The 52nd India Gems & Jewellery Awards celebrated excellence across India’s gem and jewellery sector, recognising leading exporters, manufacturers, financial institutions and women entrepreneurs.
What began as a modest industry initiative in 1975 has evolved into one of the country’s most prominent platforms for recognizing achievement and contribution across the jewellery trade.
Addressing the industry, government leaders highlighted India’s longstanding position in the global jewellery ecosystem. Jaipur continues to be recognised internationally for coloured gemstones, while Surat accounts for nearly 90% of the world’s diamond cutting and polishing.
A significant announcement at the event was the government’s commitment to facilitating a dedicated Gems and Jewellery Park in Navi Mumbai.
According to details shared during the ceremony, land and additional Floor Space Index are being provided for the project. The proposed park is expected to attract investment of approximately ₹1 lakh crore and create an ecosystem supporting more than 50,000 people.
The development forms part of a wider infrastructure push that includes common facility centres offering advanced services such as 3D printing, casting and refining.
Plans were also highlighted to improve Metro connectivity to the Bharat Diamond Bourse, enabling easier access for industry members and international visitors.
Lab-grown diamonds emerged as a major focus of the address, with the segment described as one of the biggest emerging opportunities for India.
Industry leaders were encouraged to move beyond diamond trading and manufacturing and build an entirely Indian value chain—covering machinery manufacturing, diamond growing, jewellery production, marketing, international brands and retail showrooms.
Supportive policies being developed by the central government and the governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra are expected to strengthen India’s position in this rapidly expanding category.
The broader objective is to ensure that India does not remain only a manufacturing centre but also captures value through intellectual property, branding, distribution and ownership of the end consumer relationship.
India’s trade agreements with the UAE, Australia, the UK, Oman and the European Union were identified as important enablers for the sector’s next phase of export growth.
The industry was urged to use these agreements, along with support from the Ministry of Commerce, to deepen its presence in established markets and identify new international opportunities.
The gem and jewellery sector currently contributes significantly to India’s GDP, exports and employment. Maharashtra, led by Mumbai, accounts for more than half of the country’s total gem and jewellery exports.
The industry’s contribution beyond business was also acknowledged, particularly its work in water conservation, reforestation, education and community assistance during times of crisis.
The evening concluded with a call for established business houses, young entrepreneurs and technocrats to work together to make India a global centre for jewellery manufacturing, innovation and consumer-facing brands—supporting the larger ambition of a developed India by 2047.