cabochon, surrounded by 56.65 

carats of diamonds and sapphires. It’s 

valued at over $3 million. She also wore 

three rings and an earful of earrings. 

Billy Porter, one of the most talked 

about celebrity from the awards this season, 

wore a $46,500 Tiffany and Co dragonfly 

brooch, necklace and rings. The necklace 

itself had a 40-carat diamond pendant and 

was worth $2 million. 

Jennifer Lopez, who was 

nominated for Best Supporting 

Actress, looked like a million 

bucks in more than 145 carats 

of Colombian emeralds and 

diamonds by Harry Winston. 



SAG 

Jennifer Lopez paired $9 million worth of Harry 

Winston jewels with her off-shoulder black Georges Hobeika 

gown. It included six pieces that totaled nearly 200 carats, most 

notably a 73.55-carat cascading diamond drop necklace. 

Lupita Nyong’o’s rings and 

chandelier earrings shone as bright as her 

smile! The actress wore 90 carats worth of 

Forevermark diamonds. 



Michelle Williams ensured 

she made a memorable impression 

with her Forevermark 6.37-carat 

diamond feather brooch clipped 

just above her ear. Her retroinspired 

blonde bob suited the hair 

accessory perfectly. 

Charlize 

Theron wore 

a Tiffany & Co. 

bracelet as a 

hair accessory 

making way for 

a new trend that 

everyone is talking 

about 

Scarlett Johansson complemented her 

body hugging gown and sleek hair do with long 

earrings in ceramic with three dimensional pave 

diamond drops by James de Givenchy for Taffin 



Ariana Grande donned 

diamond studs worth $2.5 million 

from Lorraine Schwartz with her 

puffy Giambattista Valli gown. 

Lizzo arrived on the 

Grammys red carpet 

in an all white Versace 

with Lorraine Schwartz 

diamond jewellery. She 

paired the dress with 

a whopping $2 million 

worth of Lorraine Schwartz 

diamond jewellery. 

Camila Cabello slayed 

the red carpet with a $2 million 

diamond necklace by Le Vian 

that complemented her gorgeous 

black Goth gown by Versace 

Grammys 

Heidi Klum opted for a 

long Lorraine Schwartz diamond 

necklace, which was the perfect 

addition to her gilded gown. 

Diplo had 

as all in awe 

with Bulgari’s 

turquoise, 

cabochon 

sapphires, 

and brilliantcut 

diamond 

necklace from 

their Heritage 

collection 

FKA Twigs 

wore two pieces 

from upscale 

antique jeweller 

Bentley & 

Skinner. A 

Victorian opal and 

diamond necklace 

from 1890 along 

with tulip-shaped 

diamond earrings 

made by the 

jeweller. 


ExpErt Column 

Diamond Price Index 

The Importance of 

Diamond Price Index 

The significance of an index is essential to 

track and measure the value of your solitaire 

diamond says Jignesh Mehta, Founder & 

Managing Director Divine Solitaires 

Transparency brings trust and trust 

is essential for any business to 

establish relations and a connect 

with the consumers. This decree applies 

to the gems and jewellery industry as well. 

Consumers today are evolved and mindful 

when purchasing jewellery. Though they do 

trust jewellers, they they come prepared with 

their own study on pricing, value and other 

parameters in order not to get deceived. 

A price index is a normalised average 

(typically a weighted average) of price 

relatives for a given class of goods or services 

in a given region, during a given interval 

of time. It is a statistic designed to help to 

compare how these price relatives, taken 

as a whole, differ between time periods or 

geographical locations. 

Consumers refer to the price index of 

precious metals like gold and silver when 

purchasing their jewellery but when it 

comes to solitaire diamonds that is not 

the case. 

A Diamond Price Index (DPI) is a 

representation of the current market pricing 

trend for diamonds. The DPI takes into 

account the average retail price per carat 

of loose diamonds from jewelers around 

the web. Prices are calculated for groups 

of weight ranges as well as by colour and 

clarity. 

The DPI ushers transparency in the 

diamond industry and standardisation in the 

pricing of diamonds. Every single diamond 

is documented using a nationwide standard 

and transparent price list. Each month’s 

DPI reflects the change in diamond prices 

which is compared to the previous month’s 

and year’s figures.For diamond jewellery 

consumers, potential or regular, who keep 

an eye out for the trends in solitaire prices, 

this index serves as a very helpful one-stop 

reference point. 

Just like any other consumer good, Alfred 

Marshall’s Law of Demand and Supply 

applies to diamonds as well. Demand and 

Supply and overall economic performance 

of the country majorly affect the pricing 

of diamonds. It’s essential that consumers 

know the real-time price and its actual value 

and hence a DPI is essential to track. 

The price of a diamond is generally 

decided depending on the four basic 

attributes of cut, colour, carat and clarity. 

However parameters like its depth and 

fluorescence also affect pricing. Jewellers 

end up giving consumers a vague estimate 

when it comes to the change in the price; 

therefore diamonds needa DPI for uniform 

pricing. 

An index like DPI helps in bringing 

out the real asset value of the diamond. A 

diamond is a beautiful asset and consumers 

have the right to know the value for their 

money. If diamond jewellers provide 

consumers with surety on the resale value 

of their diamonds along with certificates, 

consumers know they are in safe hands. 

Reliable brands always practice diamond 

pricing. Usually, the consumers make a 

mistake in their purchasing decisions by not 

opting for certifications and not preferring 

reputed jewellers. 

Buying jewellery like diamonds requires 

research and planning or else one can end 

up paying more or being duped without 

knowing the basics. When purchasing 

diamonds it’s important to not just be 

well informed but also make a legitimate 

investment. 


Stone talk 

Citrine 

From yellow to brownish or reddish orange 

and everything in between, citrine comes in an 

assortment of warm colours, making it a great 

autumn birthstone. This variety of quartz has been 

used in jewellery for centuries, although most 

historical citrine jewellery dates from the Victorian era. 

Often available in large sizes and with high clarity, 

it has become a popular and affordable choice for 

everyday jewellery.This stone symbolizes energy, 

confidence and success. 

Colour 

Citrine is traditionally known for its yellow colour. That is why 

its name means “lemon-coloured” in French and Latin. The most 

valuable citrine is a saturated yellow to reddish orange without 

any brown tints. Contemporary jewellery, however, often features 

brownish or reddish orange citrine marketed under delectable 

names such as “butterscotch” or “whiskey” citrine. 

Citrine and amethyst can occur in the same crystal. The unusual, 

bi-coloured gem that results is called ametrine. 

©GIA 2020. GIA®, the GIA logo and Gemological Institute of America® are registered trademarks of Gemological Institute of America, Inc. 

126 | january-february 2020 | DiamonD WorlD 

ADT190135_India_Advertorial_Citrine_Spread_v3.indd All Pages

Stone talk 

Clarity 

Citrine is known for its clarity and does not typically 

contain eye-visible inclusions. Inclusions lower its value. 

Treatments 

Naturally-coloured citrine is rare; most citrine is amethyst 

or smoky quartz that has been heat-treated to change its 

colour to yellow. 

Sources 

The top sources for natural citrine are Bolivia, Spain, 

Madagascar, Mexico and Uruguay. However, the majority 

of citrine on the market today is heat-treated amethyst from 

Brazil. Bolivia is the only commercial producer of ametrine. 

To learn more about citrine and other popular gemstones, 

visit GIA.edu/gem-encyclopedia 

This article is provided by GIA (Gemological Institute of America ® ). 

GIA.edu 

Images Courtesy of: Arya Esha 

Learn More About GIA Education Programmes and Laboratory Services in India 

GIAindia.in Email: labindia@gia.edu Email: eduindia@gia.edu 

DiamonD WorlD | january-february 2020 | 127 

1/29/20 11:47 AM

ExpErt Column 

Diamond Education 

What Does Diamond 

Education Really Mean? 

Ben Prior, sales executive at De Beers Group Industry 

Services, reflects on a busy 2019 and explores what 

independent retailers can do to enhance their diamond 

knowledge and prepare for consumer scrutiny in 2020 

Today’s end-consumer is really 

discerning. With the accessibility 

of the internet, many shoppers have 

done incredible amounts of research before 

they enter your independent jewellery retail 

business. They arrive armed with knowledge 

of the 4Cs, but also a deeper understanding 

of colour grading, clarity grading, fancy cuts 

and colours, settings and precious metals. To 

engage this kind of self-educated consumer, 

a sales associate needs to be able to impart 

diamond wisdom in a way that can’t be 

replicated online. That means handling 

diamonds, demonstrating, perhaps with a 

loupe, the differences between stones and 

sharing the history, heritage and properties 

of diamonds in a way that builds a complete, 

‘diamond story’. 

In recent months, the team at De Beers 

Group Industry Services and our educational 

arm, De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds, 

has worked with national and international 

retail businesses who recognise the need 

to be one step ahead. In Thailand, for 

example, we have an on-going relationship 

with retail jeweller, Aurora – a business 

that really understand the importance of 

continuous professional development for its 

staff. Aurora has just over 200 stores across 

Thailand. It needs to ensure its staff have 

the confidence to handle diamonds and an 

ability to use the 4Cs as a foundation when 

telling the ‘diamond story’ behind each 

piece. In the autumn of 2019, we trained 

200 Aurora staff members over two weeks 

in Bangkok. Our courses were translated 

live into Thai making this one of the most 

ambitious and large-scale retail training 

projects we have ever worked on. 

Aurora has gone to such efforts to 

drive its diamond sales, but also to build 

consumer confidence in its staff as ‘diamond 

experts’. Now, 200 of its staff members 

have the knowledge to answer a wide 

range of questions, identify the differences 

between diamonds, and consider how these 

differences impact the final grading report 

of each stone. 

De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds 

retail training courses translate our 

Diamond Foundation Course knowledge 

for real-life sales situations. Just as every 

diamond is different, so too is every sales 

scenario. Our retail training focuses on 

understanding the areas in which consumers 

lack information or confidence, while using 

diamond knowledge to provide solutions, 

raise awareness and build face-to-face 

relationships. 

In the UK market, we have found 

that retailers are utilising the De Beers 

Group Institute of Diamonds Diamond 

Foundation course to get staff up-to-speed. 

We are entering a new chapter in diamond 

education. We have to go above and beyond 

what the customer can quickly search 

online, right to the heart of the ‘diamond 

story’. Being able to impart knowledge 

and practically demonstrate what makes 

diamonds special in the retail context is 

what diamond education is all about for 

2020 and beyond. 

Find out more about De Beers 

Group Institute of Diamonds by visiting 

debeersgroupinstitute.com

DW JAN - FEB 2020

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