DiamondBuzz

VD Global forays into sports memorabilia with AthleteGEM

VD Global will provide diamonds to AthleteGEM in a new joint venture that aims to “reignite” the industry using investment-driven sports memorabilia. AthleteGEM is the brainchild of VD’s CEO of luxury, Bhavya Vaghasia, and Danny White, the CEO of White Rocks, which helps private jewelry clients negotiate their purchases.

Published

1 year ago

January 29, 2025

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The company will create memorabilia containing a polished diamond laser inscribed with an athlete’s signature, personal message and an exclusive edition number, formed into a wearable collectible. AthleteGEM™ collaborates with, Athletes, NIL Collectives, and Universities to craft natural diamond collectibles, empowering student-athletes to monetize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

The purchaser will also receive a story card detailing the athlete’s journey and the significance of the diamond, as well as a digital time capsule featuring a personal message from the chosen athlete. In the first cohort, the venture has signed 100 athletes across diverse sports, including its most well-known of the set, Hugues Fabrice Zango from Burkina Faso, who holds the world indoor record in the triple jump. AthleteGEM will issue 21 diamond collectibles for each athlete. Within that group, diamonds will be available in various carat sizes to fit different budgets, White explained.

Next month, AthleteGEM intends to release a second round of diamond mementos, featuring a new set of athletes. In phase two of the project, each purchaser will receive both a rough, uncut diamond, which symbolizes the athlete’s raw journey, as well as a polished diamond, representing refined brilliance and success, White noted. Buyers will be able to work together with their chosen athlete and designers to customize their diamonds into bespoke pendants, rings or bracelets.

DiamondBuzz

VBJ Partners With Ignition 2026 To Celebrate Ideas, Culture and Craftsmanship

Published

4 days ago

July 3, 2026

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VBJ, Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, one of South India’s most trusted heritage jewellery brands, partnered with IGNITION, the acclaimed thought leadership platform presented by the Shiv Nadar Foundation and curated by award-winning journalist Shoma Chaudhury. Held at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, the event brought together distinguished voices from diplomacy, cinema and international affairs, while VBJ showcased its latest PARRO – Signature Collection, celebrating exceptional craftsmanship inspired by nature.

The evening featured compelling conversations with Dr. Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader, who shared perspectives on the evolving geopolitical landscape in West Asia; acclaimed actor Ali Fazal, who reflected on his artistic journey from Indian cinema to Hollywood; and former Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, who discussed the changing global order and insights from his latest book, China’s Wars.

Adding an artistic dimension to the evening, VBJ unveiled a curated display of its PARRO – THE SIGNATURE PARROT COLLECTION, an exclusive line inspired by the grace, vibrancy and symbolism of the parrot. Combining intricate craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities, the collection reflects VBJ’s enduring commitment to transforming nature into timeless wearable art.

Speaking on the occasion, Amarendran Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ, said:

“IGNITION has established itself as a platform where influential voices come together to spark conversations that shape perspectives. At VBJ, we believe that meaningful ideas and enduring craftsmanship both have the power to inspire generations. Our continued association with IGNITION reflects our commitment to supporting platforms that celebrate excellence, dialogue and creativity.”

Jithendra Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ, added:

“The PARRO collection embodies our pursuit of artistry that is rooted in heritage yet resonates with contemporary lifestyles. Presenting it at IGNITION, a forum that celebrates ideas, innovation and culture, is a fitting way to showcase how timeless craftsmanship continues to evolve while staying true to its origins.”

As a fifth-generation family-run brand, VBJ takes immense pride in its legacy as the creator of the historic Sengol (sceptre) – a sacred symbol of India’s democratic journey. Rediscovered after 72 years through meticulous research by the VBJ team, the Sengol was reinstated beside the Speaker’s chair in India’s new Parliament building, Sansad Bhavan, by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking VBJ’s enduring bond with India’s cultural and national heritage. Continuing this legacy, VBJ is now set to unveil its largest jewellery showroom on Coimbatore’s 100ft Road.