The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has joined the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) as a member, becoming the first industry body to progress towards NDC membership under the Luanda Accord framework.
The announcement was made by the NDC on 28 May in Las Vegas. The development follows GJEPC’s signing of the Luanda Accord in June 2025 and the Memorandum of Understanding signed during the second Luanda Accord High-Level Meeting held in Cape Town in February 2026.
The move brings India’s apex gem and jewellery trade body into closer alignment with the NDC’s global efforts to promote natural diamonds through consumer education and category marketing initiatives.
India occupies a central position in the natural diamond value chain, with the country accounting for an estimated 90% of global diamond processing by volume. Surat remains the world's largest diamond cutting and polishing centre, while India's domestic jewellery market continues to expand.
According to the NDC, GJEPC’s membership strengthens collaboration across the natural diamond industry at a time when stakeholders are focusing on coordinated messaging, consumer engagement and long-term category development.
Amber Pepper, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, said, “We are thrilled to welcome GJEPC as a Member of the NDC, marking an exciting new chapter in our longstanding partnership and a powerful step forward for industry collaboration. India plays a vital role in the global natural diamond value chain, and GJEPC’s membership reflects our shared commitment to driving sustained category marketing, elevating consumer education, and championing the long-term growth and differentiation of natural diamonds.”
She added that the partnership would strengthen the industry's collective efforts to engage consumers and communicate the value of natural diamonds globally.
Commenting on the development, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The Natural Diamond Council represents the voice of our industry to consumers globally, and it is important that we collectively support its efforts in the category marketing of natural diamonds. As a new generation of modern consumers emerges, it is increasingly important that we continue to engage them through meaningful storytelling, inspiration, and education. This shared vision is what led us to become Members of the NDC and to contribute both strategically and financially to its long-term mission and growth.”
The membership represents another step in the implementation of the Luanda Accord, which seeks greater cooperation among stakeholders across the natural diamond value chain to support consumer confidence and future category growth.
