Editors

The Next Generation: David Bindra of B & B Fine Gems

EditorsApr 05, 2018

The Next Generation: David Bindra of B & B Fine Gems

One of the leading figures of his generation in the gemstone sector, Bindra shares his thoughts on where the industry is headed. 

20180405_Bindra-header.jpg
David Bindra of B & B Fine Gems maintains a visually stunning Instagram at @gemfluencer.

In his family business, B & B Fine Gems, David Bindra represents the second generation. In the gemstone industry at large, he represents one of the most exciting and influential young voices.

Bindra’s father immigrated to the United States from India and without any family connection or background in the gemstone trade, began selling stones like Swiss blue topaz, amethyst and citrine door to door--“pretty much anything that was below $2 or $3 a carat,” Bindra explained--sourced from a friend in Jaipur. 

As Bindra’s father began building more relationships, both in India and the United States, he started to travel to mining sites overseas.

“That’s when our business began to change,” Bindra explained. “We focused on the whole gamut of fine color and stated sourcing correctly from places like Sri Lanka and Africa.”

Bindra’s father and mother ran the business on their own until Bindra, who is 33, joined the company 10 years ago. His sister Sabrina, 27, joined about four years ago. 


David BindraToday, Bindra describes the company as having evolved into “a niche, boutique house that specializes in very fine quality materials.”

“We focus on fine cuts and fine color saturation of all different types of colored stones. Our strength is in every aspect of the market but specifically in fine quality, so we deal with everything from rare, esoteric, exotic collection stones to bread-and-butter materials for manufacturers of fine jewelry. Most of our business is done with people who are manufacturing fine jewelry or individuals who are retailing the jewelry themselves.”

The next generation has infused the business with a modern vitality. Bindra has a drool-worthy Instagram account that captures his contemporaries’ idea of luxury that’s cool rather than stuffy--matching exquisite gemstones to sneakers of the same color. 

Bindra and his sister have been heavily involved in the jewelry community in Los Angeles, where they are based, as well.

David is currently the president of the Los Angeles chapter of the GIA Alumni Association, and has been for the past three years. He’s also on the board of directors for the Jewelers Vigilance Committee; his sister is a former co-president of WJA Los Angeles. 

As part of a new series highlighting the next generation of prominent voices in the jewelry industry, I picked Bindra’s brain on why he joined the family business, where he feels the industry is headed and how he’s helping to shape it. 

On Joining B & B Fine Gems

“I always grew up with an extreme passion and love for colored gemstones and for jewelry in general. I grew up going to Tucson my whole life. Tucson has been like my Disneyland. I grew up around rocks and minerals and crystals. I had a very romantic connection to it, but I didn’t care so much for the business side of it. I didn’t understand it nor did I appreciate it.

I was en route to practice international law but my heart wasn’t really in it. I was studying for the LSATs. I took one trip with my father overseas to shadow him and clear my mind. When I saw the inner workings of the business, how this is such a community-based ecosystem and how the relationships and the trust really influence your position in this industry, I was fascinated. I really wanted to have more knowledge and understanding of it. So I started to explore the idea of joining the business and eventually went to GIA. When I got my graduate gemologist degree, that’s when my passion was really ignited.”

On Shaping the Jewelry and Gemstone Community

“A lot of my sister’s and my involvement comes from a desire to give back, which is something instilled in us not only from our parents but other mentors we’ve had in the industry. We’re trying to give back to an industry that’s given us an art and craft that we’re passionate about. We’re also trying to cultivate and develop the next generation of our industry.

There’s a generational gap that exists in our business. In order to sustain an ecosystem that will be present in the next 20 to 30 years, we need to work hard on developing the next generation of gem dealers, manufacturers, couture designers, diamaintaires and all of the above. To do so it’s important to have a cohesive community effort. That’s a big reason why both of us are very involved in not only promoting the community aspect of this business but also uplifting and empowering young individuals to be in positions of power and to be in positions of influence so we have a say as to how this whole business will be molded. In 20 to 30 years it’s our industry to sort of take, to manage and shape, and hopefully grow and watch it blossom into something really beautiful.”

What His Generation Brings to the Table

“There’s something to be said for being part of the technological age. We’re extremely tech savvy and we’re early adopters of technology, whether it’s using social media platforms like Instagram or even digitizing parts of the business, like communications through platforms such as WhatsApp and WeChat. I think our generation stands at a huge advantage for using this tech on a day-to-day basis, and then in finding ways to implement it, capitalize on it and apply it to our business. We’re faster. We communicate faster, we move faster, and it puts us at a huge advantage and creates a greater ease of transactional activity because of that exposure that we have.

We can, in a much more effective way, become tastemakers, or have a pulse on who tastemakers are in our industry, and kind of navigate and have a feel for market trends, consumption, certain items to bring to the market. Tech is the crucial principle of the advantage we have in that.”

On What’s Exciting Him About Gemstones 

“I think what’s exciting me the most is the diaspora of really interesting couture designs that are out there. Obviously, that leads to a more interesting product flow for us when we do sell items into the marketplace but it’s also fulfilling because we’re seeing a very high level of creativity in the use of colored gemstones. For me that’s exciting because it allows us to be more creative in how we source and how we manufacture items for the market, and it forces us to think outside the box and to do things that we normally wouldn’t have done decades ago in this business.”

On Challenges

“I think a challenge for the entire jewelry business is there’s a huge disconnect between the perceived value of jewelry and millennials. Many of them don’t hold that inherent perceived value for tangible assets like fine jewelry or a fine timepiece. A lot of people talk about millennials buying into experiences rather than products. That’s a challenge but also an opportunity because I feel that we can utilize this palette that millennials have and create a more unique product base for them, a more unique shopping experience. I think that’s something you’ll see in the next five to 10 years. Companies that can adapt and create an aesthetic that caters to our generation will prosper, and people who aren’t able to will find themselves in the difficult spot of selling to the next generation.”

On Loving His Job

“It just doesn’t feel like work. I go to work and I play every day. It’s my life’s passion. Whether it’s the people who I’m dealing with, who are like family, or the material I’m dealing with, which is literally treasure from Mother Nature, it’s a blessing to be in this business.”

His Advice for Gem Sourcing

“This business, especially the colored gemstone business, is one based on trust. The most important thing is to develop a trusting relationship with your vendors, being able to rely upon the knowledge and expertise of individuals who are in the marketplace on a regular basis. And keep a very keen eye on what’s happening in the marketplace yourself.”

On His Next Step

“Within our company we’re really just working on growing our sphere of influence within our industry and helping our clientele educate their consumers about fine colored gemstones. Something I’m specifically focused on is helping our clients create collectors of fine and exotic colored gemstones. Much of that has to do with educating them and creating the value for these items. Many times, because of the lack of marketing that is dedicated to the world of colored gemstones, there are many individuals who don’t know the wonderful romantic stories that exist behind the world of color.

So our job is to translate that. We’re sort of the raconteurs of the colored gem world and we need to be in order to create that value.”
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Feriel Zerouki, De Beers Chief Trade and Industry Officer
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers

The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.

Fabergé Imperial Winter Egg
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction

“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.

Kessler watch battery recycling program
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High

The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Katkim Men’s Collection Shadow Pendant Necklace and Anerise Signet Band
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s Collection

The line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.

Weekly QuizOct 09, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gemfields Rough Rubies
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11M

The rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.

“Storied Diamond Desert Sands of Eternity” engagement ring and wedding band
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

Emily P. Wheeler Ombré Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ Collection

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

MRK x MFA Tsuba Charm Necklace Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

Stock image of a gavel and law books
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack Tempest Sapphire Pendant and Tempest Diamond Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ Collection

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

Stuller 2025 S.E.R.V.E. Star Awards winners
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

All four models of Citizen’s new Rainell watch
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for Rain

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster 1926
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari GIA India
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing Director

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

DCWC 2025 Board of Directors
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West Coast

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Wedding, Jacob & Co. Watch
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White Metals

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

HRD Antwerp CEO Paul De Wachter
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEO

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift Kallati sapphire ring
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire Ring

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Boucheron Quatre Sand Collection
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed Sand

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

Neil Lane and Boucheron bow tie brooch
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

Just Jules opal necklace
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful Show

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Peter Smith National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-Reflection

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

People shopping in a mall
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy