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IGI opens second laboratory in Jaipur to strengthen coloured gemstone testing

New Sitapura facility expands certification capacity, improves turnaround times and supports North India’s manufacturing and export trade

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The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has inaugurated its second laboratory in Jaipur, located in Sitapura, on January 29, 2026, further expanding its operational footprint in North India.

Situated in Jaipur’s key gems and jewellery manufacturing hub, the new facility is designed to provide closer access to manufacturers and exporters, enabling faster grading turnaround times and improved service efficiency. Jaipur is a major centre for coloured gemstone trading, uncut polki and fine jewellery manufacturing, making Sitapura a strategic location for IGI’s expansion.

The laboratory offers IGI’s complete range of certification services for diamonds, coloured gemstones and jewellery. It is equipped with advanced analytical technologies, including Raman spectrometry, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence, to support detailed analysis for origin determination and treatment detection.

Commenting on the launch, Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director and CEO, IGI India, said rising global demand for coloured gemstones—driven by interest in personalised jewellery and fusion designs—has increased the need for specialised testing capabilities. He added that the new Jaipur laboratory strengthens IGI’s ability to deliver accurate and scalable gemstone analysis.

The Sitapura centre will also house IGI’s School of Gemology, offering certification and training programmes for the regional trade. With the addition of this facility, IGI now operates 35 laboratories across 10 countries and runs 21 Schools of Gemology worldwide.

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New Premises

VBJ Opens All-New Flagship Showroom At Anna Salai, Chennai

14,000 sq. ft. Multi-Level Flagship Introduces Atelier VBJ and a New, Immersive Retail Experience in Chennai

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Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (VBJ), India’s most trusted heirloom jewellery brand, marks the opening of its all-new flagship showroom at Anna Salai, Chennai. Located adjacent to its original store, this addition represents a significant moment in the brand’s 125-year journey and reinforces its long-standing association with the city.

Notably, this is the only major jewellery showroom across this stretch of Anna Salai, one of Chennai’s most prominent corridors.

Spanning across 14,000 sq. ft., the new showroom has been planned as a multi-level retail space with a clear zoning approach. The ground floor houses gold, precious and jadau jewellery, designed for accessibility and ease of movement. The first floor is dedicated to diamond, solitaire and platinum collections, offering a more focused setting that allows customers the time and space for thoughtful purchases.

The second floor introduces Atelier VBJ, a new format for the brand. Conceived as a more private and immersive environment, this level moves away from the conventional retail approach. It features dedicated lounges, private viewing rooms, and personalised service, allowing customers to engage with jewellery in a more individual setting. The display philosophy is also distinct, with a limited selection on view while the larger collection is presented on request.

Speaking on the launch, Amarendran Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ, said,

“Designing this store meant translating VBJ’s legacy into a space that feels relevant today. The layout has been structured so that each category has its own environment, making the journey more intuitive. We have paid close attention to how the store transitions across floors—from the material choices to the overall spatial experience—so that each level serves a distinct purpose while remaining connected to the brand’s roots.”

As part of its forward-looking vision, VBJ is entering a new phase of expansion across Tamil Nadu and Telangana, with upcoming stores in key cities like Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli and Hyderabad, and strengthening its presence within Chennai across high-potential catchments such as T. Nagar and Chromepet.

Internationally, the brand is scaling its operations in the United States, building on its presence in Texas with planned expansions into Milpitas, California, catering to the growing Indian diaspora.

Jithendra Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ, added,

“This store reflects a different approach to jewellery retail. It brings together multiple formats within one space, allowing customers to engage with each category in a more structured way. From everyday purchases to more specialised acquisitions, the store is designed to support a complete journey. The intent was to create a more holistic experience while retaining the familiarity that customers associate with VBJ.”

As a fifth-generation family-run brand, VBJ takes immense pride in its legacy as the creator of the historic Sengol (sceptre), a sacred symbol of India’s democratic journey. Rediscovered after 72 years through meticulous research by the VBJ team, the Sengol was reinstated beside the Speaker’s chair in Sansad Bhavan.

Staying rooted in tradition while renowned for heirloom bridal jewellery and contemporary, design-led pieces, the brand continues to translate personal stories, traditions, and inspirations into finely crafted jewellery. Signature collections such as Florals, inspired by nature, and Avatara, which reinterprets divine motifs through a contemporary lens, reflect this approach.

With this new flagship, VBJ brings together legacy, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of its customers, shaping a more considered and contemporary way of experiencing jewellery.

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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.

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