Rambhajo’s, a name that resonates with the soul of India’s illustrious craftsmanship, has been a cornerstone of tradition and innovation since its inception in 1921. Nestled in the heart of Jaipur, this iconic brand has masterfully preserved and elevated the ancient arts of Kundan and Meenakari jewelry. Helmed by Dr. Abhishek Gilara, each creation by Rambhajo’s is a harmonious symphony of Mughal, Rajputana, and Deccan influences, meticulously crafted to perfection by artisans whose skills have been honed over generations.
Rambhajo’s commitment to quality and authenticity is unwavering, transcending mere jewelry-making to become a guardian of India’s rich cultural heritage. Through their exquisite collections, they have not only kept these timeless art forms alive but have also redefined them for the modern era, creating masterpieces that are both heirloom treasures and contemporary statements. As the visionary Managing Director of Rambhajo’s, Dr. Gilara is a driving force behind the brand’s global success. Under his leadership, Rambhajo’s has expanded its reach, serving over 850,000 clients worldwide.
An Insightful Journey of Legacy, Innovation, and Expansion
Dr. Gilara’s professional journey is deeply intertwined with his family legacy, built on the foundation of Rambhajo’s, a name synonymous with exquisite jewelry craftsmanship and heritage. While his academic pursuits and exposure to global business strategies shaped his mindset, the true inspiration to join the family business came from his desire to preserve and expand the generational legacy.
Dr. Gilara never saw his joining as merely inheriting a business—he saw it as a responsibility to honor the craftsmanship, the values, and the legacy that his ancestors built while taking it to greater heights. Many believe that launching a new venture is harder than managing a legacy business, but in reality, sustaining and growing an established brand presents unique challenges.
“Unlike a startup, where one builds from scratch, a legacy business requires maintaining authenticity while adapting to modern market demands. There is a constant balance between honoring traditions and integrating innovation, ensuring that we remain relevant in a rapidly evolving luxury market. This balancing act has been my guiding principle as I continue to shape Rambhajo’s and Advit Jewels into global brands,” explains Dr. Gilara.
The Inspiration Behind Advit Jewels & Its Complementary Role to Rambhajo’s
In the bustling global market, Rambhajo’s stands as a beacon of Indian craftsmanship, attracting connoisseurs and patrons from around the world. Their dedication to excellence and innovation is not just about preserving the past; it’s about crafting the future of Indian jewelry. By fusing tradition with modernity, Rambhajo’s continues to inspire awe and admiration, ensuring that the legacy of Indian craftsmanship remains vibrant and revered.
Today, when fast fashion often overshadows artisanal quality, Rambhajo’s ethos serves as a reminder of the unparalleled beauty that lies in meticulous craftsmanship and timeless design. Their journey is a testament to the enduring allure of Indian heritage, and their future shines just as brightly as their illustrious past.
The launch of Advit Jewels was a natural extension of Dr. Gilara’s vision for Rambhajo’s. While Rambhajo’s has long been a trusted name for heritage jewelry, he saw a gap in the market for modern, bespoke, yet deeply traditional jewelry that appeals to the new generation of connoisseurs. Advit Jewels is about blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, offering exclusive, high-end pieces that cater to evolving tastes. It serves as an extension rather than a competitor to Rambhajo’s, allowing the companies to cater to a wider audience—from those who value legacy pieces to those who seek modern luxury.
A Strategy that Delivers
Expanding a heritage jewelry brand like Rambhajo’s & Advit Jewels globally has taken a multi-faceted strategy by Dr. Gilara. He and his team focused on:
1. Establishing a Strong Digital Presence: High-end jewelry buyers, including international clients, often begin their journey online. They’ve invested in an immersive digital experience, showcasing their craftsmanship through high-quality imagery, virtual consultations, and storytelling.
2. Expanding to Luxury Markets: Entering prominent markets such as Dubai, London, and New York demanded extensive market research to tailor their offerings to resonate with diverse cultural preferences.
3. Forging Strategic Collaborations: By partnering with renowned luxury retailers, participating in prestigious exhibitions, and attending global jewelry fairs, they have significantly enhanced their visibility and credibility in new markets.
4. Building Exclusive Client Relationships: Hosting private jewelry viewings, offering bespoke design consultations, and creating limited-edition collections have helped them cultivate an aura of exclusivity, attracting discerning clientele.
This comprehensive approach ensures that Rambhajo’s & Advit Jewels not only preserve their rich heritage but also adapt and thrive in the competitive global landscape.
International Client Feedback & Its Influence on Jewelry Designs
Expanding internationally has provided Rambhajo’s and Advit Jewels with valuable insights into global aesthetics and evolving consumer preferences. Dr. Gilara shares some key takeaways from international clients that have influenced their designs including:
1. Customization & Personalization: Clients increasingly seek unique, tailor-made pieces, prompting the team to integrate more bespoke jewelry services.
2. Minimalist Luxury: While intricate Indian craftsmanship remains unmatched, there is a rising demand for subtle, versatile, everyday luxury pieces.
3. Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Transparency in sourcing gemstones and adopting ethical craftsmanship have become key expectations.
By incorporating these insights, Rambhajo’s & Advit Jewels have remained at the forefront of offering a truly global yet traditionally rich experience.
Overcoming Challenges in International Expansion
Expanding internationally came with its share of challenges. Dr. Gilara and his team ensured that none of the challenges could hold them back from growth and expansion. Some challenges were:
1. Brand Recognition in New Markets: Unlike in India, where Rambhajo’s has an established legacy, global markets require strategic brand positioning through high-end marketing and collaborations.
2. Adapting to Regulatory Compliance: Different countries have varying import-export policies, hallmarking requirements, and taxation systems.
3. Cultural Sensitivity in Designs: Jewelry preferences vary greatly between regions. We addressed this by ensuring regional customization while maintaining our brand’s identity.
“Through strategic partnerships, extensive market research, and agile business operations, we successfully navigated these challenges, shares Dr. Gilara.
Stepping into a New Domain
Dr.Gilara recently diversified into real estate. The motivation behind diversifying into real estate was a calculated move driven by long-term sustainability. “The luxury jewelry industry has its cycles, and real estate offers a stable, high-growth opportunity. Additionally, there is an intrinsic link between luxury real estate and high-end jewelry buyers—both industries cater to a similar clientele. By entering real estate, we’ve been able to create synergies between the two sectors, ensuring greater financial stability,” explains Dr. Gilara.
Balancing ventures in both the jewelry and real estate industries requires a strategic approach that includes:
1. Structured Delegation & Strong Leadership Teams: Establishing robust leadership teams and delegating responsibilities effectively ensures that each venture runs smoothly.
2. Technology-Driven Operations for Efficiency: Leveraging technology enhances operational efficiency, enabling seamless management across both industries.
3. Long-Term Vision Alignment: Ensuring that both businesses share a cohesive long-term vision aligns their goals and strategies, fostering growth and success in each sector.
By implementing these strategies, Dr. Gilara and his team can adeptly manage the unique demands of both the jewelry and real estate markets, achieving excellence in each domain.
The Role of Continuous Learning & Fostering a Learning Culture
Dr. Gilara firmly believes that learning should never stop, no matter how experienced or successful one becomes. His commitment to continuous education has led him to pursue executive programs at esteemed institutions such as Cornell University, Harvard, and Babson College. These programs have reshaped his understanding of strategic leadership, global expansion, and operational efficiency. They have made him understand the importance of structured decision-making and helped him emphasize design thinking & customer experience innovation. It has provided him with global networking opportunities, helping him implement best practices from successful luxury brands. These programs have sharpened his leadership approach, ensuring that his decisions are data-driven and growth-oriented.
To cultivate a learning culture within his organization:
1. Investing in Upskilling: He prioritizes the continuous development of the workforce by providing opportunities for leadership and innovation training.
2. Encouraging a Growth Mindset: Dr. Gilara motivates employees to embrace a growth mindset, viewing challenges as valuable learning experiences.
3. Structured Mentorship Programs: The company integrates structured mentorship programs, enabling experienced professionals to guide and support the younger generation.
“By fostering an environment that values learning and personal growth, we ensure that our organization remains dynamic and adaptable in the ever-evolving business landscape,” he says.
Aligning Business with Social Responsibility
Beyond profitability, Dr. Gilara believes in business as a force for good. Giving back, for him, is not just a responsibility but a moral commitment. His belief is translated into action at Rambhajo’s as the company actively engages in:
• Ethical sourcing & fair-trade practices.
• Supporting Indian artisans & reviving traditional craftsmanship.
• Educational & healthcare initiatives for the community.
Being an Inspirational Leader
Dr. Gilara believes that a good leader is visionary, resilient, and people-centric. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about inspiring a team, fostering innovation, and maintaining integrity in every action. A leader must balance strategy with empathy, ensuring the organization thrives while employees feel valued.
For him, leadership involves:
– Leading by Example: Practicing discipline, consistency, and hard work.
– Making Data-Driven Yet Intuitive Decisions: Using experience and market insights.
– Empowering Others: A great leader builds more leaders, not just followers.
– Staying Adaptable: Markets evolve, and so should leadership strategies.
The key leadership principles he lives by are:
• Vision-Driven Decision Making
• Integrity & Ethical Business Practices
• People-Centric Leadership
• Innovation Without Compromising Heritage
• Resilience in the Face of Challenges
“A great leader inspires and empowers the team while maintaining a focus on integrity and innovation,” he says.
Goals for the Next Five Years
Dr. Gilara has a very clear vision on the way he wants to take Rambhajo’s and Advit jewels. He shares his goals with us as:
– Expand Rambhajo’s to 300 stores.
– Establish Advit Jewels as a global luxury brand.
– Launch high-end real estate ventures.
– Strengthen digital transformation in luxury retail.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Dr. Gilara shares the following advice for aspiring leaders:
– Have a Clear Vision: Never lose sight of your end goal.
– Be Adaptable: The business landscape is ever-changing.
– Prioritize Learning & Mentorship: Growth never stops.
– Build a Strong Team: No leader succeeds alone.
– Stay Ethical & Purpose-Driven: True success is about impact, not just wealth.
“This journey is not just about building businesses, but about leaving a legacy that inspires the next generation. I believe in relentless pursuit, resilience, and innovation—because success is never final, and learning never stops”, concludes Dr. Gilara.
