JWA 2021 Jewellery Industry Best Practices

in our diamond manufacturing, especially for purposes of coning, girdle faceting and single facet-blocking, among others,” adds Kothari. KGK adopted a leading technology-based inventory management system for accurate and up-to-date reporting. With the help of a unique ID, the electronic storage cabinet’s software is able to trace every diamond’s journey, from the moment it was mined to the time it was processed, set and sold. OUTSTANDING ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR – APAC As the pandemic forced the United States, China and Europe into complete or partial lockdowns, diamond sales suffered a major blow. To minimise its impact, KGK shifted its manufacturing bases to countries where mining activities were not fully disrupted. This allowed it to not only meet its targets, but generate much-needed jobs in India, Thailand, Russia, Angola, Namibia and Botswana. These go on top of KGK’s sound business practices that are rooted in its ethical sourcing of diamonds from suppliers that pass the De Beers oversight and best practices programmes, as well as the highly meticulous Kimberley Process. The Group also leads by example and provides employees with ample benefits and rewards, as well as a healthy, safe and inspiring work environment. As a result of thesemeasures, KGK successfully increased its jewellery and gems production by 10 to 12 percent in 2020. Investments on automation also seemed to have paid off as quality improved by 6 to 8 percent and costs went down by 20 to 25 percent. KGK acquired nearly 5,000 new customers from Hong Kong, China, Southeast Asia and the United States; and reached a significant number of potential customers in Scotland, the Netherlands and Dubai. Social media following for its brands grew by 40 to 87 percent across four platforms. Even more outstanding are KGK’s advocacies. In addition to establishing the 300-bed Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Jaipur, it provides educational aid in Rajasthan by supporting the non-profit SS Jain Subodh Shiksha Samiti. The Group consistently drives positive change towards women’s empowerment and gender equality through its “Victress” programme in India and Africa. It restored the magnificent Jal Mahal, a Mughal- era water palace, in Jaipur. “As a team, we believe in being consistent in our efforts. Every day is an opportunity to improve and transform our business and the communities around us, and we will leave no stone unturned in making sure that we succeed in these endeavours,” Kothari shares. 1. Jewellery manufacturing facility in Panyu, China 2. Sanjay Kothari, Vice Chairman of KGK Group 3. Diamond cutting and polishing in Vladivostok, Russia 4. Diamond manufacturing in Saurimo, Angola 3 2 4