Rahil Shah, Director at Asian Star Co. Ltd., embodies the third generation of leadership within the Shah family, guiding the company into a new era of innovation and excellence. With expertise in diamond procurement and manufacturing, Rahil has played a crucial role in modernising the company’s operations. His technology-driven approach has led to the seamless integration of advanced systems, enhancing both efficiency and transparency across the diamond supply chain. A visionary leader, Rahil is committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and ethical practices, ensuring that Asian Star remains a symbol of responsible luxury in the global market.
What inspired Asian Star to join the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)?
Asian Star has always been dedicated to ethical business practices, environmental sustainability, and creating a positive social impact. Joining the Responsible Jewellery Council was a natural progression for us, as it aligns perfectly with our core values. The RJC offers a globally recognised platform to showcase our commitment to responsible sourcing, fair labour practices, and transparency. Being part of such a reputable organisation inspires us to consistently uphold the highest standards across all aspects of our business.
How do you implement responsible business practices into your daily operations?
Responsibility is integral to every aspect of our operations. At Asian Star, we are dedicated to ensuring that every diamond we procure and process meets the highest ethical and environmental standards. Our facilities are certified for upholding best practices in environmental management and worker welfare. Moreover, we prioritise transparency across our supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products. Comprehensive employee training programmes reinforce these values, ensuring they are embraced and implemented at every level of our organisation.
Can you share specific examples of milestones in sustainability or innovation in the diamond industry?
As members of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), we at Asian Star have achieved significant milestones across our operations, from ethical sourcing to innovation, energy-efficient manufacturing, environmental and social responsibility, and transparency.
Innovation in Technology & Energy-efficient Manufacturing: We have adopted state-of-the-art technologies to enhance efficiency and improve the quality of our diamonds. By investing in Green Laser Machines, we achieve minimal weight-loss, minimal breakage, and maximum production of diamonds. Our 4P Machines deliver the highest levels of precision and accuracy, resulting in perfectly shaped and proportioned diamonds. Additionally, we have embraced digital tools such as blockchain for traceability and advanced 3D scanning for precision cutting. Our implementation of blockchain technology has transformed how we track the provenance of our diamonds. This innovation ensures transparency and traceability in the journey of our diamonds, from mine to market, guaranteeing they are conflict-free and ethically sourced. Blockchain technology allows our customers to verify the authenticity and ethical origins of their purchases.
Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Footprint Reduction: We are committed to reducing our environmental impact. By adopting energy-efficient technologies like 4P and Green Laser Machines, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and reusing and recycling waste in our operations, we strive to minimize our carbon footprint. Our operations align with global sustainability standards, including ISO 14001 environmental management, as we embrace cleaner technologies to achieve our environmental goals.
Commitment to Community Development: We are deeply committed to supporting our local communities through initiatives such as funding education programs, developing educational infrastructure, enhancing healthcare access, empowering women, and supporting animal welfare. These efforts help improve wellbeing and elevate living standards in the communities where we operate.
What do you find most rewarding about working within the diamond industry?
In the diamond industry, the most rewarding aspects of our work arise from our unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community impact. As custodians of an industry rooted in rarity and beauty, we continuously adopt cutting-edge techniques to craft exquisite products that resonate globally, ensuring we stay at the forefront of evolving consumer expectations. Equally important is our relentless pursuit of adding value through vertical integration, streamlining operations, and enhancing efficiency with productive business practices. Beyond business, our dedication to community initiatives in education, healthcare, and local empowerment enables us to create a lasting positive impact, highlighting the transformative potential of this industry.
