In a fast-globalising world, Indian jewellers are no longer content with playing just a domestic game. GJEPC’s inaugural Market Familiarisation Programme (FAM) at the India Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX) in Dubai offered emerging exporters practical exposure and real-time market understanding. The pilot edition, held in late June 2025, brought together 12 diverse participants ready to explore, learn, and leap into the global jewellery trade.

As Indian jewellery manufacturers and aspiring exporters set their sights on international growth and step into global markets, the India Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX), Dubai, has rolled out a timely initiative to guide their journey. The Market Familiarisation Programme (FAM), launched under the GJEPC’s Exporter Mentorship framework, is designed to simplify the leap into exports—offering real-world exposure, market intelligence, and hands-on learning over a focused one-week module.

At its core, the IJEX FAM Programme aims to:

• Simplify processes and amplify impact using the IJEX platform.
• Onboard and empower emerging jewellers with the skills and knowledge required for global expansion.
• Provide an introduction and overview of the UAE market’s jewellery trends and industry dynamics.
• Enable and nurture trade ties with the local trade ecosystem and potential clients.
• Help participants understand cultural influences on jewellery preferences, which directly impact design, marketing, and sales strategies.

Held from 23-28 June 2025, the pilot batch welcomed 12 jewellery exporters from across India representing the gold, diamond, silver, and lab-grown jewellery segments. The programme featured store visits, market tours, and sessions with domain experts—including a valuable deep-dive with renowned jewellery consultant Mr. Raj Sahai, who walked participants through consumer behaviours, pricing strategies, and regional trade protoc

Delhi-based handcrafted jewellery brand AMAMA has raised $1 million in funding from Mistry Ventures LLP in a move aimed at accelerating its expansion and strengthening its foundation for long-term growth. This marks the brand’s second round of funding, following its initial investment from She Capital Trust.

The newly secured capital will be channelled into expanding AMAMA’s operational footprint, enhancing its supply chain and tech infrastructure, and scaling its product and design teams. A key focus will be amplifying the brand’s global storytelling around Indian artisanal craftsmanship fused with modern design sensibilities.

Founded in 2019 by Nikita Gupta, AMAMA has carved a niche in the fashion accessory space with its distinctive hand-embroidered, 22kt gold-plated brass jewellery. The brand operates with a dedicated in-house team of over 85 skilled artisans, combining traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics.

AMAMA is now gearing up to open new stores in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, along with two more outlets in the Delhi NCR region, reinforcing its physical retail presence. It is also exploring travel retail opportunities and pursuing international expansion through global exhibitions, curated showcases, and partnerships with overseas multi-brand outlets.

Commenting on the milestone, Nikita Gupta, Founder of AMAMA, said, “This isn’t just a win for AMAMA, it’s a win for bold, rooted design from India. With this backing, we’re ready to scale new heights, explore new geographies, and continue crafting pieces that speak louder than trends.”

With this strategic investment and a strong vision, AMAMA is set to elevate its brand presence and champion India’s rich legacy of handcrafted jewellery on the global stage.

The International Institute of Gemology (IIG) celebrated Van Mahotsav, India’s annual festival of trees with a deeply symbolic and immersive experience, blending environmental consciousness with the spirit of design and innovation. Observed across the country to raise awareness about the importance of trees and ecological balance, Van Mahotsav resonates strongly with IIG’s ethos: nurturing talent in an industry born from nature, shaped by creativity, and sustained by responsibility.

At its core, jewellery design is an art form inspired by the elements, from the brilliance of gemstones formed deep within the earth to motifs drawn from leaves, flowers, skies, and oceans. IIG, as an institution that shapes future custodians of the gem and jewellery world, believes that nature is not only a muse, but also a mentor. Trees, like education, take time to grow; they require care, nurturing, and a strong foundation. Both leave legacies, both shape futures.

The celebration began with a thoughtful address by Ms. Gunjan Sapra, COO & Head of Department of Jewellery Design, who set the tone with a powerful message: “Nature is not only our life source; it is also our deepest source of inspiration. Every branch, every bloom, every element of nature holds within it a design story waiting to be discovered.” Her words served as a reminder that when students observe nature with sensitivity and awareness, they open doors to creative expression that is meaningful, rooted, and responsible.

In his address, Mr. Rahul Desai, CEO & Managing Director of IIG, emphasized the role institutions and individuals play in shaping a sustainable future. “It is the responsibility of every individual and every organization to do their best for the environment. Every chance we get is an opportunity, to rethink, to act, and to contribute meaningfully. At IIG, we are committed to this philosophy not just in thought, but in practice.”

He highlighted IIG’s shift towards sustainable practices; from digitizing brochures and course materials to minimizing plastic use across campuses, and reiterated the institute’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship through its curriculum, infrastructure, and values.

A highlight of the event was the Nature-Inspired Jewellery Design Competition, where students translated the beauty and symbolism of the natural world into striking pieces of wearable art. From leaf motifs to flora-fauna compositions, the entries reflected a deep reverence for nature and an acute understanding of form, balance, and symbolism. The winning piece, a breathtaking necklace by Ms. Kritika Jiwnani, inspired by the Aurora Borealis, used Alexandrite to mimic the northern lights, capturing not only the aesthetics of nature but also its mystery and magic.

The campus was transformed into a visual celebration of Van Mahotsav as students curated and decorated soft boards with themes centered on sustainability, biodiversity, and forest life. These creative expressions became storytelling walls, echoing messages of conservation, harmony, and purpose.

The celebration closed with a tree plantation drive and a green gift for each participant, a symbol of growth and responsibility. For IIG, Van Mahotsav is more than a tradition; it’s a reflection of its core belief, that true brilliance is rooted in purpose. In shaping tomorrow’s jewellery professionals, the institute champions not just design excellence, but environmental integrity.