He who honors elders gains fourfold: long life, wisdom, fame, and strength

Some enterprises  are built on power, strategy  and  ambition.

Laxmi Diamonds was built on a blessing.

Laxmi Diamonds was founded in 2007 by Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta , fondly known to all as Chetanbhai,  who was  inspired by his grandmother’s belief in preserving the ancient art of closed-setting diamond jewellery. Rooted in a 5,000-year-old tradition once favoured by royalty, the brand has dedicated itself to safeguarding this rare handcrafted technique.

Speaking to JewelBuzz he traces his journey of two decades, and opens out on how his grandmother’s blessing and his own passion and determination drove him to build a successful enterprise that Laxmi Diamonds is.

Laxmi Diamonds is synonymous with closed-setting jewellery — a segment that accounts for less than 10% of the market, against open setting’s dominant 90% share. What drew you to build your enterprise around this niche?

Closed setting carries a legacy of over 5,000 years, dating back to the era of kings and Mughal courts, when it was regarded as the finest form of jewellery craftsmanship. Coming from a South Indian background, I recognised that while the rest of the world had gravitated toward open setting, our own heritage and culture remained underrepresented. Less than 10% of the market belonged to closed setting — and that gap was precisely the opportunity. I wanted to build something distinctive, rooted in our cultural legacy, and claim that space for Laxmi Diamonds.

Q: How do you track consumer trends to shape your product line?

We began with traditional closed-setting formats — seven-stone, nine-diamond, and twelve-diamond rings. As gold prices rose sharply, we recognised the need to cater to millennials and younger buyers who wanted the same heritage aesthetic in a lighter, more accessible form. That led us to build a dedicated design team and develop lightweight closed- and open-back diamond jewellery — a category we believe is unique to us, since closed setting has always been our core expertise.

The diamond industry has seen significant changes in recent years. How has Laxmi Diamonds adapted to these evolving trends?

In recent years, Laxmi Diamonds has undergone several significant changes, with a particular focus on enhancing transparency and sustainability practices. Through the implementation of ethical sourcing methods, the adoption of new technologies for tracking and certifying our supply chain, and a renewed emphasis on sustainability, we have successfully adapted to these evolving trends.

Q: You  opened an R&D and manufacturing centre in Andheri, Mumbai. What was the thinking behind it?

There was a perception that South Indian manufacturers could only operate out of Bengaluru. Mumbai is the country’s largest manufacturing hub, and I wanted to challenge that assumption by establishing a presence there. We trained artisans from our Bengaluru facility and relocated them to Mumbai to develop newer, lighter-weight concepts. The centre allows us to bring fresh designs to our existing retail partners — clients we’ve worked with for years and who continue to look to us for something new and distinctive.

Q: Does this expansion mark the first step toward a broader roadmap — domestically and globally?

Today, Laxmi Diamonds has a strong presence across South India, and we are building deeper roots in North India. Internationally, we already cater to markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Dubai, and we intend to deepen that footprint. The long-term ambition is to take closed-setting jewellery to Europe and North America — adapting our heritage-led aesthetic to resonate with those markets, while staying true to its cultural roots.

Q: Laxmi Diamonds’ success rests on quality. How has investment in manufacturing technology shaped that?

Manufacturing should never be viewed as an expense — it is an investment in the richness and credibility of the product. To be the best, you need the best machinery, the latest technology, and facilities that are clean and conducive for your artisans to work in. But beyond infrastructure, what matters most is passion. Every piece — a single ring, a single necklace — should be made with care, not simply to fulfil an order. I want our retailers to feel that passion in every product, not just receive it.

Q: Beyond running Laxmi Diamonds, you serve as President of the Jewellers Association Bengaluru and President of the Jewellery Division at IBJA. What drives that commitment to the trade?

My grandmother taught me to be a giver, not a taker, and that principle has shaped how I see my role in this industry. Everything I’ve built has been possible because of the support of my diamond partners and retailers over the years — giving back is a responsibility I take seriously, whether through exhibitions, mentorship, or simply ensuring that newcomers find inspiration and opportunity. I’ve never set out to be recognised; I’ve focused on doing the work and contributing what I can.

Q: In brief, how would you characterize the state of the jewellery industry today?

The industry is going through its share of challenges — that’s undeniable. But challenges are cyclical; we typically see six to eight strong months and a few difficult ones each year. Every industry faces this. The right approach isn’t to dwell on the difficulty but to focus on solutions. Challenges, in fact, are what make a business — and an individual — stronger.

Q: What message would you offer to young jewellers and the next generation entering the trade?

Work passionately, and work ethically. Carry  people along with you as you grow. There are no shortcuts — sustained success comes from hard work, the right attitude, and genuine commitment to the craft. My 19-year journey has been driven by precision, compliance, and trust, disciplined decision-making, operational excellence, and customer-centric innovation.

Coffee with Dr Chetan Kumar Mehta-In conversation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

A Dialogue on Wisdom, Consciousness, and Purpose

There are conversations that inform, and then there are conversations that transform. This special edition belonged unmistakably to the latter.

Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta stepped outside the language of diamonds and design to welcome a guest whose currency is the human spirit — Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the globally revered spiritual master, humanitarian, and peace ambassador whose work has touched lives across continents and creeds. What followed was less an interview than an unfolding — a dialogue that moved gently past the everyday and into questions of wisdom, consciousness, and what it truly means to live with purpose.

And yet, what defined this particular conversation was lightness. Gurudev’s presence carried the warmth and spontaneity he is known for — a kind of childlike innocence that disarms even as it deepens. Insights surfaced not as proclamations, but as something closer to play; wisdom offered as easily as breath. From this unhurried exchange emerged lessons that reached far beyond the room — for entrepreneurs navigating ambition, for leaders shaping organisations, for families seeking grounding, and for a society in search of meaning.

Anna Danam: Live and let live. Share and give

Every Monday, rain or shine, through scorching summers and chilly winters, Chetanbhai  has ensured that warm meals reach those in need through his Anna Danam initiative.

Now in its 17th year, the tradition is more than a charitable activity; it is a way of life. Thousands have found comfort in a simple meal served with dignity and compassion. Week after week, without fail, Chetanbhai  and his team continue this commitment, making every Monday a day of sharing and service.

The motivation has never been recognition or applause. “Not because someone is watching. Because it is the right thing to do,” he says.

The roots of this commitment go back to his grandmother, LaxmiBai DadiSa, whose values continue to guide him. Her simple yet profound lesson—“Live and let live. Share and give”—became the foundation of his outlook on life and service.

Laxmi Diamonds: Presenting the cultural legacy of  closed setting  to the world

In the world of fine jewellery, where trends evolve rapidly, Laxmi Diamonds has built its reputation on something timeless—preserving the rich heritage South Indian closed-setting diamond jewellery beyond regional boundaries and introducing it to jewellery lovers across the globe.

Founded in 2007, the company set out with a clear mission: to take the artistry of Today, Laxmi Diamonds is recognised for its exquisite craftsmanship and breathtaking collections that celebrate one of India’s most distinctive jewellery traditions.

Laxmi Diamonds has transformed the timeless art of South Indian closed-setting diamond jewellery into a compelling global luxury narrative. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, intricate detailing and refined elegance, the brand has remained deeply rooted in heritage while continuously evolving to meet the aspirations of contemporary consumers.

Laxmi Diamonds responds to rising gold prices and changing youth trends by reimagining traditional jewellery for modern wearability. Targeting millennials and Generation Z, their expert design team crafts lightweight collections featuring classic motifs. By blending cultural authenticity with contemporary aesthetics, these innovative designs perfectly balance rich heritage and effortless style.

This seamless dialogue between heritage and innovation has become the hallmark of Laxmi Diamonds. Each creation reflects a delicate balance of centuries-old craftsmanship, contemporary design and technical excellence, appealing equally to connoisseurs of classic jewellery and a new generation seeking meaningful luxury.

Beyond creating exceptional jewels, Laxmi Diamonds is preserving an enduring cultural legacy. Every collection celebrates the spirit of South India’s treasured jewellery traditions while reimagining them for the world of today. As global consumers increasingly value authenticity, artistry and stories of provenance, Laxmi Diamonds stands apart as a brand that offers more than adornment—it offers heritage, innovation and timeless beauty, ensuring that this remarkable craft continues to shine on the international stage.