MEET HETAL VAKIL VALIA

Private Jeweller | Jewellery Consultant & Designer | Educator

With over 30 years in the jewellery industry, Hetal brings a rare blend of creativity, expertise, and passion to everything she does.

Her journey began at just 15, when she started teaching gemmology and diamond grading. By the age of 19 – and still in college – she co-designed India’s first World Gold Council trend book.

Soon after, Hetal founded Vakil’s Academy of Jewellery Design, which has since trained over 5,000 students in design, retail, gemmology, and diamond assortment. Many of these graduates are now thriving professionals and entrepreneurs in the industry.

Specializing in custom jewellery, Hetal designs each piece to reflect her clients’ unique personalities and styles. Every creation is tailored to the wearer’s vision – enhancing their features and celebrating their individuality. Alongside her work with private clients across India and internationally, she also partners with brands, boutiques, and designers, offering complete B2B jewellery manufacturing from concept to finished product.

A regular presence at global trade shows and industry panels, Hetal shares her expertise through talks, workshops, and webinars for organizations such as GJEPC, GJSCI, and GJC. She currently serves as the National Chairperson of the IBJA Ladies’ Wing, where she champions innovation, education, and empowerment in the jewellery space.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

  • National Chairperson, IBJA Ladies’ Wing (since August 2022) – Leading initiatives to promote innovation, education, and empowerment for women in the jewellery industry.

  • Founder & Host, Golden Girls Awards 2023– Recognizing and celebrating promising women entrepreneurs in the gem and jewellery sector.

  • Head of Delegation, IBJA Women at JJS 2022 – Represented the association at the Jaipur Jewellery Show.

  • Design Consultant for GJEPC & IDI – Providing expertise in jewellery design and industry strategy.

  • Course Leader for GJEPC – Conducted Jewellery Design training at the Jewellery Product Development Centre.

  • Instructor, GII – Taught gemmology and diamond grading, including laboratory testing and gemstone identification.

  • Consultant for GJSCI – Supporting the Skill India movement under the Prime Minister’s initiative.

  • Co-Designer, India’s First Gold Trend Book (1995-96) – Created for the World Gold Council, followed by a national seminar series.

  • Industry Judge – Served on judging panels for competitions including RJGA and NJA.