JB Insights
Luxury is more than just the value of a product; it’s a state of mind: Ishu Datwani
Ishu Datwani, a first-generation diamantaire, established Anmol Jeweller in 1986. Innovation in design, unparalleled service and values have been at the helm of everything at ANMOL. Today, ANMOL is revered by who’s who of cinema and uber celebs – and has had the distinction of doing wedding jewellery for quite a few of the high-profile Bollywood actresses.
JewelBuzz spoke to Ishu Datwani on luxury, craftsmanship, and how Indian luxe jewellery can be a leading player on the global stage.
Ishu, what does luxury mean to you?
For me, luxury is more than just the value of a product; it’s a state of mind. It’s about how the product makes you feel, the experience it offers. Whether it’s a product or a service, it should evoke a sense of exclusivity and elevate your spirit. Luxury, in my view, transcends the mere value of a precious metal or gem. It’s an ethereal experience, a state of mind that the jewellery evokes. A truly luxurious piece should be cherished for the profound sense of joy and self-expression it provides.
When you’re creating a new product line, how do you translate this “state of mind” into the design process?
We meticulously consider every aspect, from the finest finishes and impeccable craftsmanship to the quality of stones. We strive to ensure the wearer experiences unparalleled comfort and lightness. These elements are integral to achieving true luxury. We believe that true luxury is about effortless elegance and a harmonious interplay of form and function.
You view luxury through the lens of design. You’re known for emphasizing craftsmanship and intellectual property in your designs, rather than simply focusing on commodification. Comment.
Absolutely. For the jewellery industry to evolve, we must treat each piece as a unique work of art. Commoditization diminishes the value and artistry of our creations. Each design should be distinct, and exceptional craftsmanship is paramount in elevating its beauty. Our focus lies in creating enduring pieces of art, not fleeting fashion trends. Exceptional craftsmanship, coupled with innovative design, is the cornerstone of our philosophy.
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What are the current trends in the Indian luxury jewellery market, particularly regarding natural diamonds?
While lab-grown diamonds have gained popularity, the allure of natural diamonds remains undeniable. Discerning customers, those who truly appreciate the nuances of luxury, continue to gravitate towards the unique beauty and rarity of natural stones. The journey of a natural diamond, from its origin to its final form, imbues it with a unique history and character that cannot be replicated.
How can Indian jewellery truly become a global force?
To compete on a global stage, we must move beyond the mindset of commodification. We need to cultivate a strong brand identity, similar to iconic brands like Tiffany & Co. While Indian jewellery excels in design and craftsmanship, we need to invest heavily in building a powerful brand presence. Investing in robust marketing and branding strategies, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, is crucial for establishing a strong global presence.
Education
The New-Age Jewellery Professional: Why Tech Education for Jewellery Industry is the Biggest Growth Driver
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The jewellery industry is no longer defined by craftsmanship alone. Today, it sits at the intersection of design, technology, sustainability, finance, branding, and global trade. As consumer expectations evolve and competition intensifies, structured education and continuous skill development are emerging as the most powerful growth catalysts for the sector.
For a dynamic industry like India’s jewellery market, education is not optional — it is strategic.
From Karigar to Knowledge Professional
For decades, the backbone of the industry has been generational craftsmanship. While this legacy remains invaluable, modern jewellery businesses now demand professionals who understand:
- Gemology and diamond grading
- CAD and 3D jewellery design
- Retail management and consumer psychology
- Digital marketing and brand storytelling
- International trade compliance and tariffs
- ESG and sustainability frameworks
Institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America and the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery have played a key role in formalising education pathways, helping transform traditional artisans and retailers into globally competitive professionals.
Trend Watch: Rise of Tech-Integrated Learning
One of the strongest education trends shaping the industry is technology integration.
- CAD & CAM Training: Digital prototyping reduces costs and speeds up product development cycles.
- AI in Retail Forecasting: Data-driven inventory planning is replacing intuition-based buying.
- Blockchain Awareness: Traceability in diamonds and coloured gemstones is becoming a compliance requirement rather than a luxury.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Expertise: As lab-grown diamonds gain market share, understanding grading, pricing dynamics, and consumer positioning has become critical.
Educational programs now increasingly blend online modules with hands-on workshops, enabling faster upskilling for working professionals.
The Bridal Economy & Consumer Education
India’s bridal jewellery segment continues to drive demand, but the modern bride is informed and research-oriented. She compares:
- Natural vs lab-grown diamonds
- Hallmarking standards
- Ethical sourcing claims
- Design originality
Retailers who invest in staff education see higher trust conversion rates. Well-trained sales professionals are no longer “salespeople” — they are consultants guiding life-defining purchases.
Financial Literacy in Jewellery
Another emerging area is financial education within the industry itself. With gold functioning as both adornment and asset, professionals must understand:
- Gold monetisation frameworks
- Hedging strategies
- Commodity price cycles
- Working capital management
Structured knowledge helps businesses move from being inventory-heavy traders to strategically managed enterprises.
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing
Global buyers increasingly demand proof of ethical sourcing and environmental compliance. Education around responsible mining practices, supply-chain transparency, and ESG reporting is becoming central to export competitiveness.
Industry bodies such as the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council regularly conduct seminars and workshops to align Indian exporters with evolving global standards.
The Future: Hybrid Skills Will Win
The next generation jewellery professional will not be defined by a single skill. The future belongs to those who combine:
- Design sensibility
- Technical expertise
- Business acumen
- Digital fluency
- Ethical awareness
For a sector contributing significantly to India’s exports and employment, education is the bridge between heritage and high growth.
Knowledge is the new luxury. As the jewellery industry transitions into a more organised, tech-enabled, and globally integrated ecosystem, continuous learning will determine who leads and who lags. The sparkle of the future will not just come from diamonds — it will come from informed minds shaping the industry.
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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.