Arun R. Mehta, one of the founders of Indian diamond company Rosy Blue, died on June 14 at the age of 80.

As a sign of respect, the Indian diamond industry in Mumbai and Surat will remain closed on Tuesday, June 16.

A statement from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) cited Mehta as one of the pioneers in the modernisation and rapid growth of the Indian diamond industry in the 1970s. 

Acclaimed for his vision, integrity and business acumen, he helped build Rosy Blue into a highly respected diamond manufacturing powerhouse with a reputation for trustworthiness. 

Mehta's contributions to the Indian diamond trade extended well beyond his company's walls. An industry stalwart and respected mentor, he was active in various trade organisations. For several years, he was a member of the Managing Committee of the Bharat Diamond Bourse. He also served on GJEPC's Working Committee for over two decades. 

Rosy Blue's relationship and partnership with now Informa Markets – Jewellery span three decades. The company has been an integral part of flagship publication JNA’s journey since 1990 and the Hong Kong Jewellery Fairs since 2006, according to Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets. 

She noted that 30 years ago, JNA was just building its base and yet Rosy Blue – and the people behind it (including Arun Mehta) – believed in the publication and were willing to invest in JNA and later, the jewellery fairs and other products. 

Informa Markets – Jewellery has been extremely humbled and privileged to share and help realise Mehta's remarkable vision for the Indian diamond industry, Lau added.

The esteemed diamantaire is survived by his wife Rajnika, son Russell and daughters Amita and Alpa, daughter-in-law Mona, sons-in-law Samir Mehta and Nishit Kothari, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.