They say that everything happens for the best. If in 1974, legendary jewellery house Danabhai Jewellers had not had a shortage of resources, and Ashok Minawala had not been obliged to join the family business, he would have ventured into some engineering related field – and that certainly would have been a loss to the jewellery trade. What was engineering’s loss became the jewellery industry’s gain. Minawala not only went on to become a retailer with a difference, he emerged as the leading light of the jewellery industry. He spearheaded the industry through some critical moments, steering the formation of an all India apex body to unite the jewellers. He has emerged as the All India Gem & Jewellery Trade Federation’s (GJF) tallest leader and the most articulate spokesperson. %% “In school, my favourite subject was science,” reminisces Minawala. “I loved physics - had I not joined the family business, I would have been in some field related to these subjects. In fact, to date, my interest in gadgets of all kinds continues to grip me. All through my childhood, youth, and even now, no watch or electronic gadget would be left without being disassembled and analysed! I loved (and still love) understanding how things work.” %% Third generation scion of the Minawala family that owns well-known Mumbai-based jewellery house Danabhai Jewellers, Minawala has taken the business in new directions as well. “In fact, this love for taking things apart also led to including luxury watches like Rolex and Cartier in the Danabhai Jewellers product line,” he adds. %% Being born into a jewellery family, however, did not mean that everything was handed to him on a silver platter. Recounting the beginning of an illustrious career in the jewellery trade, Ashok says, “I joined my family business in 1974 as a trainee, understanding all the different aspects of the business.” %% After getting a grip on the basics, Minawala found an area that he found most absorbing. “I went on to focus on diamonds and diamond polishing, and old estate jewellery which I found very interesting,” he recalls. “It involved evaluating the value of a particular piece of jewellery with respect to its craftsmanship, rarity and the period in which it was created. I also developed an interest in antique jewellery and the auctions of rare and valuable jewellery pieces. In a career spanning almost 40 years, I have spent a good amount of time understanding the fine points, intricacies and realities of the jewellery business and it has paid off well for me.” Family always came, and still comes, first for this jeweller – no wonder he joined the family business without batting an eyelid, even though it meant quitting his studies midway and giving up a chosen career path. “My grandfather Danabhai Minawala started the jewellery business in 1931. He had two sons, who in turn had two sons each – and the business is run by all of us together,” explains Minawala. The Minawalas are still together in business – a refreshing change from the acrimony that is typical of large, family-run businesses.

“Childhood is one big happy memory,” says Minawala with a smile. “I remember I had a very memorable childhood, with active participation in cricket, hockey, football and table tennis.” %% Though an avid sportsman, it comes as little surprise when Minawala says, “My grandfather Danabhai and my maternal uncle in Delhi were the biggest influences on my life. They motivated me, and always exhorted me to think differently. Moreover my belief today that there is always light at the end of the tunnel – a philosophy that has held me in good stead throughout my career, and has taught me to be courageous and take risks – is something I have learned from them.” Obviously, this attitude has benefitted Danabhai Jewellers tremendously too. The jewellery house has gone from strength to strength – starting with one store in Zaveri Bazaar in 1931. The second store opened much later in 1982 – just eight years after Ashok joined the business – a testimony to his drive and ambition. By 1988, the third flagship store in Mumbai was seeing good business. In 1999, Pallazzio, a new concept, rolled out – a multibrand store for jewellery, watches and accessories. Pallazzio expanded to upscale Prabhadevi (later shut down) in Mumbai and expanded to Pune city in 2001. %% Restrained to a fault, even being at the helm of a jewellery house like Danabhai has not made him shed his modest and quiet demeanour. Neither has the fact that he was at the forefront of the formation of the GJF in 2005, and its chairman till 2009, affected his basic personality. “It is my family business, and as such I don’t think that I am doing something extraordinary by running Danabhai,” he says. “As for the GJF, I found the industry is full of great people and with great ideas. It was the ultimate platform for me to share my ideas and express my view s. Laying the foundations of this institution with the great minds and souls that helped build it brick by brick gave great mental satisfaction.” %% With more than four decades of experience in the industry, by his own admission, his learning has been immense and the changes he has witnessed would run through several pages. Summing it up, however, he says, “The jewellery industry is one industry where the customer comes in good spirits and leaves with a smile too. And for that, the industry deserves to be respected.”

Changes over the years have been manifold, with the industry seeing massive growth. “The industry is definitely changing – this change is a reality that one must accept,” he stresses. “In fact, it is a good thing, because it keeps us on our toes all the time and makes us strive to do better. Most jewellers aspire to give their customers the best products at the best prices and the best quality. The industry is maturing in the right direction. Of course, nervousness and fear about such highspeed growth is understandable, but it is actually a question of managing the growth well. Progress is coming quickly, and that is a very good sign. Having said that, I think we must also first look at the realities of the scope of the availability of labour, talent, skill, and try to use them effectively to increase productivity and profitability.” %% Minawala is a great exponent of transparency and business ethics, which he believes is an essential for the modern jewellery industry. “International acclaim will also be ours soon, but first we must be recognised as an industry of repute, honesty and excellence in our own country,” says Minawala, answering the oftrepeated question of how the Indian jewellery industry can achieve global recognition. The industry stalwart’s advice to young jewelers is typically pithy, but noteworthy: “Nothing ever came of the game of one-upmanship – create your own identity and find your own USP. If at all you must compete, compete with yourself – set your own benchmarks and strive always to outdo them.” %% A simple person who tries to think differently, as he describes himself, with a simple desire to visit Mansarovar and a simple wish to work for as long as it is physically possible – is it any wonder that Ashok Minawala’s persona inspires and motivates all those who come in contact with him?

{{In a career spanning almost 40 years, I have spent a good amount of time understanding the fine points, intricacies and realities of the jewellery business and it has paid off well for me.”}}

{{“Nothing ever came of the game of one-upmanship - create your own identity and find your own USP. If at all you must compete, compete with yourself – set your own benchmarks and strive always to outdo them.”}}

They say that everything happens for the best. If in 1974, legendary jewellery house Danabhai Jewellers had not had a shortage of resources, and Ashok Minawala had not been obliged to join the family business, he would have ventured into some engineering related field – and that certainly would have been a loss to the jewellery trade. What was engineering’s loss became the jewellery industry’s gain. Minawala not only went on to become a retailer with a difference, he emerged as the leading light of the jewellery industry. He spearheaded the industry through some critical moments, steering the formation of an all India apex body to unite the jewellers. He has emerged as the All India Gem & Jewellery Trade Federation’s (GJF) tallest leader and the most articulate spokesperson. %% “In school, my favourite subject was science,” reminisces Minawala. “I loved physics - had I not joined the family business, I would have been in some field related to these subjects. In fact, to date, my interest in gadgets of all kinds continues to grip me. All through my childhood, youth, and even now, no watch or electronic gadget would be left without being disassembled and analysed! I loved (and still love) understanding how things work.” %% Third generation scion of the Minawala family that owns well-known Mumbai-based jewellery house Danabhai Jewellers, Minawala has taken the business in new directions as well. “In fact, this love for taking things apart also led to including luxury watches like Rolex and Cartier in the Danabhai Jewellers product line,” he adds. %% Being born into a jewellery family, however, did not mean that everything was handed to him on a silver platter. Recounting the beginning of an illustrious career in the jewellery trade, Ashok says, “I joined my family business in 1974 as a trainee, understanding all the different aspects of the business.” %% After getting a grip on the basics, Minawala found an area that he found most absorbing. “I went on to focus on diamonds and diamond polishing, and old estate jewellery which I found very interesting,” he recalls. “It involved evaluating the value of a particular piece of jewellery with respect to its craftsmanship, rarity and the period in which it was created. I also developed an interest in antique jewellery and the auctions of rare and valuable jewellery pieces. In a career spanning almost 40 years, I have spent a good amount of time understanding the fine points, intricacies and realities of the jewellery business and it has paid off well for me.” Family always came, and still comes, first for this jeweller – no wonder he joined the family business without batting an eyelid, even though it meant quitting his studies midway and giving up a chosen career path. “My grandfather Danabhai Minawala started the jewellery business in 1931. He had two sons, who in turn had two sons each – and the business is run by all of us together,” explains Minawala. The Minawalas are still together in business – a refreshing change from the acrimony that is typical of large, family-run businesses.

“Childhood is one big happy memory,” says Minawala with a smile. “I remember I had a very memorable childhood, with active participation in cricket, hockey, football and table tennis.” %% Though an avid sportsman, it comes as little surprise when Minawala says, “My grandfather Danabhai and my maternal uncle in Delhi were the biggest influences on my life. They motivated me, and always exhorted me to think differently. Moreover my belief today that there is always light at the end of the tunnel – a philosophy that has held me in good stead throughout my career, and has taught me to be courageous and take risks – is something I have learned from them.” Obviously, this attitude has benefitted Danabhai Jewellers tremendously too. The jewellery house has gone from strength to strength – starting with one store in Zaveri Bazaar in 1931. The second store opened much later in 1982 – just eight years after Ashok joined the business – a testimony to his drive and ambition. By 1988, the third flagship store in Mumbai was seeing good business. In 1999, Pallazzio, a new concept, rolled out – a multibrand store for jewellery, watches and accessories. Pallazzio expanded to upscale Prabhadevi (later shut down) in Mumbai and expanded to Pune city in 2001. %% Restrained to a fault, even being at the helm of a jewellery house like Danabhai has not made him shed his modest and quiet demeanour. Neither has the fact that he was at the forefront of the formation of the GJF in 2005, and its chairman till 2009, affected his basic personality. “It is my family business, and as such I don’t think that I am doing something extraordinary by running Danabhai,” he says. “As for the GJF, I found the industry is full of great people and with great ideas. It was the ultimate platform for me to share my ideas and express my view s. Laying the foundations of this institution with the great minds and souls that helped build it brick by brick gave great mental satisfaction.” %% With more than four decades of experience in the industry, by his own admission, his learning has been immense and the changes he has witnessed would run through several pages. Summing it up, however, he says, “The jewellery industry is one industry where the customer comes in good spirits and leaves with a smile too. And for that, the industry deserves to be respected.”

Changes over the years have been manifold, with the industry seeing massive growth. “The industry is definitely changing – this change is a reality that one must accept,” he stresses. “In fact, it is a good thing, because it keeps us on our toes all the time and makes us strive to do better. Most jewellers aspire to give their customers the best products at the best prices and the best quality. The industry is maturing in the right direction. Of course, nervousness and fear about such highspeed growth is understandable, but it is actually a question of managing the growth well. Progress is coming quickly, and that is a very good sign. Having said that, I think we must also first look at the realities of the scope of the availability of labour, talent, skill, and try to use them effectively to increase productivity and profitability.” %% Minawala is a great exponent of transparency and business ethics, which he believes is an essential for the modern jewellery industry. “International acclaim will also be ours soon, but first we must be recognised as an industry of repute, honesty and excellence in our own country,” says Minawala, answering the oftrepeated question of how the Indian jewellery industry can achieve global recognition. The industry stalwart’s advice to young jewelers is typically pithy, but noteworthy: “Nothing ever came of the game of one-upmanship – create your own identity and find your own USP. If at all you must compete, compete with yourself – set your own benchmarks and strive always to outdo them.” %% A simple person who tries to think differently, as he describes himself, with a simple desire to visit Mansarovar and a simple wish to work for as long as it is physically possible – is it any wonder that Ashok Minawala’s persona inspires and motivates all those who come in contact with him?

{{In a career spanning almost 40 years, I have spent a good amount of time understanding the fine points, intricacies and realities of the jewellery business and it has paid off well for me.”}}

{{“Nothing ever came of the game of one-upmanship - create your own identity and find your own USP. If at all you must compete, compete with yourself – set your own benchmarks and strive always to outdo them.”}}

They say that everything happens for the best. If in 1974, legendary jewellery house Danabhai Jewellers had not had a shortage of resources, and Ashok Minawala had not been obliged to join the family business, he would have ventured into some engineering related field – and that certainly would have been a loss to the jewellery trade. What was engineering’s loss became the jewellery industry’s gain. Minawala not only went on to become a retailer with a difference, he emerged as the leading light of the jewellery industry. He spearheaded the industry through some critical moments, steering the formation of an all India apex body to unite the jewellers. He has emerged as the All India Gem & Jewellery Trade Federation’s (GJF) tallest leader and the most articulate spokesperson. %% “In school, my favourite subject was science,” reminisces Minawala. “I loved physics - had I not joined the family business, I would have been in some field related to these subjects. In fact, to date, my interest in gadgets of all kinds continues to grip me. All through my childhood, youth, and even now, no watch or electronic gadget would be left without being disassembled and analysed! I loved (and still love) understanding how things work.” %% Third generation scion of the Minawala family that owns well-known Mumbai-based jewellery house Danabhai Jewellers, Minawala has taken the business in new directions as well. “In fact, this love for taking things apart also led to including luxury watches like Rolex and Cartier in the Danabhai Jewellers product line,” he adds. %% Being born into a jewellery family, however, did not mean that everything was handed to him on a silver platter. Recounting the beginning of an illustrious career in the jewellery trade, Ashok says, “I joined my family business in 1974 as a trainee, understanding all the different aspects of the business.” %% After getting a grip on the basics, Minawala found an area that he found most absorbing. “I went on to focus on diamonds and diamond polishing, and old estate jewellery which I found very interesting,” he recalls. “It involved evaluating the value of a particular piece of jewellery with respect to its craftsmanship, rarity and the period in which it was created. I also developed an interest in antique jewellery and the auctions of rare and valuable jewellery pieces. In a career spanning almost 40 years, I have spent a good amount of time understanding the fine points, intricacies and realities of the jewellery business and it has paid off well for me.” Family always came, and still comes, first for this jeweller – no wonder he joined the family business without batting an eyelid, even though it meant quitting his studies midway and giving up a chosen career path. “My grandfather Danabhai Minawala started the jewellery business in 1931. He had two sons, who in turn had two sons each – and the business is run by all of us together,” explains Minawala. The Minawalas are still together in business – a refreshing change from the acrimony that is typical of large, family-run businesses.

“Childhood is one big happy memory,” says Minawala with a smile. “I remember I had a very memorable childhood, with active participation in cricket, hockey, football and table tennis.” %% Though an avid sportsman, it comes as little surprise when Minawala says, “My grandfather Danabhai and my maternal uncle in Delhi were the biggest influences on my life. They motivated me, and always exhorted me to think differently. Moreover my belief today that there is always light at the end of the tunnel – a philosophy that has held me in good stead throughout my career, and has taught me to be courageous and take risks – is something I have learned from them.” Obviously, this attitude has benefitted Danabhai Jewellers tremendously too. The jewellery house has gone from strength to strength – starting with one store in Zaveri Bazaar in 1931. The second store opened much later in 1982 – just eight years after Ashok joined the business – a testimony to his drive and ambition. By 1988, the third flagship store in Mumbai was seeing good business. In 1999, Pallazzio, a new concept, rolled out – a multibrand store for jewellery, watches and accessories. Pallazzio expanded to upscale Prabhadevi (later shut down) in Mumbai and expanded to Pune city in 2001. %% Restrained to a fault, even being at the helm of a jewellery house like Danabhai has not made him shed his modest and quiet demeanour. Neither has the fact that he was at the forefront of the formation of the GJF in 2005, and its chairman till 2009, affected his basic personality. “It is my family business, and as such I don’t think that I am doing something extraordinary by running Danabhai,” he says. “As for the GJF, I found the industry is full of great people and with great ideas. It was the ultimate platform for me to share my ideas and express my view s. Laying the foundations of this institution with the great minds and souls that helped build it brick by brick gave great mental satisfaction.” %% With more than four decades of experience in the industry, by his own admission, his learning has been immense and the changes he has witnessed would run through several pages. Summing it up, however, he says, “The jewellery industry is one industry where the customer comes in good spirits and leaves with a smile too. And for that, the industry deserves to be respected.”

Changes over the years have been manifold, with the industry seeing massive growth. “The industry is definitely changing – this change is a reality that one must accept,” he stresses. “In fact, it is a good thing, because it keeps us on our toes all the time and makes us strive to do better. Most jewellers aspire to give their customers the best products at the best prices and the best quality. The industry is maturing in the right direction. Of course, nervousness and fear about such highspeed growth is understandable, but it is actually a question of managing the growth well. Progress is coming quickly, and that is a very good sign. Having said that, I think we must also first look at the realities of the scope of the availability of labour, talent, skill, and try to use them effectively to increase productivity and profitability.” %% Minawala is a great exponent of transparency and business ethics, which he believes is an essential for the modern jewellery industry. “International acclaim will also be ours soon, but first we must be recognised as an industry of repute, honesty and excellence in our own country,” says Minawala, answering the oftrepeated question of how the Indian jewellery industry can achieve global recognition. The industry stalwart’s advice to young jewelers is typically pithy, but noteworthy: “Nothing ever came of the game of one-upmanship – create your own identity and find your own USP. If at all you must compete, compete with yourself – set your own benchmarks and strive always to outdo them.” %% A simple person who tries to think differently, as he describes himself, with a simple desire to visit Mansarovar and a simple wish to work for as long as it is physically possible – is it any wonder that Ashok Minawala’s persona inspires and motivates all those who come in contact with him?

{{In a career spanning almost 40 years, I have spent a good amount of time understanding the fine points, intricacies and realities of the jewellery business and it has paid off well for me.”}}

{{“Nothing ever came of the game of one-upmanship - create your own identity and find your own USP. If at all you must compete, compete with yourself – set your own benchmarks and strive always to outdo them.”}}