The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai, celebrated the graduation of 79 students at its Graduation and Award Ceremony 2026, held at the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC Auditorium, SEEPZ, Mumbai.

The graduating cohort comprised 33 students from the B.A. in Gems & Jewellery Design (2023–2026) and 46 students from the Post Graduate Diploma in Jewellery Management (2025–2026). The ceremony brought together graduating students, their families, faculty and leading representatives from India’s gems and jewellery industry.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Debasish Biswas, CEO, IIGJ India, encouraging graduates to embrace creativity, adaptability and continuous learning. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC India, spoke about the growth and opportunities emerging for young professionals in the sector. 

Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC India, shared his vision for the industry’s future, while Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai, highlighted the resilience and collective strength of the Indian gems and jewellery industry. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC India, emphasised the growing role of technology and encouraged the graduates to embrace new technologies as they begin their professional journeys.

Innovation Takes Centre Stage

The event also featured the awards ceremony for Hackathon 2026, sponsored by the World Gold Council, under the theme “Wearable Tech-Enabled Jewellery.”

Students from IIGJ’s Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur campuses explored how technology could be integrated with jewellery to create innovative and functional products responding to future consumer needs.

Sachin Jain, Regional CEO – India, World Gold Council, addressed the finalists, highlighting the importance of innovation in shaping the future of the jewellery industry. Certificates were presented to 22 finalists from the three campuses.

Contemporary Design Meets Tradition

The ceremony further featured a Certification Ceremony in association with Shringar House of Mangalsutra, recognising students who participated in the Shringar House of Mangalsutra Design Competition.

The initiative challenged students to reinterpret the traditional mangalsutra for the contemporary consumer while retaining its cultural symbolism and emotional significance.

Chetan N. Thadeshwar, Chairman & Managing Director, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, addressed the gathering and shared his perspectives on contemporary jewellery design and evolving consumer expectations.

The Graduation and Award Ceremony 2026 reflected IIGJ Mumbai’s focus on academic excellence, industry engagement and innovation, while marking an important milestone for the 79 graduates as they begin their professional journeys in India’s evolving gems and jewellery sector.