Diamond Boutique Q&A: Interview with Pritesh Vegad

By Clare Heighway - 26th November 2014

Follow Diamond Boutique

Diamond Boutique's founder Pritesh Vegad chats to us about the highs and lows of starting his own jewellery company.

Pritesh Vegad

Founder of Diamond Boutique

MEMBER INTERVIEWS > FASHION & BEAUTY Q&A

Tell us about yourself, Pritesh.

I am the Founder and CEO of Diamond Boutique; an online jewellery company specialising in coloured gemstone jewellery. I graduated from Northampton University with an MSc in Business Computing and worked as a business consultant over a period of 8 years. I am married and have two beautiful girls, Arya and Aanya. I love to travel and have had the privilege of seeing the globe with my wife. We spent 12 months on the road and visited a total of 23 countries. Other than that I am a workaholic!

Where did the idea come from?

My passion for gemstones started when I was searching for an engagement ring for my now wife. I started to educate myself in the field of gemmology and realised I had a true passion for coloured gemstones. The business was started in my spare time but it was only in 2012 when Diamond Boutique was officially launched online.

Who is your ideal customer?

A person who appreciates high-grade gemstone jewellery whose primary focus is quality over price. Typically our customers are professionals over the age of 30.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Aside from the obvious challenges of a start-up company, the biggest challenge has been building the Diamond Boutique brand, both from an online and offline perspective. We don’t want to be known as another “diamond company”, and I truly believe we have successfully created a company, which people go to for high-grade gemstone jewellery.

What has been your biggest highlight?

Being nominated and shortlisted for the British Jewellers’ Association E-tailer of the Year 2014 award and also the launch of our Elements collection.

What are you inspired by?

My inspiration comes from two different companies. Van Cleef & Arpels for their use of gemstones in the non-traditional way. Every piece is truly a work of art. The second company is Tiffany & Co. What they have achieved as a company is phenomenal with the brand instantly recognisable by the mint coloured box.

Do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs?

Follow your dreams, be passionate in what you do and never give up, even when the going gets tough. There is always light at the end of the tunnel; you just need to persevere until you see it.

What does a "typical" work day look like for you?

I get involved in all aspects of the business from strategy, marketing, product development, meeting with clients to packing orders. It varies day to day but generally a little bit of everything.

Do you have any favourite British brands?

I love Graff; the jewellery created by them features extraordinary sized diamonds and gemstones. In fashion it has to be Ted Baker and Paul Smith. I love the way they incorporate colours into their designs.