National News
Celebrating 100 years of Bhima Jewellery:Coffee table book launched at GJS 2025 to mark Bhima Jewellery’s centenary
Trust, tradition, and timeless craftsmanship took center stage as the Indian jewellery fraternity came together to commemorate a historic moment—100 years of Bhima Jewellery. The centennial celebration was marked by the grand unveiling of a commemorative coffee table book at the prestigious GJS 2025 chronicling the illustrious journey of one of India’s most respected jewellery houses.
The book, a visual and narrative tribute, beautifully captures the evolution of Bhima Jewellery—from a modest store established in 1925 by visionary founder Bhima Bhattar to a household name synonymous with quality, trust, and excellence in jewellery.
Addressing an emotional gathering, Dr. B Govindan, Chairman of Bhima Jewellery, reflected on the brand’s humble origins in Kerala. With heartfelt reverence, he paid tribute to his father, Bhima Bhattar, whose entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to integrity laid the foundation for the century-old legacy.“This is not just a celebration of a business milestone,” Dr. Govindan said, “but a testament to the enduring values that have guided us—trust, craftsmanship, and our deep-rooted connection with our customers. I express my deepest gratitude to the entire jewellery fraternity for their unwavering love and support throughout this journey.”
Industry veterans, peers, and admirers lauded Bhima Jewellery’s role in shaping India’s modern jewellery landscape while staying true to its traditional roots. The event was a blend of nostalgia and pride, underscoring how heritage brands like Bhima continue to inspire generations in a rapidly evolving industry.
The coffee table book, rich with archival photographs, design evolution, family anecdotes, and cultural context, now stands as a collector’s piece and a symbol of enduring legacy—celebrating not just 100 years of Bhima, but also a century of trust.
Joining Dr B Govindan , Jaya Govindan and Suhas MS , MD Bhima Jewellery in the celebrations were Rajesh Rokde,Chairman GJC, Avinash Gupta Vice Chairman GJC, Saiyam Mehra IPC GJC and Convenor GJS,Sachin Jain, Regional CEO India-World Gold Council, Vaishali Banerjee, MD – Platinum Guild International (PGI), India,
Dr Chetan Kumar Mehta, President – Jewellery Division – IBJA, President – JAB, CMD Laxmi Diamonds, Bengaluru and Sumesh Wadhera, MD – AOJ Media.
National News
GJEPC addresses issue of Termination of IEEPA-Based Reciprocal Tariffs
GJEPC informed all exporter members of an important interim development concerning U.S. import duties applicable to Indian exports, particularly in the gem and jewellery sector.
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) informed all exporter members of an important interim development concerning U.S. import duties applicable to Indian exports, particularly in the gem and jewellery sector.
A letter issued by Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, addressed the Termination of IEEPA-Based Reciprocal Tariffs and outlined key implications for exporters.
Termination of IEEPA-Based Reciprocal Tariffs
Pursuant to the Executive Order dated February 20, 2026, titled “Ending Certain Tariff Actions”, the additional ad valorem duties imposed under IEEPA, including the reciprocal tariff framework under Executive Order 14257, shall no longer remain in effect and are directed to be terminated as soon as practicable.
Accordingly, entries made on or after February 20, 2026 should not be subject to the earlier IEEPA-based reciprocal tariffs.
1. Interim Window Prior to Section 122 Surcharge
A separate Presidential Proclamation dated February 20, 2026 imposes a temporary 10% surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective 12:01 a.m. EST on February 24, 2026.
Therefore, between: February 20, 2026 – before 12:01 a.m. EST on February 24, 2026 imports into the United States should be subject only to ordinarily applicable HTSUS (MFN) rates, without the earlier reciprocal tariff, and prior to the commencement of the Section 122 surcharge.
For products such as cut and polished diamonds (where the MFN rate is ordinarily 0%), this period represents a limited operational window.
2. Refund Position (If Collected in Error or Due to Implementation Lag)
In cases where reciprocal IEEPA duties are collected due to implementation lag, such duties should be eligible for refund through the standard:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) protest mechanism under 19 U.S.C. §1514, or
- Post-summary correction procedures, as applicable.
However, exporters should note that there is no assurance that the refund process will not be time-consuming.
3. Important Caution for Exporters
While GJEPC is actively engaging with U.S. customs authorities and keeping customs at Bharat Diamond Bourse informed, members are strongly advised to:
- Seek confirmation from their U.S. customs broker and trade counsel
- Obtain written confirmation from their U.S. buyer/importer regarding entry treatment
- Confirm that CBP has ceased collection of the reciprocal tariff at the port of entry
Given the evolving implementation environment, entry-level verification is critical.
Members are encouraged to carefully assess:
- Shipment timing
- Entry dates
- Applicable HTS classification
before dispatching consignments, wherever applicable.
source: GJEPC
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