JB Insights
GJEPC’s 51st India Gem & Jewellery Awards held in Jaipur
Presiding Guest Gautam Adani says technology & sustainability are twin pillars of our future
Shri 24 awards presented at IGJA 2023-24
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) presented the coveted 51st India Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA) held in Jaipur, honouring the leading exporters of the gems & jewellery industry. GJEPC presented a total of 24 IGJ Awards: 14 – Industry Performance Awards; 7- Special Recognition Awards; 2 – Felicitation Awards; and 1- Bank supporting the Gems & Jewellery Industry Awards. Pramod Agrawal (Chairman, Derewala Industries Ltd) wins the Lifetime Achievement Award
Business tycoon Shri Gautam Adani (Chairman, Adani Group) graced GJEPC’s 51st edition of the IGJ Awards as Presiding Guest. Representing GJEPC were Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Nirmal Bardiya, Regional Chairman, Rajasthan, GJEPC; Shri Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC, and Shri Sachin Jain, Regional CEO – India, World Gold Council and Shri Gopal Kumar, Director and General Manager, Gemfields India Pvt. Ltd was also present along with the who’s who and doyens of India’s gem & jewellery industry.
While addressing a packed hall of diamond, gem and jewellery trade, Shri Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said, “Technology and sustainability are the twin pillars of our future. As we embrace the digital age, let’s ensure our growth is both innovative and responsible. Empowering and uplifting our skilled artisans and craftsmen with digital tools will propel our jewellery heritage to new heights. Ultimately, our youth are the architects of tomorrow. Let’s nurture their potential, and create an India that shines brightly on the world stage.”
Adani further added, “Innovation and sustainability are not just trends but the foundation for the future of the gem and jewellery industry. From advanced manufacturing techniques to smart wearables, technology is revolutionizing the jewellery industry, offering endless opportunities for customisation and connection. The gem and jewellery industry must embrace change, challenge the status quo, and adapt to evolving consumer needs to remain a global leader.”
Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC addressing the audience said, “Think big, innovate relentlessly, and embrace technology—the future of India’s gem and jewellery industry is brighter than ever. With robust retail growth, projects like the India Jewellery Park in Mumbai, Jaipur’s Gem Bourse, and the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC are transforming the landscape. Supported by visionary government policies and FTAs, our industry is poised to scale new heights. Together, we can position India as a global leader in gems and jewellery, setting benchmarks for innovation, excellence, and sustainability.”
The selection criteria this year included export performance, value addition, employment generation and investment in R&D among other parameters. In recognition of the business excellence demonstrated by companies that are helping to strengthen ‘Brand India’, GJEPC not only felicitate industry players for their exemplary performance, but also recognizes entities such as banks which play a key role in the growth of the sector.
IGJA has evolved over the years to embrace new categories, including social responsibility, innovation, and entrepreneurship, reflecting the dynamic nature of our industry.
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Jewel Buzz recently hosted a high-level panel featuring the titans of the jewelry manufacturing industry to discuss the significance of the JMAIIE 2026. The Panel of Stalwarts comprised :K Srinivasan: Chairman, Emerald Group,Dr. Chetan Kumar: CMD, Lakshmi Diamonds, Bengaluru Nitesh Jain, MD, Purple Jewels Private Limited,Nikhil Ranavat: Director, AR Gold Private Limited & Director, Swarnshilp Chains and Jewels Pvt Ltd
The discussion highlighted how technology is no longer an optional expense but a vital investment for global competitiveness. The importance of machinery was summed by said K Srinivasan: Investing in machinery is not an expenditure; it is an investment.
Key Objectives for JMAIIE 2026
The leaders identified several critical reasons for attending the expo, emphasizing that the “machinery-only” focus of JMAIIE allows for deep concentration without the distractions of finished jewelry.
- Technology Upgradation: K Srinivasan emphasized that with 41 years in the field, he views quality machinery as the foundation for working with all gold purities (from 9k to 22k) and silver. Continuous updating is required to stay relevant.
- Cost & Loss Reduction: Nikhil Ranawat pointed out that with rising gold prices, the priority is minimizing manufacturing losses. Even recovering an extra 1% of gold through better technology significantly impacts the bottom line.
- Weight & Aesthetics: Dr. Chetan Kumar noted the industry’s shift toward both ultra-lightweight and complex fashionable jewelry, both of which require advanced precision tools.
- Production Efficiency: Nitesh Jain highlighted the need for robust, “non-breakdown” machines to keep manufacturing costs low for the end consumer.
The State of “Make in India” Machinery
The panel offered a candid assessment of domestic vs. international machinery standards:
| Strengths of Indian Machinery | Areas for Improvement |
| Outstanding quality in Enameling, Casting Furnaces, and Buffing Machines. | Chain-making technology still lags behind global standards. |
| Excellence in CAD/CAM software and implementation. | Need for more robust, long-term durability to match Italian/Western builds. |
| High value-for-money and improving after-sales service. | Consistency in high-end finishing for luxury products. |
Future Outlook
The industry leaders called for a strategic shift to align with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision.
- Technology Hubs: Dr. Chetan Kumar said government support was imperative and proposed the creation of a dedicated Technology Park for the jewelry industry where manufacturers and AI researchers can collaborate on new machinery.
- Skill Development: Nitesh Jain warned that high-tech machines are useless without a skilled workforce trained to operate them. A cultural shift from traditional handmade methods to tech-driven manufacturing is essential.
- Global Ambitions: With the conclusion of various FTAs (Free Trade Agreements), the panel believes that superior technology will allow India to truly become the “Jeweler to the World.”
Conclusion
JMAIIE 2026 stands as a pivotal platform for the industry. The consensus is clear: the future of Indian jewelry lies in the marriage of traditional hand-craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.
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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.