Avdhut Vernekar

Senior Gem & Jewellery Business Leader with 30+ years of end-to-end industry experience across jewellery retail, multi-location showroom operations, Gemstone procurement and supply, Bullion trading, and Diamond and Gold Jewellery manufacturing. Managed ₹800+ crore in cumulative business turnover across Goa, Maharashtra and neighbouring markets, with additional expertise in foreign exchange operations and gold loan financing. Experienced in managing multi-location showrooms and high-value inventory, including 20–25 kg of monthly Gold jewellery and Bullion transactions.

Brings a practical understanding of the complete jewellery value chain, from sourcing and procurement to manufacturing, merchandising, retail execution, B2B distribution and customer relationship management.

Founder & Proprietor - AARDAS JEWELS - Pune/Goa

(2014-01)

Built and grew the brand following family business restructuring, managing finance, cash flow, operations and business growth. Turnover: ₹150+ crore (till FY 2024)

• Independent Brand Launch: Built and grew the brand following family business restructuring, managing finance, cash flow, operations and business growth.
• Multi-Location Operations: Managed 3 retail locations across Goa and Pune, overseeing sales, staffing, training, inventory movement, customer service and supplier coordination.
• Working Capital Optimization: Executed high-value Diamond and certified Gemstone exhibitions on a consignment basis, generating revenue while reducing upfront inventory investment.
• Diversified Product Lines: Developed a successful wholesale and retail silver business across Goa and Maharashtra, backed by customized Gold, Diamond Jewellery, Bullion, and natural Gemstone supply and foreign exchange operations.
• Sourcing Network: Built a robust sourcing network across leading trading centres, procuring certified Gemstones, custom jewellery, and Bullion while maintaining strict quality control and ethical supply chain practices.
• Post-COVID Strategic Pivot: Managed strategic business repositioning post-COVID, shifting to a high-margin, low-overhead model focused on custom-manufactured jewellery and gemstone supply while protecting brand equity and cash flow.

Founder & Chief Managing Partner - ROHIDAS GEMS AND JEWELLERY - Goa

(1994-01 - 2014-12)

Served as the principal decision-maker across procurement, manufacturing, sales, finance, inventory and business growth. Turnover: ₹650+ crore (till FY 2014)

• Executive Decision-Making: Served as the principal decision-maker across procurement, manufacturing, sales, finance, inventory and business growth.
• Supply Chain & Distribution: Oversaw end-to-end Gemstone procurement, supervised jewellery manufacturing, and spearheaded the development of wholesale distribution channels across Goa and neighbouring regions.
• Operational Systems: Established systems for sourcing, pricing, inventory and vendor management, improving operational control and profitability.
• Market Expansion: Scaled brand reach over two decades, converting grassroots regional presence into a recognized regional enterprise.

Certificate - Diamond Grading Lab - Gemological Institute of America

Ongoing - Business Administration & Management - Udemy