In this episode, we cover:

• How to start a jewelry business with no family background

• Understanding the SEEPZ jewelry export ecosystem

• Building an export business from scratch

• Getting the first international jewelry order

• Opportunities in gold, silver & lab-grown diamond jewelry

• Differences between Indian and global jewelry markets

• Challenges faced by first-generation entrepreneurs

• Future of lab-grown diamonds in exports

• Scaling internationally in the jewelry industry

• Advice for young founders entering the business world

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• Polished Diamond Graduate Course

• Rough Diamond Graduate

• Gemology Graduate

• Jewelry Design Graduate (Manual)

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• Jewelry Engineering

Who is Shubham Lohade?

Shubham Lohade is the founder of Arriva Jewellery and a first-generation entrepreneur in the jewelry export industry. Starting his journey at the age of 22, Shubham entered the industry without any prior business background, family support, or industry contacts. Through persistence, practical learning, and deep market understanding, he successfully built a global jewelry export business operating across multiple international markets.

In this podcast episode, Shubham Lohade shares his honest experiences of starting from zero, navigating SEEPZ, understanding exports, and building a sustainable jewelry business in a highly competitive market.

Here's a summary of the key topics:

Beginning of the Jewelry Journey (3:29–10:50):
Shubham shares how he entered the gems and jewelry industry without any family background and why learning the fundamentals at J K Diamonds Institute of Gems & Jewelry became the starting point of his entrepreneurial journey.

Foundation of Arriva Jewellery (10:51–14:01):
He discusses how Arriva Jewellery was started from scratch and the early struggles of building credibility in the industry.

Challenges in the Initial Phase (14:02–15:02):
The conversation explores the practical difficulties faced while establishing operations, finding clients, and surviving in a competitive export ecosystem.

Transition into Jewelry Exports (15:03–19:29):
Shubham explains how he shifted focus toward international markets and started building export relationships globally.

Why the USA is a Major Jewelry Market (19:30–20:01):
Insights into consumer demand, market size, and why the USA remains one of the most important destinations for jewelry exports.

Marketing & Client Acquisition Strategies (20:53–22:10):
A discussion on the marketing approaches, networking methods, and strategies used to secure international buyers.

Products & Export Markets (22:11–26:15):
Shubham talks about exporting gold, silver, and diamond jewelry while comparing different global jewelry markets like the USA, Middle East, Canada, and Australia.

Importance of SEZ & EOU (26:16–28:03):
The episode highlights how Special Economic Zones and export-focused ecosystems help jewelry businesses scale internationally.

Applying Industry Learnings (29:11–31:18):
How practical education and industry exposure contributed to building confidence and business understanding.

Indian vs International Business Margins (31:19–32:47):
A comparison of profitability, innovation, and operational differences between Indian and global jewelry businesses.

Future of Arriva Jewellery (33:30–37:20):
Shubham shares his long-term vision, future plans, and thoughts on scaling the company further.

Lab-Grown Diamonds & Industry Shift (38:30–41:44):
An honest perspective on lab-grown diamonds, changing consumer behavior, and future export opportunities.

Is It Difficult to Build a Jewelry Export Business Today? (41:45–42:45):
Practical advice for first-generation founders and aspiring exporters entering the industry today.

Who is this podcast relevant for?

• First-generation entrepreneurs looking to build a business from scratch

• Jewelry business owners and export-focused entrepreneurs

• Students exploring careers in gems & jewelry

• Professionals interested in international jewelry markets

• Family businesses planning to expand globally

• Founders looking for practical insights on exports and scaling

📘 Download our free jewelry business & design eBooks for deeper learning.

🎧 Watch the full episode now and discover what it really takes to build a global jewelry export business starting from zero.