JB Insights
2026 The Road Ahead India’s GJ sector eyes explosive growth, bet big on precious metals surge
India’s gems and jewelry sector enters 2026 with strong optimism, as industry leaders project gold prices rising 10-15% and silver surging 20-25%. With gold crossing ₹1 lakh per 10 grams, weddings are emerging as a key catalyst while younger consumers embrace bridal jewelry as versatile everyday luxury. The market is witnessing robust demand for lightweight diamonds, color stones, and enduring traditional Kundan and temple designs, as reinvention becomes the defining theme—merging traditional craftsmanship with mindful minimalism to create aspirational pieces for modern self-expression. As reinvention defines the horizon, industry leaders are merging traditional craftsmanship with mindful minimalism, creating aspirational pieces that serve both self-expression and investment.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, underscores export stability at US$16.26 billion for the first seven months of FY 2025-26—in dollar terms—with rupee growth, crediting government measures like FTAs, the Export Promotion Mission, credit schemes, and the Maharashtra GJ Policy, alongside GJEPC’s expansions into the Middle East, Latin America, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Vikas Kataria, Promoter of D.P. Abhushan Ltd., predicts gold up 10-15% and silver 20-25%, fueling demand for 18-14 carat gold, lightweight diamonds, color stone jewelry, and enduring traditional Kundan, Jadau, and temple designs amid value-driven buying.


Raghav Dhir, Director of Dhirsons Jewellers Pvt. Ltd., highlights gold prices surpassing Rs1 lakh per 10g, positioning weddings as a key catalyst while younger consumers embrace bridal jewelry as versatile everyday luxury, blending heavier traditional pieces with modern styling.
Kishorkumar Jindatta Shah, Chairman of Chandukaka Saraf, frames gold’s appreciation as an opportunity to merge traditional craftsmanship with mindful minimalism, creating versatile, aspirational pieces for self-expression.


Shradha Keshri, Director of Operations at Hira Panna Jewellers, builds on 2025’s lightweight gold, intricate bridal work, certified gems, and personalization trends, anticipating silver’s rise in jewelry and gifting, with emphasis on ethical sourcing, transparency, immersive retail, and digital discovery to engage a tradition-rooted yet informed audience. And silver is going to rule
Tarun Kochar, Partner at KPS Silver in Bangalore, foresees a more aggressive 40-50% silver surge from current levels, sparking heightened interest in silver articles for investment, gifting, and self-use due to industrial and appreciation dynamics.







These insights reveal a sector adapting through diversification—lightweight and ethical options for youth, silver’s accessibility across demographics, and export momentum. Retailers and manufacturers can leverage festive seasons, weddings, and global outreach for expansion, prioritizing innovation that balances heritage with contemporary appeal. This multifaceted resilience positions India’s GJ industry for a prosperous, value-centric 2026.
Education
The New-Age Jewellery Professional: Why Tech Education for Jewellery Industry is the Biggest Growth Driver
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The jewellery industry is no longer defined by craftsmanship alone. Today, it sits at the intersection of design, technology, sustainability, finance, branding, and global trade. As consumer expectations evolve and competition intensifies, structured education and continuous skill development are emerging as the most powerful growth catalysts for the sector.
For a dynamic industry like India’s jewellery market, education is not optional — it is strategic.
From Karigar to Knowledge Professional
For decades, the backbone of the industry has been generational craftsmanship. While this legacy remains invaluable, modern jewellery businesses now demand professionals who understand:
- Gemology and diamond grading
- CAD and 3D jewellery design
- Retail management and consumer psychology
- Digital marketing and brand storytelling

- International trade compliance and tariffs
- ESG and sustainability frameworks
Institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America and the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery have played a key role in formalising education pathways, helping transform traditional artisans and retailers into globally competitive professionals.
Trend Watch: Rise of Tech-Integrated Learning
One of the strongest education trends shaping the industry is technology integration.
- CAD & CAM Training: Digital prototyping reduces costs and speeds up product development cycles.
- AI in Retail Forecasting: Data-driven inventory planning is replacing intuition-based buying.

- Blockchain Awareness: Traceability in diamonds and coloured gemstones is becoming a compliance requirement rather than a luxury.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Expertise: As lab-grown diamonds gain market share, understanding grading, pricing dynamics, and consumer positioning has become critical.
Educational programs now increasingly blend online modules with hands-on workshops, enabling faster upskilling for working professionals.
The Bridal Economy & Consumer Education
India’s bridal jewellery segment continues to drive demand, but the modern bride is informed and research-oriented. She compares:
- Natural vs lab-grown diamonds
- Hallmarking standards

- Ethical sourcing claims
- Design originality
Retailers who invest in staff education see higher trust conversion rates. Well-trained sales professionals are no longer “salespeople” — they are consultants guiding life-defining purchases.
Financial Literacy in Jewellery
Another emerging area is financial education within the industry itself. With gold functioning as both adornment and asset, professionals must understand:
- Gold monetisation frameworks
- Hedging strategies

- Commodity price cycles
- Working capital management
Structured knowledge helps businesses move from being inventory-heavy traders to strategically managed enterprises.
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing
Global buyers increasingly demand proof of ethical sourcing and environmental compliance. Education around responsible mining practices, supply-chain transparency, and ESG reporting is becoming central to export competitiveness.
Industry bodies such as the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council regularly conduct seminars and workshops to align Indian exporters with evolving global standards.
The Future: Hybrid Skills Will Win
The next generation jewellery professional will not be defined by a single skill. The future belongs to those who combine:
- Design sensibility
- Technical expertise
- Business acumen

- Digital fluency
- Ethical awareness
For a sector contributing significantly to India’s exports and employment, education is the bridge between heritage and high growth.
Knowledge is the new luxury. As the jewellery industry transitions into a more organised, tech-enabled, and globally integrated ecosystem, continuous learning will determine who leads and who lags. The sparkle of the future will not just come from diamonds — it will come from informed minds shaping the industry.
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