The diamond industry mourns the loss of Arunkumar R. Mehta of Rosy Blue, a luminary of the diamond industry. A visionary, who has always been a pillar of strength and an inspiration for many not just in India, but for diamantaires world over, he will be remembered for his contribution towards this sector. Like many Indian diamantaires, Mehta had a humble beginning. Born in Patan in 1940, a small town in Gujarat, he moved to Mumbai and set up a small diamond cutting and polishing unit in 1960, under the name B Arunkumar & Company. With his undeterred vision and entrepreneurial genius, the company grew strength to strength, and today Rosy Blue is the biggest diamond manufacturing unit in the world with operations in Israel, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Belgium, China and of course, India. It was also one of the first few companies that became a DTC Sightholder in 1969.

He was the founding member of Diamond Exporters Association Ltd. He has been an active member of the Managing Committee of the Bharat Diamond Bourse. He has also served in the managing committee of the GJEPC. He is known for his philanthropy and always wanted the best for the Indian diamond fraternity. He was associated with several charitable, educational, and healthcare institutions. He is a Trustee of the Rajmal Rikhabchand Charitable Trust, Bombay Diamond Merchants’ Association Relief Fund etc. Besides, he was the President of the Palanpur Samaj Kendra.

In an exclusive interview done by Diamond World many years back, on the occasion of his winning the Life-time Achievement Award from the GJEPC, he fondly remembered procuring his first diamond for Rs 25 and selling it for Rs 27. He has always been a believer in giving back to the society and encouraging younger generation to take over businesses.

Arunbhai Mehta’s passing away is an irrevocable loss to the industry. A force to reckon with, this industry will miss his able guidance and his readiness to always help those in need of his expert advice.  He is survived by his son and daughter and brothers Dilipbhai and Harshadbhai. His son Russel Mehta has been heading the Rosy Blue Group for many years now and has also served as the Vice Chairman of the GJEPC.

From closed sources, Diamond World understands that the market may be closed on Tuesday, 16 June 2020, on his remembrance.