By Invitation
MRK Gold Epitomizing excellence in South Indian jewellery; fusion of quality and unparalleled craftsmanship
MRK Gold epitomizes excellence in South Indian jewellery, rooted in ethics and guided by the founder Goutham Kothari’s foresight. MRK Gold symbolizes a fusion of quality, unparalleled craftsmanship. Goutham Kothari spoke to JewelBuzz on MRK Gold’s journey of success across three decades
Please provide a brief history of MRK GOLD
MRK GOLD was founded in 1995 by Mr. Goutham Kothari with a vision to bring traditional Indian heritage and craftsmanship to the forefront of the jewellery industry. Starting as a small business in Bangalore, we quickly grew to become a prominent brand across South India, known especially for our vintage, antique and temple jewellery and our corporate office spans a spacious 6,000 square feet. Over the years, our commitment to quality, skilled craftsmanship, and creativity has fueled our expansion, making MRK Gold a trusted name in the industry
When and where was it established, name of the founders, growth and expansion of the company.
MRK GOLD was founded in 1995 by Mr. Goutham Kothari. The brand has experienced significant growth, expanding its presence across South India and becoming a leading name in the jewellery market. We will continue to expand our reach beyond South India and are actively working towards establishing a strong presence across Pan India.
Please give details on the various product lines. Give details of special designs, techniques employed. What is your USP in Jewellery design?
Our collections are inspired by ancient South Indian temple art, featuring hand-carved deity necklaces, intricate designs, and traditional patterns that honor our heritage. Crafted by skilled artisans, our range includes everything from bridal sets to everyday jewellery. We offer both antique-style and modern, lightweight pieces, combining traditional craftsmanship with a touch of heritage for any occasion and
We have 5 product lines, AMARA, VARADA, DEVARUPA, SAMHITA, AND RATNA.
- Amara – temples shape various gods and goddesses casting, and beads work concept
- Varada-complete temple collection and geru polish
- Devarupa-combination of casting and nakas work black polish
- Samhita- conceptual and contemporary design collection with all kinds of workmanship.
- Ratna-precious and semi-precious stones and casting combination with a unique polish
Are you planning to integrate AI in jewellery designing for your forthcoming collections?
We are gradually exploring the possibilities of using AI and gaining a deeper understanding of how it can enhance our offerings.
Provide details on manufacturing technology used to create high quality products that high level of detailing in design.
We have integrated advanced technologies into our manufacturing process to ensure high precision and detail in every piece, enabling us to create intricate designs while maintaining quality and consistency. his commitment to technology ensures that every product meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Give details of marketing, promotion and sales strategies
Our marketing strategy focuses on increasing brand visibility through digital channels, collaborations, and participation in jewellery events. We also build strong relationships through B2B partnerships and direct engagement.
Comment on distribution and retail network: Give details target cities/ regions.
Our distribution network spans major cities across South India, We have a strong presence in these regions and are continually looking to expand our footprint in other key cities to increase accessibility and strengthen our market position.
Future plans for the next 5 years—expansion of jewellery manufacturing facilities, new product lines etc.
For the past few years, we have focused on introducing many collections with unique storylines. In the next five years, we will continue to develop new products, drawing inspiration from India’s rich traditions and culture.
Are there any plans to go public? If yes, when is the IPO planned?
Currently, there is no plan to go public
MRK has gone beyond jewellery. Comment on MRK’s diversification in other sectors
At present , our main focus is on the jewellery business. While we keep expanding our range of products, our goal is to make MRK GOLD a brand that represents both luxury and heritage. We are dedicated to innovating in jewellery design, while staying connected to India’s rich cultural traditions.
By Invitation
Artisan Perspectives: Rethinking Craft In The Age Of Lab-Grown Stones
Prapanjj S K Kota
Founder & CEO at Réia Diamonds
- Traditionally, diamond value was driven by rarity, origin, and size, with craftsmanship playing a secondary role.
- With the rise of lab-grown diamonds, abundance is shifting focus from rarity to design and craftsmanship.
- Jewellery-making is returning to a craft-first approach, placing artisans at the core of value creation.
- Skill, precision, and finishing quality are becoming primary differentiators.
The rarity of diamonds has historically dictated their market value, and most of the conversation surrounding a diamond’s value has revolved around where (and how rare) it came from, and how large it was. While craftsmanship has always been important, it has often remained secondary, simply supporting the diamond rather than receiving the buyer’s focus.
As lab-grown diamonds begin to enter the market in greater numbers, the conversation surrounding them is also changing. With an increasing supply of diamonds, being a differentiating factor in jewellery becomes much more about design, craftsmanship, and the quality of work than about rarity.
For artisans, this shift means that the focus of making jewellery has returned to the craft itself.
From a technical perspective, lab-grown diamonds do not affect the fundamentals of jewellery making. They will continue to have the same hardness, brilliance, and structural properties that natural diamonds do; therefore, using traditional setting techniques, including precision settings, pavé work, micro-setting, and polishing, will be just as essential. While the tools may be more modern, the knowledge to work with diamonds continues to be based on many years of training and experience.
The major change comes with the new opportunities presented by working with lab-created stones.
Designers are utilising the increased access to stones to try new layouts incorporating a greater focus on symmetry, scale and intricate detail. As jewellery changes, so does its craftsmanship. Today, with designs that involve numerous stones, layered settings, and modern silhouettes, artisans must have an intentional focus on the structural integrity and balance of the pieces being created, elevating their role more than ever before.
As we see craftsmanship play a supporting role to design when jewellery becomes design-centric, the specifics of how stones are aligned, how strong the setting is, and how well metal surfaces are finished will have an impact on how a piece looks, feels, and holds up over time; and therefore, they cannot be replicated with technology alone.
This change also highlights the importance of India’s historical craft traditions. Surat’s experience in the production of diamonds has established it as a leading force in the world of fine jewellery. This industry relies heavily on a team of talented craftsmen and manufacturing expertise, which plays a very important role in the overall development of jewellery that uses natural as well as lab-grown diamonds.
The introduction of lab-grown diamonds offers a fresh new direction for many artisans, as well as introducing something new into the world of fine jewellery. As it becomes less critical to know where a stone comes from, knowing the quality of the craftsmanship around a piece of jewellery will become increasingly essential. Design integrity, structural engineering, and finishing standards will all contribute to defining the real value of a finished piece.
Therefore, there is an opportunity for artisans; thoughtful design with precise execution requires a high level of technical proficiency. The better the craft, the more evident the difference is.
With the rise of lab-grown diamonds, the discussion about value will slowly evolve to include what has always been considered great jewellery: the skill, time, and craftsmanship it takes to create a piece of art from a design.
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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.