The second edition of BDB Leadership Series themed ‘Polishing Our Future’ concluded successfully with world renowned speakers attending the preparatory conference for the Gem and Jewellery Industry members. H.E. Mr. Frank Geerkens, Consul General Belgium in Mumbai was the chief guest as the conference began with a lamp lighting ceremony. Addressing the participants Mr. Anoop Mehta spoke on the importance of the BDB Leadership series for the gem and jewellery Industry members. He threw light on the present challenges that are being faced by the Industry due to many reasons such as recently imposed US tariffs on India, global economic volatilities, understanding ASEAN and other Far Eastern markets to name a few and added that BDB Leadership series’ importance to address the challenges by bringing in Industry heads and opinion leaders on a single platform.

Tom Moses, Executive Vice President, GIA on an online address spoke on the advancements in technology especially related to diamond origin and provenance and took questions on certification, grading, future role of technology from participants. Post Tom Moses’ presentation, Lian Weizang, founder Hubwis Strategic Creations, China, presented the current situation and future trajectory in China / HK related to the Diamond, Gemstone and Jewellery sector. His analysis and observations were very well appreciated by the participants. A Panel discussion on the current India and Middle Market was fruitful to the audience as Pratap Kamath, Managing Director Abharan Timeless Jewellery Pvt Ltd, KP Abdul Salaam, Vice Chairman Malabar Group and Siddharthaa Sawansukha, Managing Director, Sawansukha Jewellers delved on the future perspective regarding both important markets. There was a unified voice observed with all the panelists speaking on the Middle East & India as growing markets and trends that are being witnessed.

A Fireside Chat between Pranay Narvekar [moderator and Partner Pharos Beam Consulting LLP] and Mithun Sacheti, Founder Caratlane took the participants by storm as Mithun narrated the growth story of Caratlane and the numerous challenges that he faced in his journey of glory. An inspiring session for young entrepreneurs as well as established businessmen who want to expand their canvass. A first of its kind panel discussion chaired by Ms Nirupa Bhat, Industry Consultant, with Smit Patel, Director, Greenlab LGD Diamonds, Olivia Laundau, Founder Clearcut Natural Diamonds and Jewellery and Ashish pethe, Partner, Waman Hari Pethe saw both the natural as well as Lab grown diamond sectors complimenting each other. A retail perspective was of course provided by Ashishh Pethe. Post the conference, Mr. Mehul Shah, Vice President, Bharat Diamond Bourse opined, “Indeed one of the best educational as well as Informative series witnessed during recent times in Bharat Diamond Bourse, Mumbai. BDB Leadership is only growing in content and our endeavor to bring opinion leaders and expert speakers to BDB will remain”. The vote of Thanks was given by Jay Parikh, committee member, Bharat Diamond Bourse.