Raj Mahtani

Meet the region's leading fashion designers

The fifth-generation scion of Indian jewellery house Satramdas Dhalamal, Raj Mahtani would, as a child, visit his father at work, learning the craft from the experts. He has since trained as a gemologist and designer in Mumbai. In 1990, he established Solitaire, a diamond trading company, in Antwerp, although his desire for a more creative career remained unfulfilled. He set up his own high-end jewellery label, Raj Mahtani, in 2000.

How did you set up your label?

My family has been in the business since 1880 and I wanted my own label, but the timing had to be right. It was only after I got the proper training that I took it to the next level by transforming it into a design-based structure.

How is your company set up?

My mother, who's also my inspiration, and my sister, Sumi are my partners. Sumi looks after the business promotion and development in new markets, and also helps with the design. There are also artists to sketch designs and a team of skilled artisans in the factory.