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IGI  will apply traditional 4Cs grading standards to all diamonds, including LGDs

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to applying traditional 4Cs grading standards to all diamonds, including laboratory-grown stones, positioning itself in direct contrast to competitor GIA’s recent policy shift toward simplified grading for lab-grown diamonds.

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The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to applying traditional 4Cs grading standards to all diamonds, including laboratory-grown stones, positioning itself in direct contrast to competitor GIA’s recent policy shift toward simplified grading for lab-grown diamonds.

IGI announced on July 14, 2025, that it will continue grading laboratory-grown diamonds using the established 4Cs framework (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight). The institute, which began grading lab-grown diamonds in 2005, cited the need to “prevent industry and consumer confusion” as the primary rationale for maintaining consistent grading standards across all diamond types.

This announcement comes in direct response to GIA’s June 2025 decision to transition from detailed color and clarity grading to a simplified “standard” or “premium” classification system for laboratory-grown diamonds. GIA, which began grading lab-grown stones in 2006, justified this change by arguing that the vast majority of lab-grown diamonds fall within such a narrow quality range that traditional nomenclature has become less relevant.

 IGI’s stance creates clear differentiation in the gemological services market. While GIA focuses primarily on natural diamond grading, IGI has positioned itself as the specialist for laboratory-grown stones, with lab-grown diamonds now comprising 54% of its total grading volume according to recent financial disclosures.

Industry Impact The divergent approaches between the two major grading institutes reflects broader industry tensions regarding the standardization of laboratory-grown diamond evaluation. IGI’s commitment to maintaining traditional grading standards may appeal to:

  • Retailers seeking consistent grading terminology across their inventory
  • Consumers who prefer familiar quality metrics
  • Manufacturers invested in producing higher-grade laboratory-grown stones

This policy difference highlights the evolving competitive landscape in diamond grading services. IGI’s emphasis on comprehensive grading for lab-grown stones may attract clients who view the simplified GIA approach as insufficient for their business needs.

IGI’s strategy carries both opportunities and risks. While maintaining detailed grading standards may preserve consumer confidence and industry familiarity, it also requires continued investment in specialized expertise and equipment for what GIA considers an increasingly homogeneous product category.

The industry’s response to these competing approaches will likely influence future grading standards and market dynamics. Retailers and consumers will ultimately determine whether detailed grading or simplified classification better serves their needs in the laboratory-grown diamond segment.

IGI’s decision to maintain traditional 4Cs grading for all diamonds represents a strategic bet on the continued relevance of detailed quality assessment in the laboratory-grown diamond market. This positions the institute as the primary advocate for comprehensive grading standards while creating clear market differentiation from GIA’s simplified approach. The success of this strategy will depend on industry adoption and consumer preference for detailed versus simplified grading systems.

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National News

Rakhi Gifts for Your Sister Under ₹25K from GIVA

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Your sister’s been your built-in best friend, your secret-keeper, and sometimes… your biggest critic. But she’s always been yours. This Rakhi, ditch the cliché gifts and surprise her with jewellery that matches her sparkle and your budget.

Introducing GIVA’s Gold-Studded Lab-Grown Diamond Collection – crafted in solid gold and embedded with ethically grown diamonds, these designs are perfect for the sister who loves modern elegance with a hint of sentiment. Under ₹25,000, these picks balance luxe aesthetics and wearable style – timeless gifts for the woman who’s seen you at your worst and still chose to love you.

Gold Dearest Deer Diamond Necklace

A whimsical design that blends innocence and sparkle, this diamond-studded deer pendant is made for the sister who brings out your inner child. Its minimal silhouette and fine detailing make it perfect for daily wear or layering.

Why she’ll love it: It’s dainty, playful, and gold – just like her.

Gold Glowing Sphere Diamond Hoop Earrings

These aren’t your average hoops. With a diamond sphere that catches light at every angle, they’re subtle yet stunning – ideal for the sister who wears her confidence effortlessly.

Why she’ll love it: They go from Zoom calls to dinner dates without skipping a beat.
 

Gold Forever Knot Diamond Ring

Symbolising your unbreakable bond, this elegant knot ring is set with sparkling lab-grown diamonds and sculpted in fine gold. A meaningful piece that’s stylish and sentimental.

Why she’ll love it: It’s the promise of forever – in a ring.


 

Gold Endless Circle Diamond Bracelet

Classic and contemporary, this diamond bracelet in gold features a circle – representing infinity, wholeness, and sisterhood. It’s lightweight, adjustable, and loaded with love.

Why she’ll love it: It’s sleek, stackable, and seriously special.

Gold Yaprak Diamond Earrings

Inspired by the elegance of falling leaves, these nature-inspired diamond earrings are the perfect gift for a sister with an eye for design. Sculpted in gold and set with lab-grown diamonds, they strike a balance between organic beauty and modern luxury.

Why she’ll love it: Artistic, lightweight, and full of charm – just like her vibe.

Can’t decide on just one? Dive into our complete lab-grown diamond edit crafted in gold – a range full of thoughtful gifts that’ll make her heart skip a beat (and her jewellery box very happy).

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Exporters can now hand-carry jewellery as GJEPC Initiated Facilitation Centre Opens at Mumbai Airport

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The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), in collaboration with Mumbai Customs, formally inaugurated the Jewellery Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Terminal 2, on 16th July 2025. The facilitation centre was inaugurated by Surjit Bhujbal, Member Customs, CBIC, in the presence of Prachi Saroop, Principal Chief Commissioner, Alok Jha, Principal Commissioner and other Customs officials. Also present were Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ ,  and the leadership team of GJEPC, including Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, Khushboo Ranawat, Regional Chairman (West), Ajesh Mehta, Convener, Diamond Panel, Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, Mehul Shah, Vice President, BDB.

The launch of the Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre at Mumbai Airport has been the result of GJEPC’s persistent advocacy and groundwork. Recognising the immense potential of hand carriage for boosting gem and jewellery exports—especially from Mumbai, which typically accounts for nearly 65–70% of the country’s exports—GJEPC proactively engaged with the Government. Anticipating future clearance, the Council went a step ahead by securing a dedicated space at the Mumbai airport on a rental basis and fully equipping it in advance. With the premises now notified as a Customs area with Bharat Diamond Bourse appointed as a custodian, the Centre is fully operational—ready to facilitate round-the-clock hand carriage exports. This initiative is a testament to GJEPC’s vision, planning, and continuous coordination with government agencies to strengthen export infrastructure. Based on this initiative all types of exports and imports of jewellery through hand-carriage mode can now take place from Mumbai Airport.

In FY 2024-25, gem and jewellery exports from the Western Region (Mumbai Port) totalled US$ 19,653.24 million, accounting for approximately 68% of India’s total gross gem and jewellery exports during the year.

The new dedicated facility is aimed at streamlining export procedures for high-value gem and jewellery shipments carried by hand, bringing greater transparency, faster clearance, and enhanced ease of doing business for exporters.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, commented, “The inauguration of the Jewellery Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre at Mumbai Airport is a milestone in our ongoing efforts to boost ease of doing business for exporter members. Alongside the e-commerce export channel, hand carriage will prove especially beneficial for MSMEs and high-value shipments, especially to FTA partner nations such as UAE under CEPA, Australia under ECTA and UK FTA. It offers a faster, cost-effective, and more agile way to service international orders. We thank Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India, Mumbai Customs, Bharat Diamond Bourse and Mumbai Airport International Airport Ltd. for their constant support to achieve the unique milestone.”

Dnyaneshwar B. Patil, IAS, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ who was present at the occasion express “The inauguration of the Jewellery Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre at Mumbai Airport is a timely and impactful initiative that will greatly benefit SEEPZ-based exporters. With SEEPZ contributing a significant share (around 13%) to India’s gem and jewellery exports, the availability of a dedicated hand carriage facility just minutes away will enable faster clearances, reduce logistical hurdles, and provide greater flexibility for companies handling high-value, urgent shipments. I commend GJEPC and Mumbai Customs for their collaborative efforts in enhancing the export ecosystem and making it more responsive to industry needs.”


With nearly two-thirds of India’s gem and jewellery exports routed through Mumbai, the centre marks a major milestone in export infrastructure. The new facilitation centre will serve as a single-window facility supported by Mumbai Customs, CISF, police, and airport authorities.


Personal carriage of gem and jewellery is permitted through select airports as specified in the Foreign Trade Policy. For exports, the facility is allowed at nine locations: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. For imports, personal carriage is permitted at seven locations: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. At present, the personal hand carriage facility is operational in Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Delhi.

The Council noted that this initiative is part of a broader rollout across nine key centres in India, designed to strengthen infrastructure for the gem and jewellery export sector.

Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, noted, “The launch of the Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre for gems and jewellery at Mumbai Airport is a long-awaited step that will unlock immense value for Indian exporters. It brings speed, safety, and flexibility—crucial elements for high-value gem and jewellery exports. This initiative will especially benefit MSMEs and empower them to meet urgent global demand efficiently. We thank Mumbai Customs and all stakeholders for making this vision a reality.”

This initiative reflects GJEPC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening export infrastructure and aligning with the Government’s vision of ease of doing business. By enabling faster, more secure, and cost-effective shipments, the Council is paving the way for India to reinforce its position as a global hub for gem and jewellery exports.

This initiative reflects GJEPC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening export infrastructure and aligning with the Government’s vision of ease of doing business. By enabling faster, more secure, and cost-effective shipments, the Council is paving the way for India to reinforce its position as a global hub for gem and jewellery exports.

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Mumbai Wholesale Gold Jewellers Association to Host Annual ‘Megh Malhar’ Picnic on 19th–20th July

Held amidst the natural beauty of Igatpuri, this two-day gathering aims to provide members with a refreshing break from daily routines, while also strengthening interpersonal and professional relationships.

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The Mumbai Wholesale Gold Jewellers Association (MWGJA) is all set to host its much-awaited annual picnic event ‘Megh Malhar’ on 19th and 20th July 2025 at The Grand Resort, Igatpuri. Known for its commitment to unity and collaboration within the jewellery community, the association continues its tradition of creating vibrant platforms that blend business camaraderie with relaxation and joy.

Event Purpose & Significance

The primary objective of the Megh Malhar picnic is to deepen social bonding among members, promote mutual understanding, and foster a stronger sense of unity within the jewellery trade. With an engaging mix of entertainment, games, musical evenings, and cultural programs, the event promises something for every member of the Association.

Leadership and Organizing Team

  • This year’s event is being organized under the leadership of:

President: Mahesh Bafna, Gen. Secretary: Shreyans Kothari, Treasurer: Kamal Mehta, Vice Presidents: Sandeep Kothari and Dinesh Kothari, Joint Secretary: Rinku Bafna, Joint treasurer: Narendra Nawlakha, Immediate Past Secretary: Anil Pamecha, Convenors: Nitesh Dhakad, Kamal Kothari, Mitesh Kothari, and Dheeraj Mehta.

With the energetic support of this dynamic team, the event has been meticulously planned to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

The event is further strengthened by the valuable support of Grafixwale (gold sponsor) BVC logistics (silver sponsor) and active contribution from various enthusiastic members of the Mumbai wholesale jewellery community.

Speaking about the event, Gen. Secretary Shreyans Kothari shared, “Our aim is not only to celebrate, but to bring members closer — personally and professionally. Megh Malhar is a symbol of our togetherness, and we are proud to continue this beautiful tradition of friendship, relaxation, and unity.”

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