JB Insights
IAGES is a pioneering framework to ensure transparency, trust and sustainability in the gold sector
Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES)is a Self Regulatory Organisation (SRO) created by the Indian gold industry, for the Indian gold industry, and supported by prominent gold sector industry associations. IAGES stands as an independent body revolutionizing the gold industry in India, aims to brings a pioneering framework to ensure transparency, trust, and sustainability in the gold sector. Kaushlendra Sinha, CEO -IAGES speaking to JewelBuzz, underscores how IAGES will enhance compliance and build trust in the gold sector and dwells on the pan – India roll-out of IAGES.
We are at GJS Diwali edition-What’s your impression of this year’s event?
The energy here is palpable. There’s a renewed sense of optimism, and I must commend the GJC for orchestrating such a seamless show. Events like this are invaluable—they allow us to connect with stakeholders across the ecosystem.
Tell us about IAGES’s relationship with trade organizations.
We maintain a close partnership with the GJC, which is a primary shareholder of IAGES. Our collaboration extends across multiple initiatives, ensuring alignment with industry standards. In essence, we are an industry-led, self-regulatory organization—the first of its kind globally in the gold sector.
What’s the mission behind IAGES?
Our goal is to enhance compliance across the gold industry, thereby strengthening consumer trust throughout the value chain. By creating transparency and standardization, we aim to give consumers confidence when engaging with gold businesses, particularly in high-value, emotional transactions.
How has IAGES evolved since inception?
The initiative began in collaboration with the World Gold Council. By August 2025, IAGES became an independent entity and now operates as a fully industry-led initiative. Our shareholder base includes the GJC and IAGES partners, with more joining progressively.
How are you engaging with the industry across India?
Currently, our accreditation program is live in Mumbai. However, we’ve received significant inquiries from other regions, and we’re actively expanding our assessor network nationwide. Our long-term objective is Pan-India coverage, enabling businesses to access our services regardless of location.
And on the consumer side, what’s the strategy?
Consumer engagement is central to our initiative. IAGES accreditation provides a seal of trust, signifying that a business has undergone third-party assessment, not self-certification. This ensures consumers interact with entities that demonstrate integrity, compliance, and best practices. Our marketing campaign will roll out within the next month, directly targeting consumer awareness and trust.
Can you share some numbers?
We’ve seen a strong response, with over 200 expressions of interest to date. Our panel of 10 trained assessors is currently onboarding, with rigorous training on our code of conduct. Accreditation isn’t instantaneous—it’s a structured, methodical process, ensuring credibility and consistency.
Any final thoughts as you expand this initiative?
Our vision is clear: drive the gold industry towards organization, transparency, and consumer confidence. With government encouragement for the organized sector, initiatives like IAGES are critical in enhancing credibility and reputation.
Thank you for your insights. Wishing you and your team continued success.
Thank you, Steve. We thank JewelBuzz for providing this platform to share our vision and look forward to connecting further with both industry and consumers.
Education
The New-Age Jewellery Professional: Why Tech Education for Jewellery Industry is the Biggest Growth Driver
#JbExclusive
The jewellery industry is no longer defined by craftsmanship alone. Today, it sits at the intersection of design, technology, sustainability, finance, branding, and global trade. As consumer expectations evolve and competition intensifies, structured education and continuous skill development are emerging as the most powerful growth catalysts for the sector.
For a dynamic industry like India’s jewellery market, education is not optional — it is strategic.
From Karigar to Knowledge Professional
For decades, the backbone of the industry has been generational craftsmanship. While this legacy remains invaluable, modern jewellery businesses now demand professionals who understand:
- Gemology and diamond grading
- CAD and 3D jewellery design
- Retail management and consumer psychology
- Digital marketing and brand storytelling

- International trade compliance and tariffs
- ESG and sustainability frameworks
Institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America and the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery have played a key role in formalising education pathways, helping transform traditional artisans and retailers into globally competitive professionals.
Trend Watch: Rise of Tech-Integrated Learning
One of the strongest education trends shaping the industry is technology integration.
- CAD & CAM Training: Digital prototyping reduces costs and speeds up product development cycles.
- AI in Retail Forecasting: Data-driven inventory planning is replacing intuition-based buying.

- Blockchain Awareness: Traceability in diamonds and coloured gemstones is becoming a compliance requirement rather than a luxury.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Expertise: As lab-grown diamonds gain market share, understanding grading, pricing dynamics, and consumer positioning has become critical.
Educational programs now increasingly blend online modules with hands-on workshops, enabling faster upskilling for working professionals.
The Bridal Economy & Consumer Education
India’s bridal jewellery segment continues to drive demand, but the modern bride is informed and research-oriented. She compares:
- Natural vs lab-grown diamonds
- Hallmarking standards

- Ethical sourcing claims
- Design originality
Retailers who invest in staff education see higher trust conversion rates. Well-trained sales professionals are no longer “salespeople” — they are consultants guiding life-defining purchases.
Financial Literacy in Jewellery
Another emerging area is financial education within the industry itself. With gold functioning as both adornment and asset, professionals must understand:
- Gold monetisation frameworks
- Hedging strategies

- Commodity price cycles
- Working capital management
Structured knowledge helps businesses move from being inventory-heavy traders to strategically managed enterprises.
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing
Global buyers increasingly demand proof of ethical sourcing and environmental compliance. Education around responsible mining practices, supply-chain transparency, and ESG reporting is becoming central to export competitiveness.
Industry bodies such as the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council regularly conduct seminars and workshops to align Indian exporters with evolving global standards.
The Future: Hybrid Skills Will Win
The next generation jewellery professional will not be defined by a single skill. The future belongs to those who combine:
- Design sensibility
- Technical expertise
- Business acumen

- Digital fluency
- Ethical awareness
For a sector contributing significantly to India’s exports and employment, education is the bridge between heritage and high growth.
Knowledge is the new luxury. As the jewellery industry transitions into a more organised, tech-enabled, and globally integrated ecosystem, continuous learning will determine who leads and who lags. The sparkle of the future will not just come from diamonds — it will come from informed minds shaping the industry.
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