National News

GJEPC and Trade Opportunities seminar: fostering knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and global competitiveness

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2025

GJEPC successfully organized an insightful seminar titled “GJEPC and Trade Opportunities” for the gem and jewellery community of Zaveri Bazaar on April 11, 2025. The event was aimed at raising awareness about the Council’s various initiatives and support systems designed to boost the growth and global reach of the Indian gem and jewellery industry. The seminar drew a strong turnout, with more than 200 industry professionals in attendance, including exporters, traders, wholesalers, young entrepreneurs, and members of prominent trade bodies.

The seminar began with a welcome address by Khusboo Ranawat , Regional Chairperson , Western Region and GJEPC Regional Representative, who highlighted the Council’s ongoing efforts to empower MSMEs and exporters by providing market intelligence, financial assistance, and opportunities for international exposure. The speaker emphasized the importance of capacity building and collaboration within the sector to drive sustainable growth.

This was followed by a detailed presentation by GJEPC officials, which covered the Council’s various export facilitation services, upcoming international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets, financial support schemes, and strategic trade advantages available under agreements such as the India-UAE CEPA. The session was tailored to equip participants with practical knowledge to help them tap into global markets more effectively.

A panel discussion featuring seasoned exporters and trade consultants provided valuable insights into navigating international markets. Panelists discussed strategies for expanding into new regions, overcoming the challenges faced by small businesses, and embracing digital tools and branding to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of the jewellery trade.

The event also included an interactive Q&A session, where participants actively engaged with the speakers on topics like export registration, compliance processes, product certifications, and government funding schemes. The open dialogue fostered a spirit of learning and encouraged first-time exporters to explore new possibilities with greater confidence.

In a special felicitation ceremony, GJEPC honored three key trade bodies for their unwavering support and contribution to the growth of the industry. Mumbai Wholesale Gold Association, Jewellers Youth Forum, and Zaveri Bazaar Welfare Association were felicitated along with their respective teams for their role in strengthening the ecosystem and promoting unity among the trade community.

The seminar was extremely well-received by all attendees, who appreciated the depth of information shared and the opportunity to network with peers and industry experts. The event reinforced GJEPC’s commitment to serving as a guiding force for the Indian gem and jewellery sector by fostering knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and global competitiveness.

National News

Dhanteras-Diwali 2026: Strong Footfalls, Value-Led Growth Across India’s Jewellery Trade

Price easing, wedding demand, diamond and silver momentum and strong festive bookings are driving growth, while volumes hold steady

Published

10 hours ago

November 12, 2026

JewelBuzz Spread The Buzz

Dhanteras Diwali 2026 opened on a confident note for India’s jewellery industry. On Dhanteras Retailers and industry bodies reported higher footfalls, double-digit value growth and a visible shift in what customers are buying. Volumes, however, are largely flat, and the growth is being carried by price.

The recent decline in prices of gold has encouraged consumers to seize the opportunity to buy gold ornaments during Dhanteras and Diwali season in India. According to the GJC, gold jewellery sales climbed 15–20% over the two key festive days to reach Rs.62,000 crore. Preliminary estimates from the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation (AIJGF) put combined gold and silver festive sales past Rs.66,000 crore.

Market Size and Growth

GJC estimates India’s Dhanteras gold business at roughly Rs.60,000 crore on preliminary assessment. Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, GJC, says value growth is expected at 15–20% over last year, with volumes “almost at the same level. ” He calls it “a very encouraging start for the jewellery industry.”

Prithviraj Kothari, MD, RiddiSiddhi Bullions Ltd. and National President, IBJA, offers a similar read. Jewellers expect sales value to rise 20–30% while gold volumes stay roughly flat, so growth comes mostly from higher prices rather than more grams sold. He notes that sentiment is clearly better than through most of 2026, though people are spending carefully. The correction has brought buyers back, and many who postponed purchases while prices were climbing are now completing them.

Dr. Saurabh Gadgil, CMD, PNG Jewellers, says industry indications point to 25–30% incremental performance. He attributes this to easing prices, strong pre-Dhanteras bookings and a long Diwali weekend. He further adds that silver jewellery and articles are in high demand, a pattern echoed by other brands that observed smaller silver coins are selling.

Jignesh Mehta, Founder & MD, Divine Solitaires, reports 30% growth in festive sales. Consumers place greater emphasis on transparency, authenticity and quality assurance. He cites the company’s 123-parameter Quality Guarantee and standardised pricing as the response.

Sandeep Kohli, CEO of Indriya – Aditya Birla Group Jewellery, stated that, as expected, the company witnessed a strong surge in footfall and sales across its retail network. All 100 stores nationwide maintained positive momentum, with customers continuing to show strong interest in Indriya’s high-quality jewellery designs.

Varghese Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas, reports that festive sales improved on last year through a wider customer base, although average bill values dipped slightly.

Harshal Khandelwal- Director- Khandelwal Jewellers Akola Pvt Ltd says that with their exclusive Book & Relax offer, patrons securing their favorite gold jewelry and coins ahead of time, entirely free from the anxiety of fluctuating rates.

What Customers Are Buying

Gold: Sachin Jain, Regional CEO India, World Gold Council, notes strong walk-ins across retail markets. Buyers are choosing jewellery, coins, bars, ETFs and digital gold. He says the recent price moderation has given buyers relief.

Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director, Kalyan Jewellers said shoppers favored lighter pendants, bangles and chains, as well as smaller gold and silver coins.

Ashish Pethe, Partner, Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers, reports tremendous enthusiasm for gold jewellery despite price fluctuations, with the trust and emotional connect people share with gold remaining strong. Interest spans both traditional and contemporary lightweight designs.

Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO of Senco Gold Ltd, reported that diamond jewellery sales had grown impressively, with sales value increasing by over 25% year on year, supported by higher store footfalls. He also highlighted the growing consumer interest in natural diamond solitaires for gifting, special milestones and self-purchase, particularly smaller solitaires and lightweight designs. In Men’s jewellery, he flags growing interest, with Senco’s Aham line catering to men who see jewellery as personal style.

Silver and multi-metal: Ansh Anand, CEO, Punjab Jewels, reports strong interest across gold, diamond, platinum and silver. He further states, that customers are prioritising design, craftsmanship and quality alongside investment value, and festive enthusiasm has held despite elevated metal prices.

Key Trends

Jayantilal Challani, Chairman, Challani Group of Companies, observes a visible shift from heavy traditional jewellery to everyday elegance. He describes buyer mood as “calculated optimism and value-driven purchasing,” with high gold rates prompting disciplined shopping.

Asavari Pednekar, MD, Jagannath Gangaram Pednekar (JGP) Jewellers, says the desire to buy gold remains strong, but decisions are increasingly shaped by price movements and affordability. Consumers are adapting budgets and evaluating purchases carefully, with value, design, craftsmanship and sentiment guiding buying. Joyalukkas’ slightly lower average bill value reflects the same trade-down.

Old gold exchange is a growth lever. PNG’s, Saurabh Gadgil says exchange is playing a big role, including in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

Weddings and savings-led purchases. Suvankar Sen reports strong participation from wedding customers and from families buying jewellery as savings.

Outlook

Sentiment is positive heading into Diwali and the wedding season. The WGC’s, Sachin Jain says the day’s response “offers an encouraging outlook for the year end.” Saurabh Gadgil notes that sales usually pick up in the second half of Dhanteras, so early figures may understate the final tally. Jayantilal Challani adds that grassroots spirit remains intact, which gives hope to jewellers who sell big and heavy pieces.

Dhanteras 2026 is a value-led recovery. Price easing, wedding demand, diamond and silver momentum and strong festive bookings are driving growth, while volumes hold steady. Retailers who combine lighter designs, smaller-ticket gold and silver coins, transparent pricing and exchange offers are best placed to gain.