Mithun Sacheti’s story is one of entrepreneurial spirit, calculated risk-taking, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. He dared to challenge the status quo and, in doing so, revolutionised the way India buys jewellery. But beyond the commercial success, Sacheti’s legacy lies in the empowered team he built, the joy he brought to his family, and his potential future contribution to preserving a cherished art form. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding them that success can be measured not just in profits, but also in the positive impact they have on the world around them. A visionary entrepreneur, Sacheti recently exited CaratLane, a company he founded to redefine the jewellery industry. In April 2024, Sacheti sat down for a conversation at InnovNXT, a leadership summit organised by GJEPC in Mumbai.
Mithun Sacheti isn’t your typical jeweller. Heir to a well-established Jaipur Gems store legacy, Sacheti could have easily followed the familiar path. But a restless ambition stirred within him, a desire to break the mould and redefine the way people bought jewellery. This ambition led to the birth of CaratLane, a company that would become a disruptive force in the Indian jewellery industry.
Sacheti recognised the growing demand for every day, wearable jewellery – a segment often overlooked by traditional jewellers. He saw the potential of the internet to revolutionise how people accessed and purchased these pieces.
Despite the success of the Jaipur Gems brand, Sacheti felt a calling to create something new, something that catered to a broader audience and a more contemporary style.
The initial years of CaratLane were met with resistance. Online jewellery shopping was a novel concept, and many questioned the viability of buying precious stones and metals without physically inspecting them. Sacheti, however, remained undeterred. He understood the importance of trust and introduced a unique “try-at-home” model. This allowed customers to have a physical interaction with the jewellery before making a purchase, assuaging their anxieties and building confidence in the online platform.
Sacheti’s vision extended beyond just creating an online jewellery store. He recognised the crucial role a strong team would play in CaratLane’s success. He created a work environment that prized autonomy and fairness.
He said, “Titan taught me how to respect people, build people, and emphasise fairness. I believe Titan’s ability to be fair is reasonably good, but within the company, they do a phenomenal job in terms of fairness. In the startup ecosystem, wealth distribution is an incredible ability. The fact that everyone is willing to distribute equity to every person is something I learned from my time there. One of my proudest moments comes from this understanding and practice.”
Beyond the Bottom Line
While financial success is undeniably important, Sacheti finds his greatest satisfaction in the impact his company has had on others. He takes pride in creating wealth-building opportunities for his employees, the joy his innovation brought to his family, and the respect he earned from his in-laws. For Sacheti, financial metrics are just one measure of success; the true reward lies in the positive influence he’s exerted on the lives of those around him. He remains a visionary leader, constantly looking towards the horizon. He observes with concern the decline in the art of jewellery making, a shift towards mass production and a disregard for traditional craftsmanship.
His future endeavours might see him championing a revival of this art form, ensuring that the legacy of Indian jewellery-making continues to thrive.
Sacheti argues that the problem in the jewellery industry is not conversion, but a lack of foot traffic in stores. He believes traditional marketing techniques are failing to resonate with consumers and that the industry needs to focus on creating a unique experience to attract customers.
During the discussion, Sacheti noted, “In the gems and jewellery industry, we are not merely purveyors of luxury – we are guardians of traditions, custodians of culture, and champions of craftsmanship. To honour our rich heritage, we must also embrace the winds of change.
“Globally, a country with a per capita income of $1500 to $2000 has never built a luxury brand. However, I strongly believe that some independent family jewellers will rise to the level of Amazon and become luxury brands, and this will happen out of India as well.
“Digitisation in my view is like marketing; it does not change the way things operate but only aids the way things operate. The category might face challenges if too many people open stores, but we are lucky in India. We are blessed to be in the land of Chanakya, who said something beautiful: 25% of wealth must be in the form of gold because that’s the bet you take against your own kingdom. This philosophy is deeply ingrained in Indians, which is why the love for jewellery in India is so deep.
“Currently, 2.5% of our GDP is in the form of gold and jewellery. As long as this number stays, the number of stores opening is not a problem. The challenge lies in whether we are repeatedly targeting the same type of customer or building new stores that target a different type of customer. How many businesses are being built to target first-time buyers of jewellery? As long as we keep expanding in this area, we will have no problem whatsoever.”
However, Sacheti disagrees with the notion that the jewellery industry needs outsiders to redefine it. He believes that those already in the industry can achieve this through ambition and a willingness to adapt. He highlights the value of experience and knowledge that comes from working within the industry.