The Artisan Awards 2025, hosted by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and supported by GIA India in association with the World Gold Council, concluded in Mumbai with Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur as the chief guest. Now in its eighth edition, the awards continue to recognise excellence in jewellery design, with this year’s theme, “Indian Crafts Reimagined”, highlighting the evolution of traditional craftsmanship in contemporary jewellery.
Highlighting Traditional Craftsmanship in a Contemporary Context
This year’s competition received over 630 entries, with finalists showcasing designs that combined heritage techniques with modern aesthetics. A selection of 20 finalist designs was exhibited at JWCC, illustrating how traditional skills are being adapted to suit evolving consumer preferences.
Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur, who attended as the chief guest, spoke about the relevance of traditional jewellery-making techniques in today’s market. She stated:
“All the winning jewellery designs showcased at GJEPC’s Artisan Awards innovatively incorporated traditional art and craft. I believe that traditional crafts will always be relevant to today’s generation as long as designers introduce fresh perspectives and new twists while utilising modern silhouettes that appeal to global audiences.”
She also emphasised the recognition Indian jewellery craftsmanship receives globally, comparing it to heritage brands in Europe, and highlighted the importance of promoting artisans and their creative contributions.
Industry Perspectives on Design and Skill Development
GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah spoke about the significance of design in India’s jewellery sector:
“Designing is one of the most sought-after skill sets in the industry and plays a pivotal role in generating value addition. The Artisan Awards serves as a platform to harness design talent at the grassroots level, nurturing India’s raw potential while driving innovation and creativity.”
He also discussed GJEPC’s efforts to support traditional jewellery-making techniques such as jadau, meenakari, filigree, and temple jewellery, through structured skill development programmes.
Sachin Jain, Regional CEO, India, World Gold Council, commented on the role of craftsmanship in India’s jewellery industry:
“The Artisan Awards are a great celebration of Indian artistry. Every piece of gold jewellery crafted by these artisans is a testament to their dedication, skill, and artistic vision.”
Recognising Contributions to the Jewellery Industry
In addition to the design competition, GJEPC presented industry awards to professionals for their contributions:
- Design Excellence Award: Sajil Shah, Founder of Sajjante
- Global Indian Jewellery Designer Award: Ankit Mehta, Founder of Aneka
- Retail Excellence Award: Biren Vaidya, Managing Director, The House of Rose
- Manufacturing Excellence Award: House of BNM, received by Co-Founder Binoy Shah
Judging Panel and Expert Insights
The awards were evaluated by a panel of jewellery historians, designers, and auction house specialists. Dr. Usha Balakrishnan, a historian, noted the importance of traditional techniques such as Thewa, which she suggested should gain more international recognition. Jay Sagar, Jewellery Specialist at AstaGuru Auction House, observed the evolution of Indian craftsmanship, while Priya Tanna, President, @trscreativeconsulting, highlighted how traditional techniques are being adapted for contemporary jewellery.
