Shri Arvind Parikh deservingly conferred special recognition award by GJEPC and received from the hands of 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 as a reputed industry 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, appreciations and awards. He has contributed to the Gems & Jewellery industry in multiple ways and also occupied many positions in the industry. He discharged his duties with commitment and dedication. In recognition of his dedicated services, Arvindbhai was Felicitated and honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award (2022) jointly by Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) and Diamond Exporters’ Association Limited (DEAL) on 22 April 2022.
We all employees at GII and Board members are proud that our veteran Trustee recently has been recognised by Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) for his illustrious and commendable contributions for a special award. He was bestowed with the coveted 52nd India Gem & Jewellery Award (IGJA) and received this special recognition 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, share his experience and guide the next generation.
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 participations in the competitive games like cricket at high levels like Kanga league, and other games and following then even now with a young mind. He has also been an enthusiastic traveller and a highly sociable person who valued friendships, family gatherings, films, theatre and card games.
Brief Biosketch of Shri Arvind Parikh:
Shri Arvind Parikh was born on 23rd February 1931 in Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar). He did his intermediate sciences in Bhavan’s college, Mumbai in 1948. In the same year he joined Mohanlal Raichand and Sons as an apprentice; Later he spent six months in Kolkata learning diamond marketing with his uncle, the late Shree Amratlal Parikh.
In 1951 he started his own diamond business. During 1954, he established Arnik International and from there moved on to establish 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 working alongside the third generation; contributing more than five decades of experience, judgement and leadership to the business. His continuing involvement reflects both his passion for diamonds and his commitment to passing the knowledge and nuances of the trade to succeeding generations.
Over the decades, Mr. Parikh 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 member of many delegations to Gail with Government of India and international bodies.
His ASSOCIATION with Industry bodies
- Trustee for more than three decades of Gemological Institute of India (GII).
- 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.
- International delegations – Member of GJEPC’s first composite delegation in 1972, visiting major European diamond centres and the USA; led the Council’s diamond delegation to the USA, Canada and Venezuela in 1976; led delegations to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, and to Japan and South Korea, in the early 1980s.
- Government representation – Member of a Government of India 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 Diamond Exporters Association Ltd. (DEAL) and from 1973 its President
- Founder member of Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) and served as 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 70 years in the trade continues to guide and inspire future generations of gemmologists and entrepreneurs.