Gaurav Khandelwal

About Gaurav Khandelwal

I’m a second generation diamantaire, and I’m passionate about diamonds and the people that shape this industry – from the meticulous artisans that cut our diamonds to the end consumers trusting us with one of life’s biggest questions, “Will you marry me?”. The “Union” in Union Gems signifies a partnership, and our team aspires to be more than diamond supplier. We help retailers across North America deliver \'wow\', enabling them to:(1) Differentiate their stores (2) Drive sales growth (3) Improve GMROI (Gross Margin Return on Inventory) A few examples of our work: Doubling revenue at a Southern California retailer – By collaborating with store leadership and sales staff, we identified opportunities to expand product ranges and the client base. Building from the store’s core strength, we expanded into higher-end luxury and entry-level bridal, doubling revenue within 5 years. Increasing GMROI for a Long Island retailer – We provided the strategic and tactile support to raise GMROI. We rationalized diamond inventory, focusing on best sellers, repricing to market prices, developing a “moat” or USP for each diamond. Driving more than $10mn in additional sales for an e-tailer – By conducting an exhaustive strategic review & SWOT analysis, we helped our client understand the state of the industry, their current offerings, and untapped growth opportunities. Making the study actionable, we designed and delivered products in these areas to drive more than $10mn in sales. If you want an intelligent, analytical, passionate partner, focused on helping your business grow, let’s talk. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading fiction, and rooting for my sports teams (Hook \'em Horns! Go Rockets!)

Experience

1. Chief Operating Officer

   Union Gems

   May 2008 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   Union Gems is a fine-make diamond specialist. We\'re passionate about selling beautiful diamonds and jewelry, and we focus on partnering with discerning retailers. Our Expertise- Design and execute loose-diamond merchandising programs- Fill special diamond requests (\"memo calls\")- Fabricate fine-quality, custom jewelry in 14K & 18K gold and platinum - Buy OTC, breakout, and estate diamonds from retailersOur Core Products Include:Cherry-Picked Rounds – GIA EX/EX/EX with H & AHigh-Performing Fancy Shapes Cushion Brilliants (excellent optics, no ‘crushed ice’ phenomenon) Princess cuts manufactured to AGS ‘Ideal’ standards Emeralds with stellar shapes and light performance (e.g, 1.33:1, no glassy/dead spots)Finely-Cut Calibrated Melee in G+ Colors

Education

• Texas McCombs School of Business

  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Finance & Business Honors

  2003 — 2007

• Harvard Business School

  GIA Global Leadership Program 2022

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

  Applied Jewelry Professional

Skills

• Luxury Goods
• Jewelry
• Jewelry Manufacturing
• Diamonds
• Leadership
• Strategy
• Retail
• Fine Jewelry
• Management Consulting
• Business Analysis
• Business Strategy
• Merchandising
• Product Development
• Sales