JB Insights
CIBJO PRE-CONGRESS SPECIAL REPORTS
Examining jewellery’s role in expressing the best in humanity
Prepared by the CIBJO Marketing and Education Commission, headed by Jonathan Kendall, Special Report No.1 considers what must be done to ensure that jewellery remains the ultimate expression of love, friendship and peace.
“As we stand at the confluence of tradition and innovation, the role of the jewellery industry in expressing and promoting these universal values becomes ever more significant,” writes Kendall. “In a world teeming with transient messages and fleeting moments, its enduring nature offers a beacon of hope and continuity. It invites us to look beyond the surface, to find within its sparkle a deeper connection to the values that bind us.”
To meet the challenge, the industry is going to have innovate iconic jewellery, which, as it has in previous times, manages to match the sentiment and consciousness of new consumers, Mr. Kendall stated. “In an era where symbols carry the weight of ideologies and beliefs, the jewellery industry stands at the threshold of an unprecedented opportunity – to conceptualize new statement pieces that embody global peace and harmony. It’s an endeavour requiring not only creativity and craftsmanship, but also a profound understanding of the universal symbols that resonate with humanity’s deepest aspirations for unity and tranquillity,” he wrote.
The ethical integrity of the jewellery is also fundamental. “Through conscious practices and meaningful engagement, the industry “has the potential to contribute to a legacy of positive change, proving that the true value of jewellery lies in the beauty it brings to the world, both inside and out,” wrote Kendall.
JB Insights
India’s ₹361 Lakh Crore Gold Reserve Lies Idle; PM Modi Calls For Recycling To Cut Imports
With An Estimated 32,000 Tonnes Of Gold Sitting Unused In Homes and Temples, The Government Sees A Massive Opportunity To Reduce Imports, Strengthen The Economy, and Build A More Sustainable Gold Ecosystem.
India is sitting on one of the world’s largest untapped gold reserves, with 30,000–32,000 tonnes of gold held by households and temple trusts across the country. Valued at nearly $3.8 trillion (around Rs. 361 lakh crore), much of this gold remains locked away in cupboards, lockers, and vaults, generating little economic value.
Highlighting the importance of this dormant asset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently encouraged citizens to consider recycling idle gold rather than relying solely on newly imported supplies. The initiative aims to bring existing gold back into circulation and make better use of resources already available within the country.
The appeal comes at a time when India continues to depend heavily on imported gold to meet domestic demand. During 2025-26, the country spent approximately $72.4 billion (Rs. 6.88 lakh crore) on gold imports, making the precious metal one of the largest contributors to the import bill.
According to experts, increasing gold recycling could deliver significant economic benefits. Every gram of recycled gold reduces the need for an equivalent amount of imports, helping ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves while also supporting efforts to narrow the country’s current account deficit.
Even a small shift could have a substantial impact. Industry estimates suggest that if just 1% of the gold held by households and temples is recycled each year, India’s gold imports could decline by approximately 25% to 30%.
The vast stockpile of idle gold is rooted in India’s longstanding cultural and financial relationship with the metal. For generations, gold has served as a store of wealth, a safeguard during emergencies, and a symbol of family security and prosperity. As a result, many families continue to hold jewellery that is rarely used but seldom sold.
Viewed from a broader perspective, the government sees this dormant gold stock as a valuable domestic resource. Bringing a greater share of it into the formal economy could help reduce dependence on imports, enhance economic stability, and create a more sustainable gold supply chain for the future.
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