National News
CEPA completes 3 years; powering India-UAE trade and economic ties
Bilateral gem and jewellery trade surged from US$ 20.88 billion in FY2022 to US$ 28.15 billion in FY2024, reflecting a robust 35% increase
The *Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)* between *India and the UAE*, formalised on 18th February 2022, has profoundly strengthened economic ties between the two nations. As we commemorate its third anniversary, it is evident that CEPA has significantly enhanced trade opportunities, particularly for India’s gem and jewellery industry.
Since CEPA’s implementation, trade between India and the UAE has witnessed remarkable growth. The bilateral gem and jewellery trade surged from US$ 20.88 billion in FY2022 to US$ 28.15 billion in FY2024, reflecting a robust 35% increase. India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UAE also soared by over 60%, from US$ 4.95 billion in FY2022 to US$ 8.04 billion in FY2024.
Notably, UAE’s share in India’s total exports rose from 13% in FY2022 to 25% in FY2024, overtaking Hong Kong as India’s second-largest export market. This underscores the transformative impact of CEPA on India’s trade dynamics.
One of the most significant benefits of CEPA has been the duty-free access for all gem and jewellery products, including gold, silver, and platinum jewellery, along with polished diamonds and gemstones.This development has motivated Indian exporters to increase their supply of various gem and jewellery items to the UAE, capitalising on the enhanced market access provided by the agreement.
This policy shift has led to substantial growth in key export categories:
Plain Gold Jewellery: Exports surged by 127.62%, reaching US$ 4,240 million in FY2024.
Studded Gold Jewellery: Increased by over 50%, from US$ 917 million in FY2022 to US$ 1,382 million in FY2024.
Worked Lab-Grown Diamonds: Witnessed a 58.16% growth, reaching US$ 172 million in FY2024.
Platinum Jewellery: Recorded a staggering 820.87% increase, reaching US$ 23 million.
Coloured Gemstones: Grew by 17.19% to US$ 9.34 million
*Kirit Bhansali*, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The India-UAE CEPA has propelled our gem and jewellery exports to new heights, growing by over 60% from US$ 4.95 billion in FY2022 to US$ 8.04 billion in FY2024. The UAE now accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s total gem and jewellery exports, surpassing Hong Kong. The duty-free advantage has unlocked immense opportunities, particularly in plain gold jewellery, which saw a 127% surge. As we celebrate three years of CEPA, we remain committed to strengthening this vital partnership and exploring new avenues for growth.”
National News
5 Ways To Elevate Your Diwali Style With Diamond Stacking
Discover five stylish ways to layer, mix and stack natural diamond jewellery this Diwali, creating festive looks that blend timeless elegance with contemporary personal style.
The best Diwali looks begin with light. It catches on silk, reflects off sequins and comes alive in the brilliance of a natural diamond. This festive season, let your jewellery take centre stage with a little more sparkle and a lot more personality.
From intimate family gatherings and card parties to glamorous Diwali soirées, jewellery is often what completes the festive look. And while a statement piece will always have its place, this season is all about a more personal approach to dressing up: layering, mixing and stacking your favourite pieces to create a look that feels distinctly your own.
Real diamonds lend themselves beautifully to this way of styling. Their timeless versatility allows them to move effortlessly from traditional to contemporary, from understated afternoon celebrations to dressed-up evenings. The key is knowing what to layer, where to add sparkle and when to let a single piece shine.

Here are five ways to make natural diamonds part of your Diwali style story this season:
Layer your necklaces for a modern festive neckline There is something effortlessly glamorous about layered necklaces with festive Indianwear. The trick is to play with length, proportion and scale rather than making every piece compete for attention. Start with a rare diamond solitaire pendant and layer it with a slightly more substantial necklace or a contemporary tennis necklace. With a traditional silk saree or an embellished blouse, richer layers can complement the grandeur of the outfit. With a simpler kurta, saree or lehenga, delicate diamond layers can bring just the right amount of luminosity. Think of it as building your look one layer at a time. The aim is not uniformity, but dimension.
Make a statement with a stack of diamond rings The days of keeping every ring perfectly matched are giving way to a more expressive approach. This Diwali, mix shapes, sizes and silhouettes to create a ring stack that feels personal. Try pairing a classic round diamond with a crisp emerald cut or contrast a sleek band with a more sculptural statement ring. And don’t feel the need to keep every ring on one finger. Spread your stack across both hands for a look that feels more effortless. The beauty of asli diamonds is that every piece brings its own character to the combination. Together, they create a look that feels considered without looking overly styled.
Give festive dressing a contemporary twist with ear stacking If you want to bring a youthful edge to traditional festive dressing, look no further than your ears. Start with a diamond stud or a pear-shaped diamond on the lobe, then build upwards with smaller round studs, delicate hoops or an elegant ear cuff. Mixing different sizes and silhouettes creates a subtle cascade of sparkle without taking away from the rest of your jewellery. It works particularly well with a sleek low bun, a side-swept hairstyle or an updo that leaves the ears beautifully exposed. Paired with a saree, lehenga or even a sharply tailored festive look, an ear stack can make classic dressing feel instantly more contemporary.
Layer your bracelets for a little wrist drama A festive outfit deserves a little sparkle every time you move. This Diwali, let your wrists do some of the talking. Pair a natural diamond tennis bracelet with classic gold bangles, a diamond cuff or a delicate chain bracelet. The contrast between the fluid brilliance of diamonds and the structured form of traditional bangles creates an effortlessly modern combination. For daytime celebrations, keep the layers lighter and more delicate. Heading to a Diwali party in the evening? Add a little more drama with varied bracelet widths and textures. The secret is to mix rather than match. Different pieces can sit beautifully together without looking like they were bought as a set.
Mix the old with the new and make it your own Perhaps the most personal way to embrace jewellery stacking is to forget the rules altogether. Pair a traditional diamond pendant with contemporary solitaire earrings. Wear a tennis necklace with a classic festive saree. Or bring an heirloom diamond into the mix with a newer piece, creating a combination that brings different chapters of your life together. This is where natural diamonds have a particular resonance. They are not pieces that need to be saved for one occasion. They can become part of your everyday wardrobe, be dressed up for Diwali and return again for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and all the moments in between.
Ultimately, jewellery stacking is less about following a formula and more about finding combinations that feel like you. Start with the pieces you love, experiment with proportions and don’t be afraid to mix the traditional with the unexpected.
Because while trends may change, the value of a real diamond goes beyond the season. It is its brilliance, rarity and the meaning it gathers over time that makes it something to wear, return to and pass on.
This Diwali, let your jewellery tell your story, one layer, one sparkle and one memorable celebration at a time.
-
JB Insights6 hours agoJewellery Advertising and Promotion Hijacked By AI and Algorithms
-
National News6 hours agoP N Gadgil Jewellers Limited – Diwali Sales Update
-
National News3 hours ago5 Ways To Elevate Your Diwali Style With Diamond Stacking
-
BrandBuzz10 hours agoUNTAME Launches In India With Versatile Everyday Fine Jewellery

