The 51st India Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA), hosted by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), celebrated excellence in the Indian gems and jewellery industry.
Held in Jaipur, the ceremony honoured exporters and industry leaders for their contributions, showcasing innovation and resilience in the sector.
Awards and Recognition
A total of 24 awards were presented, categorised as follows:
- Industry Performance Awards: 14 winners.
- Special Recognition Awards: 7 recipients.
- Felicitation Awards: 2 honours.
- Bank Supporting the Industry Award: 1 recognition.
Prominent winners included Shri Pramod Agrawal, Chairman of Derewala Industries Ltd., who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards were judged based on metrics such as export performance, value addition, employment generation, and investment in R&D, recognising significant contributions to the sector.
Key Themes: Technology and Sustainability
Shri Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group and Presiding Guest, emphasised the pivotal role of technology and sustainability in the future of the gems and jewellery sector. Addressing the audience, he stated:
“Technology and sustainability are the twin pillars of our future. As we embrace the digital age, let’s ensure our growth is both innovative and responsible. Empowering and uplifting our skilled artisans and craftsmen with digital tools will propel our jewellery heritage to new heights. Ultimately, our youth are the architects of tomorrow. Let’s nurture their potential, and create an India that shines brightly on the world stage.”
Adani highlighted the potential of technology to transform the sector:
“Innovation and sustainability are not just trends but the foundation for the future of the gem and jewellery industry. From advanced manufacturing techniques to smart wearables, technology is revolutionising the jewellery industry, offering opportunities for customisation and connection. The gem and jewellery industry must embrace change, challenge the status quo, and adapt to evolving consumer needs to remain a global leader.”
Industry Optimism and Growth
Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman of GJEPC, reflected on the sector’s progress and its potential, citing key initiatives:
“Think big, innovate relentlessly, and embrace technology—the future of India’s gem and jewellery industry is brighter than ever. With retail growth, projects like the India Jewellery Park in Mumbai, Jaipur’s Gem Bourse, and the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC are transforming the landscape. Supported by government policies and FTAs, our industry is poised to scale new heights. Together, we can position India as a global leader in gems and jewellery, setting benchmarks for innovation, excellence, and sustainability.”
Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman of GJEPC, noted the sector’s resilience despite challenges:
“The gem and jewellery industry demonstrated incredible resilience by achieving $32 billion in exports last year, despite facing numerous challenges. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the award winners who have been instrumental in leading this remarkable achievement and inspiring the industry to greater heights.”
Industry Contributions and Collaboration
Representing the World Gold Council, Shri Sachin Jain spoke on connecting with consumers and supporting national goals:
“This is our time, our era. The next ten years belong to India. As an industry, we aim to emotionally connect with consumers, especially the younger generation, through modern approaches. We are also committed to supporting our Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ transitioning India from a developing to a developed nation. We are collaborating with the government to define gold’s role in this journey, preparing for milestones in 2030, 2035, and beyond. IGJA is a celebration of remarkable achievements and the people behind them.”
Shri Sriram Natarajan, MD of GIA India, emphasised the sector’s economic contributions:
“The Indian gem and jewellery industry holds immense significance for our nation, contributing substantially to exports, GDP, and employment. This success has been achieved in a remarkably short time through the entrepreneurial grit and global business acumen of business families, supported ably by the government, GJEPC, banks, and institutions like GIA and others. The industry thrives on healthy competition to bring out the best and demonstrates unparalleled collaboration when united by collective strength. With IGJA, we celebrate the entrepreneurs, their families, employees, and all contributors to this success. Congratulations to all the IGJA award winners on this well-deserved recognition.”
Implications for Jewellers
The IGJA awards highlight the importance of innovation and sustainability to meet consumer demands and remain globally competitive. Initiatives like the India Jewellery Park and Jaipur’s Gem Bourse reflect ongoing efforts to modernise the sector.
