Mumbai: The Hall of Fame is more than an awards presentation. It is the occasion reflecting the shared values and collective strength of the gem and jewellery community. GJEPC honoured their contributions that have left a lasting impact and continue to inspire the next generation. These are the leaders who have shaped the industry’s journey and its future.
Dilip Kumar Lakhi (Director, Vishindas Holaram (Lakhi Group) Private Limited):
Mr. Dilip Kumar Lakhi is a towering figure in India’s diamond trade, widely respected for his exemplary integrity, values-driven leadership, and exemplary ethical standards. Beyond his illustrious business legacy, he has made immense contributions to society, particularly in education, healthcare, and the restoration and development of prominent temples across the country. A man of deep faith and compassion, he truly embodies success with purpose and firmly believes in giving back to society.
Janak Mistri (Founder & Managing Director of Lexus SoftMac):
Mr. Janak Mistry is one of the quiet yet influential architects of modern diamond manufacturing in India.
A trained mechanical design engineer, Mr. Mistry began by spent six years working on precision CNC machine design with leading companies in Germany, the United States, and India. In 1992, driven by a vision to empower the Indian diamond industry with world-class, indigenous technology, he founded Lexus SoftMac.
Over the decades, he has helped transform manufacturing floors across the country—bringing greater profits, consistency, innovation and confidence to diamond manufacturers of every scale.
Kantilal Mehta (Founder, Silver Emporium):
Mr. Kantilal Mehta is a pioneer of India’s silver jewellery and artefacts industry. He founded Silver Emporium, guided by the belief that true scale is achieved by nurturing artisans,
not replacing them. Even today, as a large, professionally managed enterprise, Silver Emporium has retained artisan-led manufacturing, using technology strictly as an enabler of quality and consistency, and never as a substitute for skilled hands or creative intuition.
Beyond business, Mr. Mehta is deeply committed to social upliftment through his charitable trust.
Katerina Perez (Jewellery Influencer, Brand Consultant):
Katerina Perez is a leading jewellery influencer, journalist, and brand consultant with over 15 years of experience in the fine jewellery industry. Based in Paris, she is a graduate gemmologist (FGA) and the founder of the famous katerinaperez.com. Widely credited with bringing high jewellery into the digital space, her work has been featured by Vogue, The New York Times, and theFinancial Times, making her a trusted global authority in the world of jewellery.
Sachin Jain (Regional CEO, India, World Gold Council):
Sachin Jain is a visionary leader within the Indian gold and jewellery industry, whose impactful career is distinguished by innovation, dedication, and transformation. Since joining the World Gold Council in March 2024 and taking charge of its operations in Mumbai, Mr. Jain has spearheaded groundbreaking
initiatives that have reshaped the landscape of India’s gold market.
With over two decades of expertise, Mr. Jain’s strategic acumen and practical insights have driven industry-wide progress. He played a pivotal role in establishing IAGES, a Self-Regulatory Organisation designed to uphold the highest standards within the gold industry. His leadership is further exemplified through ‘Swarnim Udaan’, an ambitious blueprint charting the gold sector’s trajectory for the next 20 years. He has also actively collaborated with GJEPC to support and uplift jewellery karigars—the true
backbone of the industry—while pioneering dynamic marketing campaigns that connect gold jewellery and gold ETFs with younger generations.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Jain dedicated 13 years to De Beers, serving in strategic positions including Managing Director of De Beers India, where he oversaw its Forevermark business across India and the Middle East. He has also held leadership roles at Lladro, Swatch Group, and Benetton, spanning luxury and consumer brands.
Rajiv Jain (Chairman & Managing Director of Sambhav Gems Limited):
Mr. Rajiv Jain is a globally respected leader in the coloured gemstone industry, renowned for his leadership in rough tanzanite processing that helped establish Jaipur as a global cutting and
polishing centre. Under his leadership, Sambhav Gems has earned multiple honours, including two State Awards for Export Excellence, reflecting sustained global leadership.
During his tenure as past GJEPC Chairman, he played a pivotal role in advancing ethical practices, elevating craftsmanship, and strengthening global confidence in Indian gemstones. As Chairman of the International Colored Gemstone Association Congress held in Jaipur in 2017, and in his ongoing role as
Honorary Secretary of the Jaipur Jewellery Show, Mr. Jain continues to champion Jaipur as the World Capital of Coloured Gemstones.
Hasmukh Parekh (Founder and Director, Hasmukh Parekh Jewellers (HPJ):
Mr. Hasmukh Parekh is the custodian of one of Calcutta’s most respected jewellery legacies. His remarkable journey began in 1977 with a powerful belief that true luxury is built on integrity, trust,
and uncompromising craftsmanship. Mr. Parekh has transformed HPJ from a modest beginning into a globally respected business house, dedicated to preserving and promoting the finest traditions of handmade Calcutta jewellery.
Today, HPJ stands as a leading handcrafted jewellery manufacturer and exporter from India, supplying to major global markets across the Middle East, the USA, Europe, and beyond. Their excellence has been recognised by the GJEPC’s export awards, with HPJ being honoured as the Large Scale Exporter of
Precious Metal Jewellery for five consecutive years, from 2021 to date.
Amit Dhamani (CEO & Managing Director, Dhamani Jewels Group):
Mr. Amit Dhamani has played a defining role in elevating fine jewellery on the global stage. With over three decades of leadership, he has transformed the Dhamani Group into an internationally respected luxury jewellery house, with a strong presence across the GCC, Europe, and Asia.
Headquartered in Dubai, Dhamani Jewels has evolved from a family-founded enterprise into a vertically integrated jewellery group, with boutiques across key luxury destinations. An alumnus of Harvard Business School, Mr. Dhamani is a GIA certified Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP). He has served on
the Board of Governors at the GIA, the Harvard Business School Board-Boston, and currently serves on the boards of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group
(DGJG).
His leadership has been widely recognised through several prestigious accolades, including the Bareeq Award for Good Trade Practices in 2005 by the Government of Dubai. In 2006, he was granted exclusive rights to the iconic 99-facet Dubai Cut Diamond by the Government of Dubai—an achievement that further strengthened Dhamani Jewels’ global stature in the region.
Shekhar Bhandari (President And Business Head Of Sme Banking At Kotak Mahindra Bank):
Mr. Shekhar Bhandari has successfully built Kotak’s precious metals business into one of the top three bullion franchises in India, playing a defining role in the formalization and growth of the country’s bullion ecosystem.
A Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, and Cost & Works Accountant, Mr. Bhandari brings rare multi-disciplinary depth to banking, markets, and policy. He is a trusted advisor to industry bodies like GJEPC, IBJA, and serves on multiple government boards shaping India’s gold policy, reinforcing his position as India’s global voice on gold and silver.
He is also a member of the ICE Benchmark Committee and a sought-after speaker at premier global platforms including LBMA, LME, SIBOS, and the World Gold Council. His leadership and impact have been recognised with prestigious honours, including the CA Business Leader Award and the Transaction Banker of the Year Award.
In 2017, Mr. Bhandari made a bold forecast that gold prices would rise from US$ 1,250 to US$ 5,000 by 2027, which continues to gain credibility as global macroeconomic and monetary trends evolve. The prediction underscores the depth of insight, foresight, and leadership he brings to India’s precious metals landscape.
Amit Pratihari (Managing Director, GIA India):
With over 25 years of experience in retail and brand management, Mr. Amit Pratihari leads GIA India with a mission to drive strategic growth and establish India as a strong domestic market and a hub for the global gem and jewellery industry.
Before joining GIA, Mr. Pratihari spent 15 years in the jewellery sector, most notably as the Managing Director for De Beers India & Forevermark. During this tenure, he focused on expanding the brand’s footprint, ensuring product excellence, working with Sightholders and jewellery manufacturers, and building strong relationships within the jewellery retail space.
He was instrumental in building the tie-up with GJEPC for the INDRA program, promoting the desire for natural diamonds in India, and redesigning the Forevermark business model for the Indian market.
Mr. Pratihari has a diverse background working with iconic brands such as Nike, Swatch Group, Forever21, and Weekender. His extensive experience across various industries has honed his expertise in everything from financial strategy and supply chain management to marketing and sales.
Richa Singh (Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council):
Ms. Richa Singh, Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council, has nearly three decades of experience in marketing and has played a defining role in shaping how consumers connect with natural diamonds today. Since 2017, she has led the Natural Diamond Council in India and the Middle East, building powerful and aspirational narratives around the heritage, rarity, and emotional value of natural diamonds for a new generation of consumers.
An entrepreneur at heart and a seasoned brand builder, Ms. Singh brings deep expertise across luxury, consumer marketing, and digital storytelling, honed over a distinguished career including 14 years at L’Oréal. Her leadership and impact on the industry have earned her widespread recognition. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the natural diamond sector and to the industry at large, GJEPC is honoured to induct Ms. Richa Singh into the IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 Hall of Fame.
