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.
JB Insights
Top 10 India’s Jewellery Traditions: Where Craft Becomes Identity
-By JewelBuzz
From Centuries-Old Techniques To Regional Artistry, These 10 Jewellery Traditions Reflect India’s Cultural Legacy, Craftsmanship, and Enduring Human Touch
India’s jewellery is far more than ornamentation—it is a reflection of identity, heritage, and regional storytelling. Across the country, every piece carries the imprint of its origin, shaped by local traditions, cultural influences, and generations of skilled artisans. From intricate silverwork to vibrant enamel detailing, these designs are deeply tied to the communities that create them.
What sets Indian jewellery apart is its deep-rooted connection to time and tradition. These crafts were not born in factories but evolved within homes and workshops, passed down through families and perfected over centuries. Each technique reflects patience, precision, and human touch, making every creation unique and meaningful.
In today’s fast-paced world of mass production and uniform design, these traditional jewellery forms stand as a reminder of authentic craftsmanship and enduring legacy. They are not just objects of beauty but living traditions, preserving stories of culture, survival, and artistic excellence that continue to define India’s diverse identity.
Top 10 Regional Jewellery Traditions
Silver Filigree, Cuttack (Odisha)
Delicate like lace, yet crafted entirely from silver, this art—known as Tarakasi—dates back to the 13th century. Artisans twist ultra-fine silver wires into intricate patterns.
The process requires immense precision, often taking days to complete a single piece. It is widely used in creating decorative items, bridal jewellery, and heritage collectibles.
Gulabi Meenakari, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Jewellery that appears hand-painted, known for its signature pink enamel work. The craft involves fusing metal oxides onto gold and silver at high temperatures. Its distinctive pastel hues set it apart from other meenakari styles in India. The craft flourished under royal patronage and remains closely associated with Varanasi’s artistic legacy.
Thewa, Pratapgarh (Rajasthan)
A unique technique where intricately carved gold sheets are fused onto coloured glass, often depicting royal hunts, folklore, and nature.
Each piece is handcrafted using age-old skills preserved within artisan families. The vibrant glass backgrounds—typically red, green, or blue—enhance its regal appeal.
Hupari Silver Jewellery, Kolhapur (Maharashtra)
In Hupari, jewellery-making is a family tradition. Known for durability and fine detailing, each piece reflects generational skill. The town is one of India’s largest hubs for handcrafted silver jewellery. Its artisans are known for blending traditional motifs with contemporary designs.
Karimnagar Silver Filigree (Telangana)
Distinct from Cuttack’s style, this form features bolder motifs like peacocks, swans, and geometric patterns, giving it a unique identity.
The craft often produces statement pieces and decorative artefacts. It has been recognised for its craftsmanship and continues to support local artisan communities.
Hyderabad Lac Bangles (Telangana)
Crafted using heated lac, these bangles are hand-moulded and studded with stones, making them vibrant and deeply tied to bridal traditions.
They are especially popular during weddings and festive occasions. The process involves multiple stages of heating, shaping, and embellishment by skilled craftsmen.
Axomiya Gohona (Assam)
Traditional Assamese jewellery made primarily in gold, featuring motifs like junbiri (crescent moon), dholbiri, and lokaparo, is inspired by nature and Ahom-era royalty.
These pieces are often worn during festivals like Bihu and weddings. The bold designs reflect Assam’s rich cultural symbolism and heritage.
Temple Jewellery of Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu)
Originally designed for temple idols, now worn by Bharatanatyam dancers and brides, often depicting gods, goddesses, and temple architecture.
Crafted mainly in gold, these pieces are known for their antique finish and intricate carvings. They remain an essential part of South Indian bridal trousseaus.
Agates of Cambay (Gujarat)
Crafted in Khambhat, artisans heat, dye, and polish agate stones into beads and jewellery. This is a 4,000-year-old craft with global appeal.
Khambhat has been a historic trading centre for agates since ancient times. The finished stones are exported worldwide for use in jewellery and decorative items.
Odisha Brass & Bell Metal Tribal Jewellery
Created using age-old casting techniques, molten metal is hand-poured into moulds to form bold, earthy ornaments that reflect tribal identity and rituals.
These pieces are deeply symbolic, often representing social status and community traditions. The raw, rustic aesthetic makes them distinct from mainstream jewellery styles.
These jewellery traditions are more than decorative forms—they are living expressions of India’s cultural identity and craftsmanship. Each piece carries the legacy of its region, shaped by generations of artisans, local narratives, and time-honoured techniques.
As the industry evolves, the value of these traditions lies in their authenticity, individuality, and human touch—qualities that cannot be replicated by mass production. Preserving them is not just about sustaining craft, but about protecting heritage and supporting artisan communities.
In celebrating these traditions, we don’t just admire their beauty—we honour the stories, skills, and identities that continue to define India’s jewellery landscape.
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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.