The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation (WJAF) and Real Gems have established a $7,500 annual scholarship in memory of Dr. Rajnikant Shah, a physician-turned-gem-trade pioneer who co-founded Real Gems in 1975 and spent decades advancing Jaipur’s emerald industry. The Dr. Rajnikant Shah Real Gems Memorial Scholarship launches on the first anniversary of his passing and will begin accepting applications for the WJA Foundation’s 2027 scholarship cycle, with Real Gems committing $22,500 over an initial three-year period.
A Legacy of Learning and Leadership
Born in 1935 in Dhanera, India, Dr. Shah trained as a physician and practiced medicine in London and New York before returning to Jaipur, where he became the first Medical Superintendent of Santokba Durlabhji Hospital. His entry into the gem trade began in 1975 when he and his brother co-founded Real Gems, Inc. in New York, focusing on the rough emerald market. He modernized Jaipur’s emerald sector by traveling regularly to Brazil to source material and cultivate supplier relationships that endure today.
Beyond his business ventures, Dr. Shah was deeply involved in community development. He co-founded the Indian Diamond Colorstone Association (IDCA) in 1986, helped construct the Jain Center of America Temple in Queens, New York, and donated a building at Subodh College, his alma mater, for its MBA program. His family described him as someone who believed strongly in education, ensuring all of his siblings and extended family received college degrees.
Supporting the Next Generation
The scholarship supports education and professional development across the gem and jewelry industry, covering costs for courses, certifications, workshops, and training in fields like gemology, jewelry design, stone setting, and CAD/CAM. Applicants interested in gemstone cutting, faceting, and lapidary arts are especially encouraged to apply, reflecting Dr. Shah’s personal passion for those disciplines.
Funds are restricted to educational expenses and cannot be used for tools, gemstones, or equipment. Shekhar Shah, Dr. Shah’s son and Principal of Real Gems, said the family hopes the scholarship helps future recipients pursue learning opportunities that might otherwise be financially out of reach.
The WJA Foundation has awarded over $700,000 in grants and scholarships since its founding, supporting education and career advancement in the jewelry and watch industry.
Community Impact and Industry Influence
Dr. Shah’s influence extended into community infrastructure and cultural institutions. He established the Pasibai Revchand Shah Memorial Outpatient Block at Santokba Durlabhji Hospital in Jaipur, honoring his mother’s memory while improving healthcare access. His contributions also included the construction of the Jain Center of America Temple in Queens, New York, reflecting his commitment to faith-based community building across continents.
Real Gems, the company he co-founded, remains a leader in the emerald trade. For over 50 years, the firm has exclusively specialized in emeralds and is world-renowned for the widest assortment and selection of inventory, with a strong emphasis on calibrated sizes. The business maintains direct relationships with mining companies, allowing it to source raw material and control the supply chain from origin to distribution.
Family Dedication and Cultural Legacy
Dr. Shah’s personal interests, including poetry and philately, were deeply intertwined with his professional life. He authored a series of poetry books titled Humsafar, dedicating each volume to individuals who shaped his journey. These writings reflect his introspective nature and appreciation for human connection, qualities that informed both his business dealings and community work.
