Banaras Beads was incorporated as a private limited company in April 1980, the company went public in October 1994. Promoted by Ajit Kumar Gupta and Raj Kumar Gupta, it commenced operations by manufacturing glass beads and imitation jewellery and later diversified into woolen products in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The company also diversified into handicrafts, silk and silk fabrics, fashion accessories, garments, etc. It has modernised its computer facilities to set up a state-of-the-art computer-aided designing system.

The company has been in this line for over five decades and has been exporting for over two decades (since 1970) to 2000 clients in about fifty countries. It has received a number of awards for excellence in exports. In August 1994, it was recognized by the government as a Trading House. It is the largest exporter of glass beads in India, having a market share of over 80% of India's exports.

The company came out with a public issue in February 1995 to finance the expansion of its facilities for glass beads, imitation jewellery and woolen products. It has also created manufacturing facilities for gold and silver studded jewellery. The project was completed in 1995 at a cost of Rs 35.6 crore. The company has decided to enter into joint ventures in the US and Canada. It is setting up a manufacturing unit for glass related items as a part of diversification and expansion of its current manufacturing activities.

Business area of the company

Banaras Beads is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of handicraft products in India and internationally. It offers glass beads, buttons, chattons, woolen carpets, cords, fringes, pendants, pliers, pipes, home furnishing and decor products, gold and silver ornaments, necklaces, imitation jewelry, rosaries, tasbees, and hand knotted carpets and druggets.