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
The First Gold Story: How Gen Z Is Celebrating Their First Salary
By Mr. Hemant Chavaan
Head Of Marketing, E-Commerce and CRM At PNG Jewellers
For previous generations, purchasing gold was often associated with weddings, festivals, and family investments. For Gen Z, however, the journey with gold is beginning much earlier. Across India, a growing number of young professionals are choosing to buy their first piece of gold jewellery with their first salary, transforming gold into a symbol of personal achievement, financial independence, and self-expression.
Hemant Chaavan, Head Of Marketing, E-Commerce and CRM At PNG Jewellers
This shift reflects a broader change in consumer attitudes. Today’s young buyers are not waiting for traditional milestones to own jewellery—they are creating milestones of their own.
Gold as a Reward for Success
Among Gen Z consumers, the first salary represents much more than a pay cheque. It symbolises years of hard work, education, and the beginning of financial freedom. Purchasing gold jewellery has become a meaningful way to celebrate this achievement.
Retailers are increasingly witnessing customers in the 22–25 age group choosing lightweight chains, rings, pendants, and bracelets that align with their first disposable incomes. Unlike earlier generations that viewed gold primarily as an investment, Gen Z seeks a balance between emotional value, personal style, and long-term worth.
Regional Trends Across India
Consumer motivations vary significantly across regions.
In Maharashtra and metropolitan cities, first-salary purchases are largely driven by self-reward and fashion, with young professionals opting for contemporary, lightweight jewellery suitable for both work and social occasions.
In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, gold continues to carry strong cultural and aspirational significance, with many young buyers celebrating their first purchase as a proud family moment shared with parents and relatives.
Meanwhile, emerging urban centres across Madhya Pradesh reflect a blend of both behaviours, combining a preference for modern designs with an appreciation for the long-term value of precious metals.
The Rise of Lightweight Jewellery
The growing popularity of lightweight jewellery has played a crucial role in enabling this trend. Design-led collections in lower weight categories have made gold more accessible to first-time buyers, encouraging young consumers to experiment with multiple styles rather than investing in a single traditional piece.
A Relationship That Begins Early
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this shift is that it marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with jewellery. Consumers who purchase gold with their first salary often return for future milestones, including weddings, anniversaries, gifting, and investments.
As Gen Z enters the workforce in larger numbers, the “first gold” moment is emerging as an important category in itself. It reflects a generation that values both individuality and financial prudence, proving that gold remains as relevant as ever—even as the motivations for buying it continue to evolve.
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