The American Gem Society (AGS) had the opportunity to speak with Nicky Mehta, RS, Chief Marketing Officer at Diamond Days, to learn more about his family’s rich history and the creation of Diamond Days. Nicky shares the story in his own words below:
Our family has a long legacy of professionalism and achievement. My grandfather was the first civil engineer to graduate from his district in India during British rule. After independence, he played a significant role in developing India by building dams, canals, roads, bridges, and even royal palaces. My father, Pravin Mehta, followed in his footsteps, earning accolades in the food and dairy industries. As the first Indian-born Chief Chemist of Nestlé India, he formulated LIMCA®, now owned by Coca-Cola, and the original Thums Up® cola—both of which became India’s top-selling beverages, surpassing even Coca-Cola at the time. Later, my father moved to the U.S. to develop export markets for India’s burgeoning diamond industry, which then trailed behind Belgium and Israel.
Diamond Days, our family company, began humbly in 1972. We faced challenges with grit and determination, guided by the principles of corporate ethics, ideals, and responsibility. When I joined the business, I asked my father who inspired him. His answer: industry giants like Lazare Kaplan, the renowned diamond merchant; Harry Winston, the legendary American jeweler; Jack Grosbard, the master of melee diamonds; and Kirtibhai Mehta, a pioneer of India’s diamond industry. These leaders inspired Diamond Days to build a socially responsible company rooted in ethical practices.
Under the mentorship of Jack Grosbard, we honed the craft of supplying perfectly graded and calibrated melee diamonds. Diamond Days was among the first to import advanced diamond calibration machines and implement computer-generated techniques. This innovation allowed us to serve some of the most discerning customers, from department stores to multi-chain retailers. Our unwavering commitment to quality and ethical business practices earned Diamond Days a reputation for excellence in the diamond industry.
We fully supported the Kimberley Process from its inception and adhered to the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance policies. Much like Lazare Kaplan’s legacy, our pursuit of brilliance became central to our operations.
We are proud to have been part of the investing team behind the establishment of AGS Laboratories, further demonstrating our commitment to advancing industry standards. Our affiliations with organizations such as the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA), Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association (DMIA), and the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) reflect our dedication to ethical practices and industry leadership.
I continue to participate in various committees within the American Gem Society (AGS) and currently hold the position of president of the Connecticut Guild. A fond memory for me was when I served as president of the New York/New Jersey Guild. In 2003, we were honored to receive the Guild of the Year award at Conclave.
Diamond Days continues to create exceptional jewelry, including Riviera necklaces and bracelets, using only certified diamonds. We are proud to offer an unmatched selection of quality diamonds and provide expert, friendly service to create extraordinary experiences for our clients. Our mentors and legends have shaped us into a company of great repute, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards in everything we do.
Learn more about Diamond Days at diamonddaysgroup.com.
