Abhishek Gilara

Driving A Legacy From Heritage To Horizons

Abhishek Gilara

Managing Director

Rambhajo's

In India, where jewellery symbolises tradition, emotions, and timeless legacies, few leaders have left a mark as profound as Abhishek Gilara. As the Managing Director of Rambhajo’s—a jewellery house with a legacy spanning over a century—Abhishek has masterfully blended heritage with contemporary innovation. Under his leadership, Rambhajo’s has evolved into a global icon, crafting bespoke bridal collections valued `5 lakh to `5 crore and serving over 800,000 clients across five continents. In an industry expected to reach `16.2 lakh crore by FY2032 from `7.3 lakh crore in FY2024, Abhishek has proven that preserving tradition while embracing modernity is the formula for enduring success.

“Jewellery isn’t just about adornment; it’s about preserving legacies and telling stories that transcend generations,”

In an exclusive conversation with Tradeflock, Abhishek shared the journey behind Rambhajo’s evolution and the strategies that continue to shape its success.

How do you balance preserving Rambhajo’s century-old heritage with modern business demands?

Managing a century-old legacy is both a privilege and a responsibility. For me, it’s about staying true to the core values that built Rambhajo’s—craftsmanship, trust, and quality—while embracing the opportunities that modern innovations bring. I believe authenticity and attention to detail are nonnegotiable, no matter how much the world changes. It’s not just about preserving our heritage; it’s about ensuring that every decision we make reflects the pride and responsibility of carrying forward something so timeless.

What’s your most impactful product innovation at Rambhajo’s?

One of the innovations I’m most proud of was introducing fusion jewellery that blends traditional Kundan and Polki with modern, minimalist designs. It was a bold move, but it paid off by attracting younger buyers while still staying true to our heritage. It wasn’t just about creating something new—it was about showing that tradition and modernity can coexist beautifully. This shift really helped redefine our brand and expand its appeal.

What keeps you motivated, and how do you inspire your team?

What keeps me going is knowing that our jewellery isn’t just art—it’s part of people’s lives and memories. Also I firmly believe that “Crafting jewellery is crafting connections across generations.” I inspire my team by sharing this vision, celebrating every win, and ensuring they see their work as essential to our legacy. Together, we keep the passion alive.

What’s a day in your life like as Managing Director?

My day starts with a simple mantra: “Begin with clarity, end with purpose.” Early mornings are my sacred time for exercise and spiritual reflection, setting the tone for the day. Mornings are all about strategic planning and team discussions, afternoons are for creative work, market research, and client interactions, while evenings are dedicated to learning, family, and my passion for writing. It’s this balance of work and personal passions that keep me grounded and energised.

What’s one unconventional lesson young leaders can learn from managing a legacy brand?

One thing managing a legacy brand like Rambhajo’s has taught me is that tradition and innovation aren’t opposites—they’re partners. I’ve realised that preserving the past doesn’t mean being trapped by it. “Heritage isn’t about standing still; it’s about moving forward with your roots intact.” To stay relevant, you have to respect your history while daring to reimagine it. It’s a delicate balance but one that keeps the brand authentic and future-ready.

How do you balance global trends with the cultural essence of Kundan, Meena, Polki, and Jadau?

Jewellery, to me, is all about telling a story— one rooted in tradition but always evolving. While trends come and go, the charm of Kundan, Meena, Polki, and Jadau is timeless. I stay closely connected with our artisans, ensuring we honour traditional techniques while giving designs a modern touch. Exposure to international shows, constant market research, and listening to what our clients want helps us adapt without losing the soul of our craft. It’s about keeping heritage alive while staying relevant to the world today.

How do you stay balanced and resilient, and what advice shapes your journey?

Leading a legacy brand demands balance, creativity, and resilience, and I find these through disciplined routines—early morning exercise, spiritual practices, and time for reflection. Staying grounded with family and learning from mentors keeps me focused and inspired. One piece of advice I live by is, “Never stop planning and never fear failure.” It reminds me that every challenge holds a lesson and an opportunity, fueling both my personal growth and professional success.