## Global Leaders Recognised

The event was attended by Shri Rajesh Gawande, Secretary, Protocol, FDI and Diaspora Affairs for Maharashtra, together with GJEPC leadership and representatives of the international jewellery trade. The evening was held in association with the World Gold Council and powered by India Gold Metaverse.

GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali said the individuals recognised had contributed to the development of a global industry built around trust, innovation and integrity.

The nine Industry Legends represented major organisations and markets across the diamond and jewellery sector.

Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President of Diamond Trading at De Beers Group, was recognised for a 40-year career that began as a trainee diamond sorter and included overseeing the migration of De Beers’ sales functions to Botswana.

Ronnie VanderLinden, President of the World Diamond Council, was honoured for his work as a third-generation diamantaire and his advocacy for a unified voice for natural diamonds internationally.

Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation, was recognised for his leadership of the organisation since 2001, including its achievement of Special Consultative Status with the United Nations.

David J. Bonaparte, President and CEO of Jewellers of America, was honoured for his work representing and advocating for the jewellery industry in the United States.

Pritesh Patel, President and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), was recognised for his role in advancing gemological research and laboratory operations, including the use of AI-driven technologies.

From the Middle East, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, was recognised for his role in the development of Dubai as a major international business district. Tawhid Abdulla, Chairman of the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, was honoured for a five-decade career contributing to Dubai’s development as a global jewellery hub.

India’s industry leaders honoured during the evening included Anoop Mehta, President of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, whose leadership was central to the development of the Mumbai-based diamond exchange, and Mehul Shah, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), who recently became the first Indian to hold the organisation’s top position.

## Industry Leaders Reflect on India’s Global Role

Speaking during the event, Paul Rowley said India plays a pivotal role across the diamond pipeline and expressed De Beers’ interest in remaining closely integrated with the Indian industry.

Tawhid Abdulla highlighted the long-standing relationship between India and Dubai’s jewellery sectors, noting the role of the Indian community in Dubai’s development as a global jewellery hub.

Ronnie VanderLinden said protecting the story and consumer trust associated with natural diamonds had remained a central responsibility throughout his career.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem emphasised the importance of India to DMCC’s future growth and said the country remained an important part of the organisation’s development.

Anoop Mehta said the Indian gem and jewellery industry had made significant progress over the past 25 years and expressed confidence in India’s potential to become a leading jewellery supplier to the global market.

Mehul Shah dedicated his recognition to India’s diamond artisans, highlighting their craftsmanship in transforming rough diamonds into polished and faceted stones.

Pritesh Patel credited GIA’s more than 3,000 employees for the organisation’s work in research, education and innovation. He also noted GIA’s long-standing relationship with India, which he described as the organisation’s largest customer base.

David J. Bonaparte highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Jewellers of America and GJEPC in supporting the development of the jewellery industry.

Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, in a message to GJEPC, thanked the Council for the recognition and acknowledged the contribution of GJEPC and the Indian gem and jewellery industry to CIBJO and the wider global industry.

## Recognition for Indian Industry Pioneers

The celebration also recognised former GJEPC Chairmen Shreyas K. Doshi, Kaushik M. Mehta, Harshad R. Mehta, Praveenshankar Pandya, Sanjay Kothari, Bakul Mehta, Vasant Mehta, Rajiv Jain, Vipul Shah, Pramod Agrawal and Colin Shah.

Vice Chairmen Pankaj Parekh and Russell Mehta were also recognised, along with IIJS Conveners Harish Zaveri, Navin Jashnani, Shaunak Parikh, Shailesh Sanghani, Mansukh Kothari and Nirav Bhansal for their contributions to the development of IIJS.

The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks by GJEPC Vice Chairman Shaunak Parikh. The evening then continued with a musical performance by Sachet–Parampara.

IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 is being held at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), BKC, from 5 to 9 August and at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), NESCO, Goregaon, from 6 to 10 August 2026.