National News
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Jewelbox Raises $3.2M to Fuel Nationwide Expansion
Backed by V3 Ventures and others, Kolkata-based startup aims to grow retail presence, bolster brand visibility, and expand its team across India.
Kolkata-based lab-grown diamond jewellery brand Jewelbox has secured $3.2 million in pre-Series A funding, led by V3 Ventures, with participation from Atrium Angels, Dexter Ventures, Infinyte Club, Samarthya Capital, and existing investor JITO Incubation & Innovation Foundation (JIIF).
The company, co-founded in May 2022 by siblings Vidita Kochar Jain and Nipun Kochar, plans to use the fresh capital to scale operations, enhance brand visibility, and hire talent across core functions.
Currently operating eight stores across six Indian cities—Delhi, Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Guwahati—Jewelbox is eyeing rapid growth, with a goal to expand to 30 retail locations by the end of 2025.
“The competition in the lab-grown diamond space is heating up, but we welcome it,” said Jain. “Whether it’s legacy brands, established entrepreneurs, or startups entering the space—it validates the category.”
Jewelbox, which sells its jewellery both online and offline, closed FY25 with an annual revenue run rate (ARR) of ₹38 crore, more than doubling from ₹16 crore in the previous year. The brand had earlier raised ₹3.7 crore in seed funding from JIIF in March 2024.
The funding comes at a time when lab-grown diamonds are gaining traction as a more sustainable and affordable alternative to natural diamonds. The segment is seeing increasing investor interest and consumer adoption.
The broader category is also drawing new entrants. Last month, Priyanka Gill, co-founder of the Good Glamm Group, launched Coluxe, a new lab-grown diamond brand that has already secured early-stage funding. Meanwhile, Bengaluru-based jewellery brand Giva is reportedly in talks with Creaegis to raise $80–100 million, valuing the company between $470–500 million, following its entry into lab-grown diamonds.
On the regulatory front, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently confirmed there are no plans for additional regulations, citing the industry’s healthy growth under a self-regulatory model.
Jewelbox and other emerging players—including Aukera, Giva, and Green Lab Diamonds—have also approached the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to dispute the classification of lab-grown diamonds as “synthetic,” arguing that it misrepresents their nature by equating them with lookalike simulants like cubic zirconia.
Commenting on the investment, Arjun Vaidya, co-founder and managing partner at V3 Ventures, said: “Less than 6% of Indians own diamonds today. With rising aspirations and growing awareness, lab-grown diamonds can democratize luxury in India—and Jewelbox is well-positioned to lead that change.”
National News
MMTC-PAMP Appoints Sidharth Malhotra As Brand Ambassador
As Part Of The Association, Sidharth Will Lead MMTC-PAMP’s New Integrated Campaign, ‘Purest And More,’ Showcasing The Brand’s Expanding Portfolio Across Physical Precious Metals, Digital Investments and Responsible Gold Recycling.
MMTC-PAMP, India’s only London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)-accredited Good Delivery Gold & Silver refiner, today announced acclaimed actor Sidharth Malhotra as its Brand Ambassador, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s journey to strengthen its connection with a new generation of consumers. As part of the association, Sidharth will lead MMTC-PAMP’s new integrated campaign, ‘Purest And More,’ showcasing the brand’s expanding portfolio across physical precious metals, digital investments and responsible gold recycling.
The integrated campaign showcases MMTC-PAMP’s complete ecosystem, from 24K 999.9+ purest gold and silver coins and bars to digital gold and silver, gold recycling, online purchasing and assured buyback services. Through relatable, everyday moments and festive celebrations, the campaign reinforces MMTC-PAMP’s position as India’s most trusted precious metals brand while making gold ownership more relevant, accessible and convenient for today’s consumers.
Announcing the association, Samit Guha, Managing Director and CEO, MMTC-PAMP said:
“We are delighted to welcome Sidharth Malhotra to the MMTC-PAMP family. Sidharth has built a strong reputation through authenticity, credibility and a modern outlook—qualities that closely reflect the values of our brand. As one of India’s most admired and influential actors, he enjoys a deep connect across generations, making him an ideal ambassador as we continue expanding the reach of MMTC PAMP among both seasoned investors and first-time buyers.
This partnership comes at an exciting phase in our growth as we continue to redefine precious metals ownership through innovation, responsible sourcing and world-class quality. Through our ‘Purest And More’ campaign, we are showcasing how MMTC-PAMP today offers far more than physical gold—from digital investments and online buying to gold recycling and assured buyback—while remaining uncompromising on purity and trust.”
The campaign film unfolds through a series of relatable family moments around a wedding celebration, with Sidharth naturally introducing consumers to MMTC-PAMP’s diverse offerings. The storytelling highlights that every MMTC-PAMP offering is backed by the brand’s commitment to purity, trust and convenience while reinforcing its promise of “Purest And More.”
Speaking on the association, Sidharth Malhotra said:
“MMTC-PAMP has built a remarkable reputation for purity, trust and innovation, while also modernising the way people invest in and experience precious metals. Whether it’s celebrating life’s milestones, building long-term wealth or embracing more responsible choices through recycled gold, the brand continues to stay relevant for today’s consumers. I’m excited to be part of this journey and look forward to connecting with people through the ‘Purest And More’ campaign.”
The association brings together one of India’s most recognised actors with one of the country’s most trusted precious metals brands at a time when consumer interest in certified physical gold, digital gold and sustainable precious metals solutions continues to grow. With Sidharth Malhotra as the face of the brand, MMTC-PAMP aims to further strengthen its leadership position while deepening engagement with a younger, digitally connected audience.
The campaign will be amplified across television, digital platforms, social media, print, retail stores and e-commerce channels, with dedicated creatives highlighting key offerings including digital gold and silver, festive gifting, Virasat recycled gold, Akshaya Tritiya, Diwali and MMTC-PAMP’s certified purity credentials.
Link to the TVC (YouTube):
Link to the TVC (Instagram):https://www.instagram.com/p/DciH4s7tim5//
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