I have never given 8 certificates on one day to a single record holder, says official from Guinness World Records on Shiv Narayan Jewellers

Swapnil Dangarikar, official adjudicator, Guinness World Records, shares his insights on Shiv Narayan Jewellers becoming the first Indian jeweller to hold 8 Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records awarded as many as eight certificates for world records to Hyderabad’s Shiv Narayan Jewellers for their creations- the Ganesh Pendant, the Ram Darbar, the 7-layer Satlada Necklace and the Magnifying Glass – at the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. Swapnil Dangarikar, official adjudicator, Guinness World Records, who attended the event, shared his insights with The Retail Jeweller about the jewellery pieces and the process of setting world records in the following areas:

1. The Ganesha Pendant

• The heaviest pendant
• The most diamonds set on a pendant

2. The Ram Darbar

• The heaviest pendant
• The most diamonds set on a pendant
• The heaviest diamond pendant

3. The Satlada Necklace

• The most emeralds set on a necklace
• The most diamonds set on a necklace

4. The Magnifying Glass

• The most expensive magnifying glass

When did you first hear of Shiv Narayan Jewellers? Please take us through the process of assessment and certification for the eight world records they hold today.

Shiv Narayan Jewellers approached us a few months back with the idea of breaking these records. They had something in mind that was very concrete. We gave them the guidelines and criteria that needed to be fulfilled, which in this case was that for every pendant and necklace, they had to provide certifications, documentation, verification and statements from witnesses that prove the diamonds were correctly sourced and certified by international bodies. They had to ensure that internationally recognized authorities weighed their jewellery pieces. Shiv Narayan contacted SGN Laboratories, who audited the pieces, valued them, counted all the stones and diamonds and created a report which was then submitted to us. After this meticulous process was completed, we declared them as world records.

How many adjudicators are there for Guinness World Records (GWR) in India? What is the approximate volume of requests you receive from India?

There are two adjudicators, me and my colleague Rishi Nath, responsible for India and South-east Asia region. We get hundreds of record requests just from India, which are filtered for the next step of the entire process. India is one of the busiest places for us, where records always happen, and we are happy to see that. India is a place where awareness is now increasing, and there is a lot of excitement here to break and set new records. Record-breaking is an achievement and history-making in itself, and it’s a passion that everyone should explore.

Tell us about some of the most amazing records in the gems and jewellery category globally. Is there any country or region that excels here?

The jewellery pieces created by Shiv Narayan that hold these eight records are one of the most fabulous items I have ever seen as they have all the titles-the heaviest, most expensive, the most number of diamonds and emeralds. I have never given eight certificates on one day to a single record holder before this. This is unique in the global jewellery category regarding value, craftsmanship and dedication. They have also showcased Indian traditions and culture and when it goes on a global platform, people will see and appreciate our culture.

The Middle East excels in making records. For instance, Dubai has so many records with the tag ‘most expensive’- from the most expensive car, which may be gold plated, to any object that will be entirely diamond-studded- people there are passionate about making and breaking records. Indians also have a lot of potential in this aspect because we have been using and storing jewellery for ages, but we haven’t explored this area enough until now.

Regarding records, which are the most quirky categories related to gems and jewellery?

The Middle East loves to work with gold, diamond, and other expensive materials, and they want to use them on anything they can find. For any daily use item, they can put gold and diamonds all over it, making it quirky, which fascinates me.

What have been some of the newest developments at GWR as a company? How is awareness about breaking records growing in the world?

We are growing in many sectors, and record holders are emerging from smaller countries, but the competition level is the same for everyone. Everyone has a chance to break a record, as inclusion is crucial for us. Anybody in Fiji, for instance, can now try to break a record in the USA. Social media is also beneficial in pushing people forward as they can easily find out how to approach us and break a record. With 60,000+ record titles in thousands of categories, there is a chance for everybody.

Lastly, what is the credo of the brand that is ‘Officially Amazing’? What does it take GWR to be amazing all the time?

Guinness World Records are amazing because of the people who set the amazing records. We give them the platform and the appreciation they deserve. Anyone who wants to break a record will have to do it in the same way it was done before but be better at it, so there is no easy way to break records. We create standards globally using stringent guidelines so the challenges remain the same and there is no unfair or undue advantage to anyone. Through our provided rules and format, anyone can become ‘officially amazing’.

Written by Bushra Satkhed

Retail Jeweller India Exclusive