Two well-known community members and leaders of the gem and jewellery industry, Baron Dilip R Mehta and Vipul P Shah, were among the “40 extraordinary individuals” honoured at a special function held along with the recent Jewellery & Gem World show at Hong Kong. They were among an elite list of the who’s who of the global industry which included a total of six Indians.
 

“The ‘Extraordinary 40’ awards honour the exceptional achievements of 40 extraordinary individuals who have helped shape and continue to make a positive difference in the jewellery industry today,” the organisers said. The theme was chosen to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the JGW show and of the organiser’s Informa Markets’ flagship publication, JNA.
 

They noted that the awardees were “handpicked by Informa Markets’ international team comprising in-house experts and independent third parties who possess deep knowledge and experience in distinct areas of the industry”.
 

Dilipbhai was felicitated for his “keen business sense, visionary mindset and inspired leadership (that) helped shape Rosy Blue into a formidable player in the international diamond scene… (and for being) instrumental in bringing about pivotal industry-wide changes.” 
 

Vipulbhai was honoured for his role in leading “the Indian gem and jewellery industry to unparalleled success on the global stage, advocating for reform to enhance its competitiveness and seeking new avenues for further growth” during his earlier and current stint as Chairman of GJEPC. He was described as an “unstoppable innovator and boundary pusher… (to) enhance industry competitiveness… and sustainable practices that create a more responsible and ethical supply chain.”