Vipul Shah has played a pivotal role in the exceptional growth of India’s jewellery sector. As chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), he advocated for reforms to enhance the industry’s competitiveness, foster investment, stimulate innovation and promote exports. 

Under his leadership, the council has emerged as a strong voice championing positive changes for the industry’s growth and prosperity. Today, India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of gems and jewellery, with exports reaching nearly US$40 billion.

In his first stint as chairman from 2012 to 2015, Shah organised the first World Diamond Conference in 2014. Now on his second non-consecutive term, he is driven by the mission to further strengthen India's position as a global hub for diamonds, gems and jewellery. 

Shah said, “Our future endeavours will revolve around innovation, global engagement, sustainability and collaboration. By staying at the forefront of industry trends and embracing a forward-thinking approach, we will continue to make a positive impact on the global jewellery landscape.”

Visionary reformer
An unstoppable innovator and boundary pusher, the GJEPC chairman is a strong voice for trade-friendly policies and favourable business environment, winning the Indian government's understanding and support to overcome challenges. “The government has been receptive to our needs and has introduced policies that have provided us with a competitive edge,” he said.

Shah has been a staunch supporter of the Indian government’s initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” emphasising the development of the MSME sector and enhancing their export capabilities. His efforts have been instrumental in strengthening the industry’s self-reliance and fostering its growth potential. 

Shah has overseen GJEPC’s successful participation in international exhibitions worldwide, works to strengthen the India International Jewellery Shows (IIJS) Premiere and Signature, and expands the council’s reach through initiatives such as the International Gem & Jewellery Show and India Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX) in Dubai.

Diamond expertise
His illustrious journey in the gem and jewellery world started as a young teenager trailing two exceptional men: his late father Prabodh Shah and late uncle Dinesh Shah. Their trailblazing efforts and enthusiasm sparked a fire within the young man that led him to transform Asian Star in the 1990s from a small manufacturing unit in Surat into a globally integrated powerhouse that spans the entire diamond value chain. 

“In 1996, we took a bold step, listing Asian Star on the Bombay Stock Exchange,” he shared. Three years later, he pushed the value-addition envelope with innovative diamond jewellery.

Now his passion is to enhance industry competitiveness by investing in innovation, technology, and skill development. The goal is cutting- edge designs, superior craftsmanship and sustainable practices that create a more responsible and ethical supply chain focused on environmental conservation, fair trade practices and social welfare initiatives. 

Shah said, “By embracing sustainable practices, we aim to shape a better future for our industry and contribute positively to society. My vision aligns with GJEPC to make India the preferred destination for high-quality gems and jewellery.”  

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