KGK Group
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KGK Group
KGK Group: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1905
Founded in 1905 by Shri Kesrimal Ji and Shri Ghisilal Ji Kothari in Jaipur, India, the KGK Group began as a humble gemstone trading business between India and Burma. Today, it has grown into a global leader in the gems and jewelry industry, with operations spanning across 15 countries. Over the past century, KGK has earned a reputation for covering the full spectrum of mining, sourcing, manufacturing, and distributing diamonds, colored stones, and jewelry.
Guided by our patriarch, Mr. Navrattan Kothari, and supported by the dynamic leadership of Mr. Sanjay Kothari and Mr. Sandeep Kothari, the fourth generation of the Kothari family, KGK continues to scale new heights, driven by passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Global Presence and Expertise
With over 18,000 team members worldwide, KGK is a privately held multinational company with a strong presence in Asia, Australia, North and South America, Europe, and Africa. Our vertically integrated approach, from mines to brands, sets us apart as a trusted name in the global gems and jewelry industry. Additionally, our recent foray into real estate reflects the Group’s diversification and commitment to creating iconic structures.
Our Milestones: A Journey Through Time
1905 - 1960: Early Years and Expansion
- 1905: The KGK journey began with the trading of Burmese gemstones by Shri Keshrimal Ji Kothari in Jaipur, India.
- 1915: Expanded operations to Chennai, India, trading colored gemstones.
- 1960: Mr. Navrattan Kothari joined the Group, marking a new era of growth.
1962 - 1990: Global Expansion
- 1962: Established operations in Hong Kong.
- 1970s: Expanded into the diamond sector, transitioning from colored gemstones to diamonds.
- 1972: Launched colored stone operations in the USA.
- 1975: Began sourcing diamonds in Mumbai.
- 1986: Set up diamond processing operations in Mumbai.
- 1996: Opened jewelry manufacturing operations in SEEPZ, Mumbai.
- 1997: Awarded De Beers Sightholder status, becoming an authorized bulk purchaser of rough diamonds.
1997 - 2010: Diversification and Social Impact
- 1997: Inaugurated the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital & Research Centre in Jaipur, providing world-class care to patients. KGK also launched the Dreamz Foundation to fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
- 1999: Established a jewelry manufacturing unit in Panyu, China.
- 2002: Launched wholesale jewelry operations in India.
- 2004: Introduced the fine jewelry brand Entice in Hong Kong and later in India.
- 2007: Undertook the restoration of Jal Mahal and the revitalization of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur.
2010 - Present: Innovation and Real Estate Ventures
- 2010: Launched KGK’s real estate division, marking the Group’s foray into iconic real estate projects.
- 2014: Opened a diamond manufacturing unit in Botswana and entered into mining operations in Brazil and Mozambique for Paraiba, emeralds, and rubellite.
- 2015: Established a silver jewelry manufacturing unit in Bangkok and formed KGK Ausdiam after acquiring an Australian jewelry distributor.
- 2016: Launched a new corporate identity and website, marking KGK’s evolution into a corporate business model.
- 2017 - 2021: Expanded diamond manufacturing operations in Russia, Namibia, and Angola, with facilities inaugurated by high-ranking officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Angola’s President João Lourenço.
The KGK Advantage: Mines to Brands
With over a century of expertise, KGK is one of the few global conglomerates offering a complete value chain—from mining to retail. Our portfolio encompasses mining, cutting and polishing, manufacturing, and the distribution of diamonds, colored stones, and jewelry, allowing us to maintain the highest standards of quality and service.
A Commitment to Social Responsibility
At KGK, we believe in giving back to the communities that support us. From healthcare initiatives like the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital to heritage conservation efforts such as the Jal Mahal Restoration, we are committed to making a meaningful impact.
A Future Full of Promise
With the fourth generation of the Kothari family leading the charge, KGK is poised for continued global expansion and innovation. While we celebrate our rich legacy, we remain focused on shaping the future of the gems, jewelry, and real estate industries. Keeping Sustainability as the theme of the current decade we wish to become a rolemodel for the industry in terms of sustainable and ethical practices to give direction to our businesses and to maintain the market leadership position.