Future of Jewelry: Digital, Lab-Grown, & Agile Inventory

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I work independently as a jewelry consultant, collaborating with manufacturers and retail brands throughout India. My main focus is on product strategy, inventory planning, and go-to-market execution. I help businesses shape their product assortments, develop smart pricing strategies, and optimize margins—particularly in fast-changing areas like Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs) and lightweight gold jewelry. Because I have insight into the entire value chain, I’m able to offer a commercially grounded perspective that balances design, market demand, and capital efficiency.

Q2. In your experience, how is the shift towards digital-first or hybrid retail impacting the capital lock-up in physical showroom stock?

With the rise of digital-first and hybrid store models, retailers no longer need to keep as much inventory on the shop floor. More and more, stores are adopting a “display-led” approach—showcasing a curated selection of samples in-store, while relying on back-end inventory or making products on demand.

However, the reality is nuanced:

• For high-velocity SKUs (daily wear, studs, chains), physical stock is still critical
• For occasion or high-ticket pieces, digital catalogs and try-on models are replacing deep inventory

Capital lock-up…