On 1st August, De Beers and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) convened in Mumbai to discuss strategies for reinforcing the market for natural diamonds in India. The meeting included senior representatives from both organisations, such as Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President at De Beers; Amit Pratihari, Vice President of De Beers Forevermark India; and Jodine Bolden, Director of Education at De Beers. The GJEPC delegation included Diamond Panel Members Nilesh Kothari and Milan Chokshi, and Executive Director Sabyasachi Ray.
Focus on Education and Awareness
A key theme of the discussion was the necessity of enhancing education and awareness surrounding natural diamonds. De Beers emphasised the importance of leveraging industry expertise to address market-specific challenges and provide support for retailers, particularly in smaller towns and cities, where the penetration of natural diamonds is less robust than in metropolitan areas.
“We are committed to working closely with our partners in India to ensure that consumers understand the enduring value of natural diamonds,” stated Shweta Harit.
Strategic Initiatives and Market Expansion
The joint initiative by De Beers and GJEPC aims to highlight the value of natural diamonds and encourage retailers to diversify their product offerings. By focusing on education, the initiative seeks to equip retailers with the knowledge and tools necessary to communicate the benefits and authenticity of natural diamonds to consumers.
“Our goal is to support retailers across India, enabling them to meet the growing demand for natural diamonds,” commented Amit Pratihari.
Future Prospects
As De Beers and GJEPC implement their initiatives, the Indian jewellery industry can expect a more informed market for natural diamonds. Retailers with better knowledge and resources will be positioned to cater to the demands of consumers, particularly in emerging markets within India.
“We look forward to a collaboration that will see the Indian diamond market reach new heights,” expressed Sabyasachi Ray.
