An advanced training programme on Tooling, Engraving, and Setting commenced on 12 May at the Ankurhati Gems & Jewellery Park in Howrah, West Bengal. The initiative is jointly organised by the GJEPC’s Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC, Mumbai, and the GJEPC Regional Office, Kolkata, with support from the Ankurhati Gems & Jewellery Welfare Association.

The training, led by master jeweller Bishwajeet Parui—who has over 25 years of experience and was mentored by renowned expert Todd Daniels—aims to equip jewellery professionals with high-precision skills aligned with international standards. This comes in response to rising demand for intricate craftsmanship in the global fine jewellery market.

Pankaj Parekh, Eastern Regional Chairman, GJEPC, urged participants to embrace skill development to remain competitive in the evolving jewellery landscape.

GJEPC organised a seminar titled “GJEPC and Trade Opportunities” for the gem and jewellery community in suburban Mumbai on 10th May, drawing participation from over 80 stakeholders, including exporters, traders, wholesalers, budding entrepreneurs, and trade association members.

Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Khushboo Ranawat, Western Regional Chairperson, GJEPC, highlighted the Council’s initiatives aimed at supporting MSMEs and exporters through market intelligence, financial assistance, and international exposure.

Mansuhk Kothari, Member, Committee of Administration (CoA), GJEPC, elaborated on flagship initiatives like IIJS and the Parichay Card. Mr. Ashish Borda, Member – Diamond Panel, GJEPC, encouraged young entrepreneurs to explore export opportunities, noting GJEPC’s role as a guide and enabler for new entrants.

A detailed presentation by. Mithilesh Pandey, Director, MSME, GJEPC, addressed critical topics such as FTAs, e-commerce, hand-carry exports, and available government schemes. He also outlined GJEPC’s custom clearance assistance and participation in international exhibitions.

Highlighting the importance of skill development, Mr. Debashish Biswas, CEO, Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) spoke about the institute and its role in shaping the workforce for nearly four decades.

Key infrastructure developments were also spotlighted, including the upcoming India Jewellery Park Mumbai, envisioned to offer world-class facilities for MSME manufacturers, and the Mega Common Facility Centre (CFC), which provides shared access to high-end machinery and quality control services to help reduce operational costs.

The Indian gem and jewellery industry is gearing up for SAJEX 2025 being held by GJEPC at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, a high-potential market with deep cultural ties to gold and diamond jewellery.

The Saudi Arabia Jewellery Expo (SAJEX) 2025, organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), is poised to be a landmark event for Indian jewellery manufacturers looking to tap into the lucrative and largely untapped Saudi Arabian market. With a focus on strengthening trade relations between India and Saudi Arabia, SAJEX offers a unique platform for exhibitors to showcase their craftsmanship, connect with global buyers, and explore a market brimming with potential. Industry leaders share their insights on why SAJEX is a golden opportunity for growth and diversification.

Saudi Arabia stands out as a promising market in the Middle Eastern region, characterised by a high per capita income and a deep cultural affinity for gold and diamond jewellery.

Nirav Bhansali, Convener – National Exhibitions, GJEPC and CEO of exhibiting firm Prism Jewellery, describes the Saudi Arabia market as a “gold mine”. He observed that local wholesalers hold massive inventories—some up to 500 kilos—but only a small fraction of 22-karat gold comes from India. The majority, primarily 21-karat, is sourced from Turkey or produced locally. Bhansali sees immense potential for Indian manufacturers to capture this market by adapting to local design preferences, predicting that a focused effort over the next few years could yield significant returns.