Gitanjali to Offer Loose Diamonds index, Diamond Price Index to Consumers

(May 4, '06, 0:45 Himja Parekh, Mumbai) found at idexonline.com/

Gitanjali Gems, a Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Sightholder, announced plans to sell loose diamonds to consumers as an investment. The initiative, EzeeDiamond, will include a diamond price index.  The price index will list round brilliant cut diamonds, 0.01 to 1 carat in VVS, VS and SI clarities, HIJ colors. According to Anuj Rakyan, VP of the jewelry division, Gitanjali will update the price index every two weeks and publish it in the local press and on their website. 

The company is increasing its emphasis on the local Indian market as middle class income is rising. While the average income rose an estimated 15 percent over the past few years, the Indian middle class itself is growing too, creating a budding market for retailers. 

During a media event on Tuesday, Gitanjali also launched Infinity- the Indian retail sector’s first retail fund to finance and support multi unit franchises to enhance service and consumer experience through joint ventures with multi unit franchises having 3 or more outlets and finance up to 50 percent of their total inventory requirement.  

Their retail efforts are targeting four segments: Giantti- a lifestyle boutique of luxury brands; Gitanjali Signature- premium jewelry multi brand outlets; Gitanjali Exclusive- tie ups with local jewelers to enhance the shopping experience; and independent flagship stores of the brands under the name Gitanjali. 

The company will also create Tiesa- the Preferred Jeweler of India to bring together and showcase centers of excellence in jewelry retail. It plans to cover 500 outlets in the first year and increase penetration to 2,500 outlets over 3 years.