Shri Arvind Parikh receives GJEPC special recognition award from Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah
Shri Arvind Chhotalal Parikh is a veteran diamantaire. He is highly respected entrepreneur and commands respect from one and all in G&J Industry as a reputed leader. He is in the mid-nineties but continues to be dynamic, healthy and approachable. He is a sought after personality for guidance and, he obliges by providing his views and apt advice.
During his illustrious career, he received many accolades, appreciation and awards. He has contributed to the Gems & Jewellery industry in multiple ways and also occupied many positions in the industry bodies. He discharges his duties with commitment and dedication. In recognition of his dedicated services, Shri Arvindbhai was felicitated and honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award jointly by Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) and Diamond Exporters’ Association Limited (DEAL) on 22 April 2022.
All employees of GII and Board members are proud that our veteran Trustee Shri Arvindbhai Parikh recently has been bestowed by Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) with the coveted 52nd India Gem & Jewellery Award (IGJA) as a ‘Special Recognition for Distinguished Service & Extraordinary Contribution for the year 2024-2025. He received this award from the hands of Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah on 13th September 2026.
At the age of 95, having spent more than seven decades in the trade, Shri Arvind Chhotalal Parikh continues to remain actively engaged in the diamond business. He describes himself as a student of the diamond industry & continues to examine diamonds and share his experience with youngsters.
His professional journey is defined by entrepreneurship, institution-building, international representation and sustained service to India’s diamond industry. His fitness, alertness and activity could be connected to his participation in the competitive games like cricket e.g., Kanga league, and other games. He is an avid follower of all sports and games even now with a young mind. He has also been an enthusiastic traveller and a highly sociable person who valued friendship, family gatherings, films & theatre. GII fraternity prays the almighty God to bless Shri Arvind Parikh with sound health and happy time in the years to come and reach a century of years like he made a century in Kanga league.
Brief Biosketch of Shri Arvind Parikh:
Shri Arvind Parikh was born on 23rd February 1931 in Rangoon(Yangon), Burma (Myanmar). He did his intermediate science in Bhavan’s college, Mumbai in 1948. In the same year he joined Mohanlal Raichand & Sons as an apprentice; Later he spent six months in Kolkata learning diamond marketing with his uncle, the late Shri Amratlal Parikh.
In 1951 he started his own diamond business. During 1954, he established Arnik International and from there he established Blue Star with close associates. In 1976, Crystal Diamonds firm was established and he continues to be actively involved in the firm ever since. Even now he is working alongside the third generation; contributing more than five decades of experience, judgement and leadership to the business. His continuous involvement reflects both his passion for diamonds and his commitment to passing the knowledge and nuances of the trade to succeeding generations.
Mr. Parikh has been member of many delegations to Government of India and international bodies. He frequently represented the diamond trade before senior policymakers, including meetings with the late Pranab Mukherjee, the late N. D. Tiwari, the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
He has been associated with many G&J industry bodies and continues to serve them. A few of them are listed below.
- Trustee for more than three decades of Gemmological Institute of India (GII).
- He served Gem & Jewellery Exporters’ Association and was a immediate past President.
- Working Committee member of GJEPC for 22 consecutive years from 1968; served as Convener of the Diamond Panel and as Vice Chairman for six terms.
- He was member of many International delegations of GJEPC.
- Member of a Gol fact-finding delegation to Tanzania in the late 1970s and of a Finance Ministry Tripartite Committee formed to address issues facing the diamond industry.
- Founder member of DEAL and is its President from 1973.
- Founder member of BDB and served as its Vice President for six years.
Shri Arvind Chhotalal Parikh
Trustee, Gemmological Institute of India (GII) holding memento special recognition awardServing as a Trustee for more than three decades at GII, Shri Arvind Chhotalal Parikh remains a beacon of wisdom, passion, and leadership. His legendary journey spanning over seven decades in the trade continues to guide and inspire future generations of gemmologists and entrepreneurs.