Bringing laurels to India, Mumbai based diamond trader Mr Navin Mehta was honored with 'Pioneer of the industry' award by Indian Diamond & Colorstone Assocation (IDCA) gala on June 2, 2007.

Mehta is a partner with D. Navinchandra & Co., and earned the Pioneer award for his contributions to the Indian gem and jewelry industry. During his acceptance speech, Mehta talked about how the industry has evolved in the past 50 years.

Mehta is a first generation entrepreneur in the diamond and diamond studded jewelry industry. In 1970, along with his four partners, he founded D. Navinchandra & Co., in Mumbai. Today the company has offices in Antwerp, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai, and New York.

He is currently the president of the Bombay Diamond Merchant’s Association and the Jain International Trade Organization; and vice president of Gujarat Heera Bourse in Surat. In the past Mehta has held the president's post at the Diamond Exporters Association; vice chairmanship of GJEPC; and former president of SEEPZ Gem & Jewellery Manufacturers Association.

Even though he manages daily activity at his firm, and holds industry leadership positions, Mehta also finds time to devote to philanthropic activity, such as, acting as trustee for social service organizations across the medical and educational industries in India.

During IDCA's gala dinner, the group also awarded Doyenne of the Year to Pamela Romano, president and chief operating officer for Friedman’s. In spring 2005, she joined Friedman’s in her current role, and helped the company emerge from bankruptcy.

IDCA recognized the Retail Jewelry Organization as Retailer of the Year.

IDCA also recognized special guest, Nevada governor Jim Gibbons; and two other award winners -- Friedman's Inc.'s president Pamela Romano, and the Retail Jewelry Organization.