India’s 1st Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Specialist Brand
18 Solitaire, a pioneering brand in the Indian jewelry market, has swiftly emerged as the leading destination for natural diamond engagement rings. Established in February 2024 by Mrs. Sweta Sahadeva and her son, Ishank Sahadeva, the brand was conceived under the visionary Start-up India initiative and has already made a remarkable impact in the industry.
Drawing on a legacy of 90 years in the jewelry business through their family venture, Swarn Mahal Jewelers, the mother-son duo identified a significant gap in the market for specialized engagement rings. With extensive research and an innovative business model, they launched 18 Solitaire to redefine the engagement ring market in India, bringing international standards to local consumers.
One of the brand’s most groundbreaking achievements was securing funding at the ideation stage from Innovation Venture, a first in India’s jewelry segment. This early-stage investment underlined the potential and trust the brand garnered from investors. In a rapid expansion, 18 Solitaire opened its flagship store in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, and within three months, launched a unique “store-in-a-store” franchise model in Shahdara, Delhi, and Meerut, cementing its position as India’s fastest-growing engagement ring brand.
Ishank Sahadeva, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering, an MBA from the London Academy of Excellence, and is pursuing a PhD in Entrepreneurship Management, brings a perfect blend of traditional wisdom and modern innovation to the brand. His global experiences and entrepreneurial drive have been instrumental in establishing 18 Solitaire as a leader in the engagement ring market.
The journey to building consumer trust in a competitive market was a challenge. 18 Solitaire overcame initial skepticism by introducing the IDT certification for global quality standards and offering HUID marking to guarantee authenticity. The brand further enhanced its customer appeal with a 90% buyback policy, 3 years of free refinishing and polishing services, and a 21-day no-questions-asked replacement policy, ensuring complete customer satisfaction.
A major milestone in 18 Solitaire’s journey came when it was featured on Aaj Tak as the “Startup of the Year” on February 3, 2024. This recognition highlighted the brand’s innovative approach and rapid growth. The brand’s ability to launch its second and third stores using the store-in-store kiosk model demonstrated its ambition and potential for expansion.
As 18 Solitaire continues to grow, it stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. By blending tradition with modernity, the brand has not only revolutionized the engagement ring market but has also set new standards in the Indian jewelry industry, proving that vision and perseverance can turn dreams into a sparkling reality.
