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India's six diamond kings who rule global empire

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 07:47 IST
A woman looks at the Diamond Diadem Crown (1820), which belongs to Britian's Queen Elizabeth II, at the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace in London.

Diamonds are one of the world's, and specifically Africa's, major natural resources. An estimated $13 billion worth of rough diamonds are produced per year, of which about $8.5 billion are from Africa (65 per cent).

The diamond industry employs 10 million people around the world, both directly and indirectly, across a wide spectrum of roles from mining to retail.

Global diamond jewellery sales continue to grow, increasing three-fold in the past 25 years, and are currently worth in excess of $72 billion every year.

Let's take a look at six diamond kings of India who have captured the hearts and wallets of customers around the world.

Source: Economic Times

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India's six diamond kings who rule global empire

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 07:47 IST
Diamonds on the trading floor of Israel's exchange in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv. Nirav Modi, inset.

Nirav Modi

Firestar Diamonds

Turnover: Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 billion)

Key business facts: Sole jewellery supplier to all armed forces bases in the United States

Unique selling proposition: Sourcing rare diamonds, for instance, the famous Golconda

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India's six diamond kings who rule global empire

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 07:47 IST
Arch Duke Joseph diamond sits on display at Christie's auction house in New York. Mavji Bhai Patel, inset.

Mavji Bhai Patel

Kiran Gems Private Limited

Turnover: Rs 7,700 crore (Rs 77 billion)

Key business facts: World's largest manufacturer of small white diamonds

Unique selling proposition: Diamonds of all sizes, from 1/100th of a carat to 10 carats

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India's six diamond kings who rule global empire

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 07:47 IST
Octagonal Star of America, a 100.57-carats, flawless D colour necklace, is displayed in Hong Kong. Mehul Choksi, inset.

Mehul Choksi

Chairman and MD, Gitanjali Group

Turnover: Rs 13,000 crore (Rs 130 billion)

Key business facts: Four thousand sales points

Unique selling proposition: Mass market branded diamond jewellery

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India's six diamond kings who rule global empire

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 07:47 IST
'Martian Pink', a 12.04-carat Fancy Intense pink (Type IIa) diamond, is shown during a media preview at Christie's in Hong Kong. Dharmesh Shah, inset.

Dharmesh Shah

Joint MD & CFO, Asian Star Company

Turnover: Rs 1,835 crore (Rs 18.35 billion)

Key business facts: Expanding business in emerging markets

Unique selling proposition: Fine craftsmanship

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India's six diamond kings who rule global empire

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 07:47 IST
An employee of Sotheby's auctioneers displays the Beau Sancy diamond in Zurich, Switzerland. Ashok Gajera, inset.

Ashok Gajera

Managing Director, Laxmi Diamond

Turnover: Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion)

Key business facts: Cygnus brand, major supplier of polished diamonds to the US and Europe

Unique selling proposition: Strong focus on customer care

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India's six diamond kings who rule global empire

Last updated on: February 6, 2013 07:47 IST
A vendor inspects 0.20 carat diamonds during the Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair in Belgium. Russell Mehta, inset.

Russell Mehta

Rosy Blue (India)

Turnover: Rs 4,000 crore (Rs 40 billion)

Key business facts: Sustainability integrated into heart of business model

Unique selling proposition: Grand veterans of the industry