“Here’s What Think!” is a newsletter series that poses the same set of questions to a variety of WDC members, to elicit their thoughts, memories and opinions on a variety of topics concerning themselves, their attitude about diamonds and the diamond industry, the World Diamond Council and the capacity of natural diamonds to play a positive role in countries and markets where they mined, marketed and purchased.
AUGUST 5, 2025
BEING PART OF A FAMILY
Indian born and today living in Dallas, Texas, Piyush (Pete) Vaidya is a husband, father, cook, and musician who has spent more than 25 years in the jewelry industry.
In many ways, he grew up in the business, with his career began in his family’s wholesale operation, supplying loose stones to independent retailers. He learned the industry from ground up, in a job was hands on, fast paced and relationship-driven. During this time, he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, an MBA in finance, and a Diamonds Graduate diploma from GIA.
Seeking a broader perspective, he later joined one of the world’s largest jewelry retailers as part of their sourcing team. That role exposed him to the scale of global supply chains, the importance of vendor partnerships, and the operational complexity behind major retail organizations.
Today, he serves in a leadership role at V&A Group, an international jewelry manufacturer with factories in India that supply most major retailers in the United Statrs. and Europe. His role places him at the intersection of manufacturing, sourcing, and strategy—ensuring that the company’s products align with partner needs and are delivered with consistency, quality, and care.
He is proud to contribute to an industry that helps people celebrate meaningful moments and supports the livelihoods of families around the world.
What makes the diamond special?
Diamonds are special because they’re rare, incredibly strong, and undeniably beautiful.
It’s remarkable to think about the precise combination of pressure, heat, and time—over millions of years—that nature needs to create something so extraordinary. Though we can now replicate the process in a lab, we are using the blueprint given to us by the earth itself.
What makes the diamond industry special?
The diamond industry is special because its supply chain spans the globe and brings together incredible people at every step. Even though it’s a massive industry, being part of it feels surprisingly personal—almost like being part of a family built on shared passion and long‑standing relationships.
What makes your company so special?
V&A essentially proves a balance between global scale and genuine human connection.
We operate major manufacturing facilities in India and supply retailers across the U.S. and Europe, yet the culture still feels personal, collaborative, and grounded.
It’s rare to find an organization this large that still feels like a tight‑knit team.
Describe the first time you held and studied a diamond?
The first time I held a diamond was as a teenager in my family’s office. I was mesmerized by the beauty of it and the precision and artistry it took to create it. Needless to say, I was hooked.
Who is your role model?
My role model is my father. He taught me the business, but even more than that, he taught me how to treat people—with kindness, humility, and genuine respect.
He passed away a few years ago, yet I still meet people who worked with him and immediately light up when they talk about him. They tell me how much they loved working with him, how he made them feel valued, and how he carried himself with quiet integrity.
Hearing those stories means everything to me. If I can live my life in a way that leaves even a fraction of the impact he left on others, then I’ll feel truly blessed.
What convinced you to pursue a career in the diamond industry?
I started in the industry because it was familiar—I grew up around it, but I stayed because I quickly realized just how global and wide‑ranging this industry really is.
From design and development to sourcing, manufacturing, sales, and marketing, the diamond world touches so many different disciplines. The scope of it is incredible, and the opportunities within it are endless.
What problems did you encounter as a newcomer to the industry?
The biggest challenge when I first entered the industry was earning trust and building credibility.
The diamond business runs on reputation, and that’s something you build slowly through consistency and honesty. It doesn’t happen overnight.
I learned early on that when your partners—both inside and outside your organization—see you as reliable and knowledgeable, you can build a long, successful career in this industry.
What are the most important things to take into account when guaranteeing the integrity of the diamond industry’s supply chain?
Integrity comes down to transparency, responsible sourcing, and strict compliance. Every step—from mining to manufacturing to retail—needs clear documentation, ethical standards, and accountability.
Without that, the entire chain breaks down.
Can diamonds be a force for good? How?
Yes, absolutely. When sourced responsibly, diamonds support jobs, education, and infrastructure in communities around the world. They create long‑term opportunities and can drive real economic growth.
Why did you join the World Diamond Council?
We joined the World Diamond Council because we believe in this industry and want to help it continue evolving in the right direction.
The WDC plays a vital role in strengthening transparency and accountability across the entire supply chain—standards that are essential for the future of natural diamonds.
Today’s consumers expect responsible practices, and by embracing those expectations, our industry becomes stronger, more trusted, and better positioned for long‑term growth.
If you weren’t in the industry, what would you like to do instead?
If I’m dreaming, I’d love to be a drummer in a rock band or become a famous chef.
But if I’m being more realistic, I’d probably end up in engineering or data science. I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers, and those fields would let me dive into the kind of analytical problem‑solving I naturally gravitate toward.