National News
GJEPC announces Kirit Bhansali as Chairman, Shaunak Parikh as Vice Chairman and new Committee of Administration
Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the country’s apex nodal trade body, announced the appointment of Kirit Bhansali as Chairman; Shaunak Parikh as Vice Chairman and announced the constitution of new Committee of Administration (COA) after the completion of the COA Election 2024.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Our vision is to drive transformative growth for India’s gem and jewellery industry through strategic initiatives, innovative projects, and collaborative efforts. From advancing flagship projects like the India Jewellery Park in Mumbai and the Gem Bourse in Jaipur to expanding our global footprint with initiatives like Saudijex in Saudi Arabia and IJEX Dubai, we aim to position India as a global leader in technology, design, and manufacturing. Together, we will strive to achieve the ambitious export target of USD 100 billion by 2047, aligning with our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.”
Bhansali further added, “We aim to sustain India’s global leadership, capitalize on domestic market potential, and advocate for favorable policies while continuing to support our artisans. To boost exports from the sector and support India’s economic growth, GJEPC has identified 17 key clusters based on their size, potential, and strategic location. By nurturing these clusters, we aim to develop them into thriving export hubs.”
Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said, “I sincerely thank all the industry members for entrusting me with this responsibility and giving me the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our remarkable gem and jewellery sector. This is a crucial time for the industry, and the challenges before us demand bold vision and decisive action. It is imperative to focus on category promotion across all verticals, infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and adopting global standards to ensure our industry remains competitive on the world stage. The Council will continue to collaborate closely with the government to shape policies that not only drive growth but also address the pressing concerns of our exporters in an ever-evolving global market.”
List of CoA Member(s) 2024
| Sr. No | Name of the Directors | Designation |
| 1 | Kirit Bhansali | Chairperson |
| 2 | Shaunak Parikh | Vice-Chairperson |
| 3 | Smt. Khushboo Ranawat | Regional Chairperson – Western Region |
| 4 | Pankaj Parekh | Regional Chairperson – Eastern Region |
| 5 | Antar Pal Singh | Regional Chairperson – Northern Region |
| 6 | Jayantibhai N. Savaliya | Regional Chairperson – Gujarat Region |
| 7 | Mahendra Kumar Tayal | Regional Chairperson – Southern Region |
| 8 | Ajesh Mehta | CoA Member |
| 9 | Nirav Bhansali | CoA Member |
| 10 | Nilesh Kothari | CoA Member |
| 11 | Anil Virani | CoA Member |
| 12 | Pankaj Shah | CoA Member |
| 13 | Anil Sankhwal | CoA Member |
| 14 | Smit Patel | CoA Member |
| 15 | Krishna Behari Goyal | CoA Member |
| 16 | Manish Jiwani | CoA Member |
| 17 | Anoop Mehta | CoA Member |
| 18 | Ashish Borda | CoA Member |
| 19 | Dwarka Prasad Khandelwal | CoA Member |
| 20 | K. Srinivasan | CoA Member |
| 21 | Mansukhlal Kothari | CoA Member |
| Govt. Nominee | ||
| 1 | Shri Siddharth Mahajan – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India | Govt. Nominee Director |
Profiles of Chairman and Vice Chairman
Kirit A. Bhansali, Chairman, GJPEC
Kirit A. Bhansali, is a well-known personality in the Indian diamond and jewellery industry. He is a partner in Smital Gems, a leading diamond manufacturing company based in Mumbai. With his extensive experience in the field, he has played a significant role in promoting and developing the Indian gem and jewellery industry. He is the Chairman of India Jewellery Park Mumbai (IJPM) and is a Committee Member of the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB). In the past he has also served as the chairman of the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ). Apart from his business activities, Bhansali is actively involved in various socio-political and educational initiatives. Through his leadership and vision, Bhansali has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Indian diamond and jewellery industry.
Shaunak Jitendra Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC
Shaunak Jitendra Parikh is 3rd generation entrepreneur and is one of the Directors of Mahendra Brothers Group of Companies who are into business of the manufacturing and marketing of diamonds and diamond jewellery. Parikh holds a degree of Bachelors of Commerce from University of Mumbai and has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. After successfully establishing manufacturing and marketing of diamond jewellery for over a decade, Parikh took charge of Group’s finances about 15 years back. He simultaneously completed an executive diploma in corporate finance from London Business School. A people’s man, and with a flair for creativity, he plays a vital role in running company’s overall business, group strategic planning & decision making, managing group finances and new business opportunities. Shaunak Parikh has previously held several key positions in GJEPC, including serving as the Convener of the Banking, Insurance, and Taxation Committee, as well as the Convener of International Exhibitions.
National News
The Season’s Haute Pick: Rahul Desai Brings Luxury Learning On The Go With Loupe Insight Season 4
As luxury and premium Jewellery become increasingly important growth categories, the industry is also confronting a fundamental question, What does luxury truly mean today?
Is it an expensive product? A beautiful store? Highly personalized attention? Or an experience that customers cannot find elsewhere?
Addressing these questions, jewellery industry mentor, coach, and business strategist Rahul Desai has announced the fourth season of his podcast, Loupe Insight. Titled The New Code of Luxury Jewellery, the season brings focused luxury education to professionals on the go, translating an often abstract subject into practical sessions for the jewellery industry.
Today, the terms premium, luxury and ultra-premium are frequently used interchangeably. At the same time, many experiences positioned as luxury are simply examples of good service. This lack of clarity can influence everything from store design, merchandise selection and pricing to communication and customer engagement.
Through the new season, Rahul aims to help jewellers understand these distinctions and build a more relevant approach to luxury.
Rahul Desai, CEO & MD of IIG, and Founder of RD consultancy Said:

“Luxury is becoming a game changer for jewellery businesses, but the word itself is often misunderstood. A larger store, a more expensive collection or better hospitality does not automatically create a luxury brand. Luxury begins when every element, from the product and environment to the conversation and after-sales relationship, delivers a distinct sense of value”
Across the season, Rahul examines how the meaning of luxury is changing from distant aspiration to greater emotional and lifestyle relevance. The episodes explore subjects such as the difference between premium and luxury, the role of experience in creating perceived value, changing customer expectations, personalization, exclusivity and the new codes influencing modern jewellery retail.
The fourth season of Loupe Insight is supported by Sanghi Jewellers, Finestar Diamonds, Polygon, Jwero.ai and Svar, bringing together respected names from across the jewellery industry to support accessible, future-focused learning for the sector.
The season also challenges the belief that luxury is created only through elaborate interiors, chandeliers or champagne. Instead, it asks jewellers to look more closely at the complete customer journey: how a client is welcomed, how a jewel is introduced, how confidently its value is communicated and how the relationship continues after the purchase.
Designed as short, focused episodes, Loupe Insight makes these conversations accessible to business owners, retailers, manufacturers, designers, sales professionals and students. The “luxury on the go” format allows industry professionals to engage with important business ideas while traveling, working or moving through their day.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in jewellery education, retail strategy and industry mentoring, Desai brings together global luxury thinking and the realities of operating within India’s relationship-driven jewellery market.
Loupe Insight Season 4: The New Code of Luxury Jewellery continues the podcast’s larger purpose: helping the industry look beyond products and understand the forces shaping the future of jewellery business.
The new season will be available across Loupe Insight’s digital and podcast platforms.
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