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03 Oct 2017

Veteran Diamantaire Manhar R. Bhansali Passes Away

Manhar R.Bhansali

Receiving the IDCA Award

Veteran Palanpuri diamantaire, and one of the pioneers of the modern diamond and jewellery industry in India, Manhar Ratibhai Bhansali passed away on October 2, 2017 in Mumbai. He was 76. Manharbhai is survived by his wife Shobhanaben, children Asha and Rashesh and their families.

One of the early Palanpuris to enter the diamond industry, Manharbhai set up M.R. Bhansali & Co in 1963 for import and export of diamonds. This was a period of rapid growth for the Indian industry and the company too expanded rapidly, forward integrating into the manufacture of studded jewellery for export under the banner of Goldiam International in the early 1980s. Goldiam was among the first few companies to set up a unit in SEEPZ and, with Manharbhai at the helm as Managing Director and later Chairman, it also established an international network with offices in Hong Kong and USA.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Manharbhai was actively involved in industry associations, especially The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). He was a member of the GJEPC committee for a number of years and held positions as Chairman and Vice Chairman, in addition to heading other sub-committees. As Chairman of the Council at the time of 1991 devaluation, Manharbhai played a very important role in formulating a scheme for the gem and jewellery exporters to steer the industry through a challenging phase.

Manharbhai also served BDB managing committee. He was felicitated, along with other past Chairmen, at the 50th anniversary celebrations of GJEPC in 2017.

In 2010, Manharbhai was honoured by the Indian Diamond & Coloredstone Association, New York and presented with the ‘Pioneer of the Year’ Award. The IDCA is the premier association of jewellers, diamantaires and colored stone dealers with businesses in the US who are originally from India.