Sumeet Chordia
Vice President & Gemologist

Sumeet is a seventh-generation member of the family to run its gemstone and jewelry business. He holds various diplomas in vocational studies, such as Graduate Gemologist (GG), Graduate Jeweler (GJ), Applied Jewelry Arts (AJA), Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP), and Jewelry Business Management (JBM) from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, California. While studying, he briefly worked for Tiffany & Co. in San Diego and later rejoined the company in Pelham, New York. Following his corporate and e-commerce exposure, Sumeet joined the family business to spearhead its online galleries. Subsequently, he built an in-house mini-laboratory—with microscopes and gemological instruments—and created a proprietary rubric to analyze jewels and effectively communicate their characteristics to clients.

In 2013, Sumeet became increasingly fascinated with gems and jewelry articles he had examined at auction sales in New York. The experience materialized into an endless pursuit for understanding rare, antique, and fine jewels. He had discovered that beauty and perfection in a jewel were only achievable through the magical force of nature and the dedication and love of many individuals, many of who interestingly remain in the shadows. As his passion grew, he built new tenets for the company around exceptional gemstones, master jewelers and creators, and artisanal craftsmanship. Bearing focus on these aspects, he launched RAF with his father.

Next, Sumeet traveled to Basel, Switzerland, to strengthen his gemological knowledge through an Advanced Training of Colored Stones program at SSEF Laboratory. Additionally, he attended design workshops at Van Cleef & Arpels' L'Ecole School of Jewelry Arts in New York City to study the craft behind high-quality jewelry fabrication. He also joined The Society of Jewellery Historians in London to solidify his understanding of jewelry history across regions and cultures.

Working with jewels and understanding their journey is a fascinating part of his job. He explains the harmonious energy in a jewel as "the power of nature captured for millions of years which is masterfully revealed through humankind’s ingenuity." Consequently, Sumeet looks to procure such exceptional articles with his father. However, he also enjoys imparting his knowledge, experience, and skills with his clients—he finds it to be the most critical part of his work.

Currently, Sumeet is pursuing his Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree (ALB) in Extension Studies from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His interest lies in writing, research, education, the environment, and history, especially of exceptional jewels. He is also a proud member of the Council of Student Sustainability Leaders at Harvard's Office for Sustainability.

For leisure, Sumeet enjoys reading, listening to lounge music, playing sports, and spending quality time with his family.