Synopsis of GJEPC’s InnovNXT 40 Under 40

 

Young visionaries of the gem & jewellery at centre stage  

Session 1, From brand building to wealth creation: The strategic IPO journey by 1: Saurabh Gadgil, MD, PN Gadgil & Sons; 2: Tehmasp Printer, MD, IGI (International Gemological Institute), 3: Ashish Shankar, CEO, Motilal Oswal. Moderated by Anisha Jain.  

Synopsis of the Session 1:  The market is always receptive to a compelling growth story; but, it must be distinctive and purpose-driven. An IPO, while aspirational, is a deeply personal and strategic decision that cannot be made overnight. It demands thoughtful planning, a solid financial foundation, and a clear vision.  

Strategy has no fixed blueprint. It is a dynamic, evolving process, shaped by people, leadership, brand identity, and positioning. For many businesses, a regional-first approach — starting from the native state and expanding with cultural sensitivity — can offer meaningful, sustainable growth.  

In sectors like the diamond industry, key debates such as earth-mined vs. lab-grown diamonds are central to brand philosophy and consumer trust. Navigating these discussions with clarity is crucial.

Achieving the right balance between short-term gains and long-term vision requires ongoing, strategic brainstorming. For any IPO journey, a strong grasp of financials and a well-articulated thought process are fundamental.  

During times of uncertainty, disciplined asset allocation provides much-needed stability. Internally, a robust ERP system is essential for operational efficiency and decision-making. And above all, integrity remains the cornerstone of enduring success.  

Session 2, Women in jewellery: Breaking Barriers Breaking Legacy by 1: Khushboo Ranawat, Director, Swarnshilp Chains & Jewellers; 2: Richa Singh, MD – India & ME, National Diamond Council & 3: Varuna Jani, Founder & Creative Head, Varuna D Jani Fine Jewellery. 

Synopsis of the session 2: Women have had opinions for a very long time. What has changed is the platform to articulate them. A woman, with her keen observation skills and intuition, is perfect for the jewellery business. She knows what the consumer wants. It is this intuition which is the driving force behind designing jewellery.  

Rules of empowerment: Embracing the change and believing in yourself helps in the long run, says Khushboo. For Richa, asking what you want is crucial. Combine these with empathy, says Varuna, and you have an empowered woman who is on a mission to empower others as well.

 

Branded jewellery is not a major challenge to the existing jewellery industry in India. Any piece of branded jewellery has a higher potential to be worn on a daily basis. The only way for such brands to gain access to the indigenous jewellery market is through carefully planned and considered collaborations with Indian jewellery designers.  

A key part of surviving the jewellery market is to work with the ecosystem. We cannot shorten the working hours of the artisans because we have to maintain the same prices. At the same time, the price of raw materials is increasing. What becomes a key area of focus is the process of balancing price and cost of manufacturing with a positive work lifestyle and environment.  

It is not so easy to replace the jewellery industry. The value in this industry is long term. For this year, we are planning to share facts and be more transparent.  Being objective and showing the facts is far more important than sharing our opinion. The customer needs facts, which in turn enhances our credibility!  

As women in business, the question of balancing work and personal life is a universal one. Behind every successful working woman is a strong support system - be it her family, friends or someone who sees her potential first and not her gender.

Session 3, Gold as a safe haven: Decoding the current price rise by, 1: Sachin Jain, Regional CEO India, World Gold Council; 2: K. Srinivasan, CMD, Emerald Group, 3: Darpan Anand, MD, Punjab Jewellers, 4: Shekhar Bhandari, President & Business Head, SME Banking, Kotak Mahindra Bank & Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC. 

Synopsis of the Session: GJEPC, contributing to the golden path of India, that includes, 1: Project Swarnim Udaan 2047 in line with Viksit Bharat 2047, 2: Project Highway (four pillars) gold ETF market, SRO-IAGES & 3: developing 1st innovation centre of gold jewellery business in India.  

Gold is an investment for tomorrow, one should keep on investing in commodities like gold, we are coming up with new investing ideas. Further, India requires innovation in the designing gold jewellery as this gen is not buying gold, they are buying what suits them. Also, gold is not only used in jewellery it has multi-dimensional uses from modern tech instruments to curing someone from certain diseases.  

We have seen a lot of ups and downs, in prices in demand I can tell you that gold is a long-term story as our ancestors believed to secure the future of their generations by gifting them precious metals like gold at any good occasion, we should follow this as it helps to accumulate something precious, which will help in the long run.  

In our 20s we don't spend like this gen; this gen spends on consumables this for them gold is less important jewellery is more important. Thus, Spends will increase once basic needs like roti-kapda-makan is getting fulfilled. So, if the right product at the right time is given the Indians will buy.