National News
GJ sector sees 84.39% growth in FDI
India’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have witnessed a remarkable 45.4% surge in the first half of FY24, reaching USD 29 billion.
Even more dazzling is the performance of the gems and jewellery sector, which saw an 84.39% jump in FDI, signalling renewed investor confidence in this crucial industry.
India recorded a sharp 45.4% increase in overall Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows during April-September 2024, reaching USD 29 billion (INR 2.49 lakh crore), compared to USD 20 billion (INR 1.68 lakh crore) in the same period a year earlier, according to data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The gems and jewellery sector also witnessed an impressive surge in FDI inflows, rising by 84.39% to USD 45.7 million (INR 381.67 crore) during April-September 2024, compared to USD 24.8 million (INR 205.29 crore) in the corresponding period in 2023. This marks a significant recovery in investment inflows into the sector, which had seen a fluctuating trend in recent years.
According to DPIIT data, total FDI equity inflows into India have been on an upward trajectory, increasing from USD 40 billion in 2015-16 to USD 44.42 billion in 2023-24. The latest data indicates strong investor confidence in India’s economic policies and business environment, despite global uncertainties.
National News
Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds Raises INR 275 Crore To Strengthen Vertical Integration and Accelerate Retail Expansion Across India
The INR 275 Crore Funding Will Bolster Manufacturing, Innovation, and Retail Expansion As Limelight Targets 200 Stores Nationwide By 2027.
Limelight Diamonds, India’s leading lab grown diamond jewellery brand, has successfully completed an INR 275 crore strategic funding round led by the Company’s core promoters, the Bhathwari Group, along with participation from key strategic partners from the jewellery industry. The round also saw strong participation from several of the Company’s franchise partners, reinforcing their confidence in Limelight’s long-term vision, business fundamentals, and growth trajectory.
The capital has been raised through a combination of equity and cash consideration and will be utilised towards strengthening the Company’s vertical integration capabilities, expanding manufacturing infrastructure, enhancing design and innovation capabilities, and accelerating retail expansion across India.
At a time when the national conversation is increasingly focused on strengthening domestic industries and reducing dependency on imports under the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s “Make in India” vision, Limelight Diamonds believes the lab grown diamond sector is uniquely positioned to become a globally competitive Indian luxury category. Lab grown diamonds represent a modern, technology-led manufacturing opportunity for India. With strong domestic manufacturing capabilities, skilled craftsmanship, and growing consumer demand, the category aligns closely with India’s ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing and export hub.
Commenting on the milestone, Pooja Madhavan, Founder & MD, said:
“This funding round is a strong validation of Limelight’s vision and the growing potential of the lab grown diamond industry in India. At a time when Hon’ble Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ vision is driving focus towards domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness, we believe lab grown diamonds present a significant opportunity for India to lead a new-age luxury category globally. This investment will help us strengthen Indian manufacturing, accelerate retail expansion, and build a world-class brand from India for the world.”

Limelight Diamonds also confirmed that its retail expansion plans remain firmly on track, with aggressive growth planned across metro cities, Tier I, and emerging Tier II markets. The Company aims to significantly increase its national retail footprint through a combination of company-owned and franchise-operated stores, with a target of adding 100 stores in 2026 and scaling up to 200 stores by 2027.
The funding comes at a time when consumer interest in lab grown diamonds is witnessing rapid momentum globally, driven by evolving preferences, value-conscious luxury consumption, sustainability considerations, and increasing acceptance among younger consumers.
With a strong retail network, vertically integrated operations, and growing investor confidence, Limelight Diamonds is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s next-generation jewellery revolution.
BSC Advisors served as the financial advisor to Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds for this strategic fund raise.
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