In an unforgettable celebration of craftsmanship and culture, Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (India) Pvt. Ltd. (VBJ), and legendary fashion designer Anju Modi came together to orchestrate an evening of breathtaking artistry at The Leela Palace, Chennai.

Titled “An Affair of Glamour and Grandeur,” the evening marked a proud milestone — 125 years of VBJ, storied legacy — celebrated through an extraordinary convergence of heirloom jewellery and timeless couture. In a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, Anju Modi’s ethereal creations found their perfect complement in VBJ’s intricate masterpieces, weaving a narrative that transcended generations.

The evening unfolded gracefully:
Guests were welcomed to a warm social hour before being transported into a world of enchantment by an emotive dance performance by Padma Bhushan awardee, Ms. Shobana. The crescendo of the night was an awe-inspiring runway presentation, thoughtfully curated in association with Evoluzione, featuring layered silhouettes, ornate bridal finery, and gleaming diamonds — each piece telling a story of India’s profound artistic passion.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Amarendran Vummidi and Mr. Jithendra Vummidi, Managing Partners of Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (India) Pvt. Ltd, remarked: “At VBJ, every piece we create is an heirloom of emotion, craftsmanship, and history. As we celebrate 125 years, it is only fitting that we honor this journey with a collaboration that reflects India’s eternal spirit. Anju Modi’s revival of our weaving traditions mirrors our passion for preserving and evolving Indian craftsmanship. Tonight is not just about fashion; it’s about storytelling, legacy, and the soul of India.”

The runway’s finale was a moment of pride, with curators Ms. Vimmi, Ms. Ranjitha, and Ms. Sarika joining the Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (India) Pvt. Ltd family and Anju Modi for a heartfelt final walk — a tribute to the artisans, designers, and patrons who continue to inspire VBJ’s vision.

Just in time for the start of Emerald Month in May – when green buds burst into life, lifting spirits – comes an exciting new collaboration from Gemfields. A world-leading responsible miner and marketer of coloured gemstones – and majority-owner and operator of the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia – Gemfields has joined forces with Ibiza-based jeweller Natasha Collis on two special collections designed to “bring joy to the everyday”. The Natasha Collis Fine Jewellery x Gemfields Ludic and Dancing Duet ranges showcase Gemfields’ Zambian emeralds offset against yellow gold in pieces that balance spontaneity and refinement. Inspired by the dualities of nature, they resound with the joys of spring. The four-piece Ludic collection consists of arresting 6cm drop earrings with oval, pear and round cut emeralds; a striking statement ring with an off-centre emerald; an open bangle with emerald pave; and a necklace with a chain of oval, pear and round emeralds.

Ludic is defined by its free-form shapes, a motif which also provides the design inspiration underpinning the Dancing Duet range. In this second collection, contrasting gold forms are placed two by two, creating an intimate duality of interconnected elements. The Dancing Duet range encompasses two necklaces, cascading Dancing Duet earrings, everyday studs and a beautifully flowing bracelet. Each of these features exquisite emeralds from the Kagem mine, set in sculpted 18k gold pieces, locked together in a graceful dance of playful opposition.

“My love for emeralds combined with Gemfields’ brand ethos inspired me to create this collaboration,” says Natasha Collis, who founded her eponymous fine jewellery brand in London before relocating in 2009 to Ibiza, where she now has a boutique and studio in the rugged North of the island and takes design inspiration from nature. A trained painter, Natasha switched her focus to jewellery design, experimenting with gold and different creations, and she has never looked back.

Her signature style highlights the raw beauty of gold: hand-crafting nuggets into organic shapes, with carefully selected asymmetric gemstones incorporated in a quirky and playful way. Natasha’s designs are, at once, wearable works of art and perfect for layering into every day. Gemfields believes those who mine gemstones should do so with transparency, legitimacy and integrity and that coloured gemstones should create a positive impact for the country and community from which they originate. Kagem – 75% owned by Gemfields in partnership with Zambian government – is believed to be the world’s single largest-producing emerald mine and has been the source of some of the most exceptional emeralds ever seen. “Natasha Collis’ organic, free-flowing designs take us to Ibiza! In these beautiful collections, Zambian emeralds provide pops of green and sparkle, effortlessly elevating a look and demonstrating the playful quality of coloured gemstones. Each emerald is a miracle of nature, having formed over 500 million years ago in the most unlikely of circumstances. Their rarity and unique characteristics set them apart, and make them the perfect choice for collections that are lively, and full of fun,” says Gemfields’ Marketing and Communications Director, Emily Dungey. With emerald the resplendent birthstone of May, it is timely to see Kagem’s treasures take pride of place in these one-of-a-kind designs by Natasha.

The Dubai International Machinery & Allied Expo (DIMAE 2025) opened its doors today with a spectacular inauguration ceremony, marking the beginning of one of the region’s most prestigious B2B Jewellery Machinery B2B Exhibition.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Mr. Chandu Siroya, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Jewellery Group and Managing Director of Siroya Jewellers LLC.  who delivered an inspiring keynote address highlighting the transformative evolution of the global jewellery industry and the growing opportunities within the Middle East.

The opening ceremony was further graced by the presence of distinguished Guests of Honour, including:

• Mr. Ali Saleh Batrfi Alkindi, General Manager, Jeddah Gate Company for Gold, Saudi Arabia

• Mr. Binmahfooz Saleh Mohammed, Chairman, Alkindi, Saudi Arabia

• Mr. Ramesh Vora, Chairman, Bafleh Jewellery LLC, Dubai

• Mr. Ketan Jatakia, Committee Member, JMA Forum.

Their presence underscored the deep-rooted commitment to excellence and collaboration across the regional and international Jewellery & Machinery sectors. Featuring a diverse group of global exhibitors, DIMAE 2025 showcases cutting-edge technologies, innovations in jewellery machinery manufacturing. The exhibition serves as a strategic platform for industry networking, sourcing, and knowledge exchange.

DIMAE 2025 is ready to be a landmark exhibition, bridging tradition and innovation while setting new benchmarks in the Jewellery making machinery trade.