The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Titan’s jewellery division Ajoy Chawla will succeed C K Venkataraman as the Managing Director of the company with effect from January 1, 2026.

Venkataraman had joined Titan in 1990 and became the Managing Director on October 1, 2019. In October 2019, Chawla became the CEO of Titan’s jewellery division. Under his leadership, the jewellery division has grown 2.5X in sales and profits and reinforced its market and thought leadership,

Likitha KR, founder of Niraaj Diamonds in Bengaluru, has crafted a concept jewellery piece that draws deep inspiration from Mumbai’s iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Her daily commute across this architectural marvel sparked the idea for a design that captures the essence of the bridge and the spirit of Mumbai itself.

“The design is interlinked to this sky and water way bridge. This statement piece indicates the heart of Mumbai”, says Likitha KR.

Design Inspiration and Symbolism-

Sky and Water Connection:

Likitha’s design is “interlinked to sky and water way bridge,” reflecting how the Sea Link unites the city’s land, sea, and skyline. The bridge’s role as a connector between Bandra and Worli, and as a symbol of Mumbai’s progress, is central to her concept.

Sapphire Stone as the Sky

The prominent sapphire stone in the piece represents the vast sky above the Arabian Sea. This choice echoes the bridge’s aesthetic integration with its coastal environment, where the blue of the sky and sea blend seamlessly.

Strings as Bridge Cables

The strings in the jewellery mimic the Sea Link’s signature cable-stayed design. Just as the bridge’s cables support its structure and create a striking silhouette, the strings in the piece provide both physical and visual connection, referencing the bridge’s engineering and elegance.

Diamond-Studded Pathway

The central pathway of the jewellery, set with diamonds, symbolizes the roadway of the Sea Link. This is where thousands of Mumbaikars travel daily, making it the “heart of Mumbai” as Likitha describes. The use of diamonds highlights the bridge’s modernity and the city’s vibrant energy.

Sapphire Baguettes as Water

Sapphire baguettes are used to represent the Arabian Sea beneath the bridge. Their placement and shape evoke the movement and depth of water, reinforcing the connection between the city, the sea, and the sky.

Architectural Parallels

The Bandra-Worli Sea Link itself is a feat of modern engineering and design:Its cable-stayed structure with tall towers and sweeping cables is both functional and visually iconic, making it a recognizable part of Mumbai’s skyline.The bridge’s aesthetic integration with the natural environment, using sleek lines and a blue-white palette, is mirrored in Likitha’s jewellery through her choice of gemstones and arrangement.The Sea Link is a symbol of Mumbai’s aspirations and connectivity, and the jewellery aims to encapsulate that spirit in wearable art.

Artistic and Emotional Impact

Likitha KR’s creation is more than just a piece of jewellery; it is a tribute to Mumbai’s resilience and ambition. By translating the Sea Link’s architectural features into gemstones and gold, she has created a statement piece that resonates with anyone who identifies with the city’s pulse.

According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, outstanding loans against gold jewellery soared 103% to ₹2.09 lakh crore as of March 2025, up from ₹1.03 lakh crore a year earlier, making gold loans the fastest-growing category even as overall bank credit growth slowed

Several factors have converged to fuel this remarkable expansion:

• Rising Gold Prices: The value of pledged jewellery increased as gold prices surged, enabling borrowers to secure larger loans against the same collateral.
• Regulatory Shifts: The RBI’s crackdown on unsecured lending, particularly personal and microfinance loans, prompted both banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) to pivot toward secured lending products like gold loans
• Loan Reclassification: In 2023, the RBI directed banks to reclassify certain agricultural loans as gold loans, further boosting the reported figures
• Shift from Informal to Formal Sector: Regulatory tightening and digital onboarding have encouraged borrowers to move from informal lenders to banks and NBFCs, especially in southern India where gold-backed lending is deeply entrenched

Market Impact and Outlook

Gold loans now account for approximately 3.5% of total retail credit, up from 1.2% five years ago 

Lenders highlight the appeal of gold loans for their low credit risk and quick disbursal, with repeat customers often leveraging rising gold prices to refinance or increase their borrowing limits.

Contrary to popular perception, gold loans are not limited to financially distressed borrowers. Banks report growing demand from small businesses and middle-class households seeking short-term working capital, with average ticket sizes exceeding ₹1 lakh and low default rates.