Innovation & Inclusion Are Not Just Buzzwords For This 59-Year Old Diamond Manufacturer

From innovation in design and tech, to a measurable impact on the local community , Jewelex stands out for their  approach to innovation and inclusion.

In the competitive world of diamond and jewellery manufacturing, there are a few companies that are taking the lead in the realm of inclusivity and innovation. One such brand is Jewelex, which stands as a beacon of empowerment and hope. Jewelex has adopted a three-pronged strategy to drive its vision forward, which includes understanding and alleviating its customers’ pain points, being a first mover in the industry, and ensuring it stays ahead of the curve with continuous improvement and adoption of new technologies. This multi-national company is a pioneering force in the jewellery industry, renowned for its forward-thinking approach and state-of-the-art craftsmanship.

INCLUSION

Commitment to Equal Opportunities

Over the last four decades, Jewelex has fostered a workplace culture that values diversity and champions equal opportunities for all. It has undertaken specific strategic initiatives to support specially-abled people and female employees. Presently, Jewelex’s workforce comprises approximately 100 specially-abled employees, constituting around 2.08% of the total workforce. The company has ambitious plans to increase this number to 8-10% by 2025, demonstrating its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

To ensure the seamless integration of specially-abled people into the organisation, Jewelex has implemented several initiatives and measures, including having sign language interpreters for training sessions and a supportive infrastructure for on-the-job training. “We are excited to announce the launch of our latest initiative at JOSH Academy, aimed at empowering specially-abled people,” mentions Nilesh Kothari, Managing Director of Jewelex India. “Through this project, we are sponsoring vocational training for 40 people with disabilities over three months. Upon completion of their training, these individuals will be integrated into our team at Jewelex.”

Community Upliftment

Historically, the jewellery industry has seen significant contributions from women, both as consumers and creators. By empowering women within its organisation, the brand is not only honouring that legacy but also positioning itself to better understand the customer. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Jewelex’s commitment to women’s empowerment. With more than 1,000 women contributing to its workforce, the company aims to maintain a balanced gender ratio of 50-50. Jewelex’s leadership roles are merit-based, with a set of women holding key positions at the C-suite level.

“At Jewelex we believe that gender diversity is essential for driving innovation, creativity, and business success,” adds Nilesh Kothari. “Women bring unique perspectives and skills that enrich our decision-making processes and enhance our ability to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Moreover, promoting gender equality aligns with our broader values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all. We believe that when women thrive, our entire organisation thrives, leading to stronger teams, more innovative solutions, and a more inclusive company culture.”

INNOVATION

With an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, Jewelex integrates circular design principles into its operational ethos, ensuring that every facet of its business aligns harmoniously with its environmental sustainability objectives.

In the past two decades, the landscape of product and systems development has also witnessed a seismic shift, driven by the relentless march of technological progress. Additionally, Jewelex has embraced a forward-thinking strategy by leveraging its in-house data and analytics team to navigate the complexities of the market with precision and agility.

Product Innovation

Innovation is ingrained in Jewelex’s DNA. The company’s innovative solutions are driven by the need to address and resolve specific consumer problems. For instance, the brand’s Bolo Bracelet mechanism is an innovation that introduced a groundbreaking adjustable bracelet design that not only enhanced the product’s functionality but also created significant opportunities for the industry as a whole. The new mechanism provided a win-win scenario—it offered consumers a more secure, durable, and customisable product while also benefiting the innovators and manufacturers involved. In addition, recently, Jewelex collaborated with Ultrahuman, a wellness brand, to launch Rare, the world’s first luxury smart ring. This innovative ring’s design marries Jewelex’s jewellery artistry with Ultrahuman’s state-of-the-art technology.

From developing new age designs like their ‘Bolo Bracelet’ to focusing on craftsmanship, Jewelex powers through with their one-of-a-kind approach to innovation

By aligning its innovation and inclusivity efforts with its core values, the brand is striving to make a positive and lasting impact on not just its business, but the diamond industry at large.

Environmental Responsibility & Action

When it comes to environmental responsibility and action, Jewelex leads by example.

The company recognizes the growing environmental challenges our world faces; its sustainability initiatives reflect its commitment to minimising environmental impact while promoting resource conservation. By adopting eco-friendly practices, Jewelex aims to also inspire responsible business practices across the jewellery industry.

Through the progressive integration of solar and wind energy, Jewelex has set a precedent for the diamond industry – to shift towards renewable energy sourcing. In 2023, the company transitioned all their jewellery units across India to operate on 100% renewable energy and now has a target to achieve complete carbon neutrality for its Jewellery Division this year.

Another aspect of environmental responsibility where Jewelex has created a notable impact is Water Conservation. With a simple yet significant transition to using recycled fibre paper in its operations, the company saves over 2 lakh litres of water annually.

Further, the group has been instrumental in the desilting of 30 lakes across 29 villages in the Banaskantha District of Gujarat, conserving over 313 million litres of water and enabling local water bodies to store more rainwater. This mammoth community water project has impacted over 97,000 people across 29 villages.

Jewelex’s commitment to a sustainable future stands as a testament to craft that is conscious.