National News
GJC celebrates 25 years of gold hallmarking in India with felicitation of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

In a momentous occasion for India’s jewellery sector, the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) marked 25 years since the introduction of gold hallmarking in India with a grand celebration and felicitation ceremony honoring Pralhad Joshi, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Minister of New & Renewable Energy at GJS 2025
The event served not only as a tribute to the journey of hallmarking in India but also as a platform to chart an ambitious roadmap for the future, with a strong focus on expanding hallmarking coverage and fostering technological innovation.
In recognition of his continued support and instrumental role in advancing hallmarking reforms, Pralhad Joshi was felicitated by GJC for his leadership in steering policies that balance consumer protection with industry development. His ministry’s efforts, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), have been central to enhancing transparency and quality assurance in the jewellery sector.
In his address, Shri Joshi reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening consumer trust while also simplifying compliance for jewellers. He emphasized the hallmarking system as a critical trust-building mechanism and a significant step toward formalizing and modernizing the Indian gold market.
One of the most significant announcements of the event was a joint goal set by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, BIS, and the jewellery industry: to expand mandatory gold hallmarking to 500 districts across India by the end of this financial year.
This expansion aligns with the broader objective of ensuring uniform quality standards nationwide, preventing consumer fraud, and integrating small and medium jewellers into the formal economy. GJC pledged its full support to assist local jewellers in meeting compliance standards and making hallmarking services accessible, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
In a groundbreaking move to stimulate innovation in hallmarking technology, GJC and BIS jointly announced the launch of a Hackathon aimed at developing a non-destructive testing (NDT) method for hallmarking gold.
This initiative seeks to address a long-standing concern within the industry: the challenge of verifying hallmark authenticity without damaging the piece of jewellery. Currently, traditional methods often involve partial damage or alteration during testing, which discourages on-the-spot verification by consumers and retailers.
The hackathon is open to startups, research institutions, technologists, and innovators across India and will offer funding and incubation support to viable solutions. A successful NDT mechanism would be a game-changer for quality assurance, enabling real-time, damage-free hallmark authentication across retail outlets, trade shows, and even by consumers themselves.
The celebration of 25 years of hallmarking is a testament to India’s evolution into a more structured and credible jewellery market. From its early stages to now becoming an integral part of the industry’s value chain, hallmarking has grown into a symbol of trust, quality, and consumer empowerment.
With the government, BIS, and GJC joining hands to drive expansion and innovation, the next phase of hallmarking promises to be more inclusive, tech-enabled, and consumer-centric than ever before. The GJC’s proactive role in bridging policy, practice, and innovation reinforces its commitment to nurturing a responsible, transparent, and globally competitive jewellery sector in India.

National News
Kunjikannan Jewellery, holder of first hallmarking license in the country honoured
C.V. Raveendranath, owner of Kunjikannan Jewellery,was honored by the Kannur District Committee as per the instructions of the All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association State Core Committee.

The Indian gold jewellery market, historically steeped in tradition and trust, underwent a significant transformation 25 years ago with the introduction of the gold hallmarking system. This pivotal move, designed to protect consumers and standardize the industry, brought much-needed transparency and reliability. Among the pioneers who embraced this system was Kunjikannan Jewellery, located in the Kannur district of Kerala, which secured the first hallmarking license in the country.
Prior to the implementation of hallmarking, the Indian gold market was largely unregulated, leading to widespread concerns about the purity and quality of gold jewellery. Consumers often faced challenges in verifying the authenticity of their purchases, leaving them vulnerable to fraudulent practices. The introduction of the hallmarking system, spearheaded by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), aimed to address these issues by providing a standardized mechanism for certifying the purity of gold.
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
Sky Gold & Diamonds unveils new logo, Announces India’s largest AI-driven jewellery hub

In a landmark moment for the Indian jewellery industry, Sky Gold & Diamonds, one of the country’s most reputed fine jewellery brands, unveiled its new logo and announced the ambitious launch of Sky Jewellery Park, India’s largest and most technologically advanced AI-driven jewellery manufacturing facility. The grand reveal took place at the iconic Sky Deck, Jio World Convention Centre, amid an audience of industry leaders, dignitaries, partners, and members of the media.
The new logo of Sky Gold & Diamonds marks a significant evolution in the brand’s journey — one that harmoniously blends modern sophistication with its rich heritage. The refreshed identity reflects the company’s forward-thinking ethos, underscoring its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in design and manufacturing.
The evening’s highlight was the formal announcement of Sky Jewellery Park, a pioneering manufacturing hub that is poised to revolutionize jewellery production in India. Set to span a massive 5,40,000 square feet, the facility will boast a production capacity of 4.5 tonnes per month, making it the largest of its kind in the nation.
What sets Sky Jewellery Park apart is its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across all phases of manufacturing — from design optimization and prototyping to quality control and logistics. This marks a significant shift in the traditionally craft-driven jewellery industry, offering an unprecedented blend of automation, precision, and artisanal craftsmanship.
Speaking at the event, senior leadership emphasized how the rebranding aligns with India’s larger economic and cultural narrative, echoing the “Make in Bharat” vision that champions homegrown innovation and global competitiveness.

Mangesh Chauhan, Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer- Sky Gold & Diamonds, said, “This success story wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our stakeholders, our loyal customers, and our dedicated employees. To our customers—thank you for trusting us to be a part of your journey.To our employees—you are the backbone of Sky, and your hard work is what keeps us moving forward. And to all our stakeholders—thank you for believing in our vision and standing by us through every phase.Sky Gold & Diamonds is not just a company—it’s a family, a legacy, and a movement.”
Darshan Chauhan – Wholetime Director, Sky Gold & Diamonds, speaking at the launch said “At Sky, customer service isn’t a department—it’s our DNA. Whether it’s a boutique client or a large retailer, we treat every order with the same level of care and commitment. We believe in co-creation, understanding our clients’ vision, and helping them bring it to life with Indian craftsmanship and global appeal. Today, as we grow, we’re taking Sky Gold & Diamonds beyond borders.Our upcoming office in Dubai is a strategic step to serve our international clientele faster, better, and more personally.But we’re not stopping there—we plan to expand our global footprint, bringing Indian jewellery to every corner of the world.”


Mahendra Chauhan, WholetimeDirector, Sky Gold & Diamonds said “At Sky Gold & Diamonds, we are proud to unveil a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that sets new global standards.Equipped with the best-in-class machinery, cutting-edge tools, and a world-class design team, this facility is built to serve every jewellery need.From precision craftsmanship to large-scale production, we ensure speed, quality, and creativity at every step. Our goal is to make Sky not just a manufacturer, but a trusted global partner.With this world-class setup, we are ready to take Indian jewellery craftsmanship to the world stage, proudly representing “Make in Bharat for the World.”
Akash Talesara, President- Sky Gold & Diamonds, said “For years, India has been seen as a traditional jewellery hub—but now, we’re rewriting the narrative. Our factory will position India as a global manufacturing powerhouse, on par with the best in the world.It’s about elevating trust, transparency, turnaround, and trendsetting—all under one roof. Whether it’s gold, diamond, studded, antique, or bridal, we’re building a platform where every category is catered to with perfection.From design to dispatch, everything will be under our control—ensuring speed, quality, and customization.”

The facility is being developed with a keen focus on sustainability, ensuring energy-efficient operations, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly practices, aligning with global standards and consumer expectations. It will also generate substantial employment, training, and skill development opportunities for the local workforce.
The announcement of Sky Jewellery Park is not just a milestone for Sky Gold & Diamonds, but a transformative development for the Indian gem and jewellery sector. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and modern infrastructure while retaining the finesse of Indian craftsmanship, the company aims to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in jewellery manufacturing and exports.
Industry observers view this as a bold and timely step, especially as Indian jewellers face increasing demand for speed, quality, and transparency in both domestic and international markets. The Sky Jewellery Park is expected to accelerate innovation, reduce lead times, and enhance production scalability, setting new benchmarks for the industry.
As the lights dimmed on a glittering evening of celebration and vision, the message from Sky Gold & Diamonds was clear: the future of Indian jewellery is here, and it is bold, beautiful, and built with purpose. With a fresh brand identity and a game-changing AI-powered infrastructure on the horizon, Sky Gold & Diamonds is not just responding to industry evolution — it is shaping it.
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