JB Insights
IIG partners with Shringar – House of Mangalsutra Ltd. to launch Designer of the Month Competition for jewellery students
The International Institute of Gemology (IIG) has partnered with Shringar House of Mangalsutra Ltd. to introduce a new PAN-India initiative – the IIG Designer of the Month competition.Aimed at IIG students across India, this competition provides an exceptional platform for aspiring jewellery designers to conceptualize, create, and showcase their designs. Winning designs will be produced in 22K and 18K gold at Shringar’s advanced manufacturing facility, offering real-world exposure for students.
The competition will be judged by an expert panel, including Chetan Thadeshwar, Chairman & MD of Shringar House of Mangalsutra, Rahul Desai, CEO & MD of IIG, and two leading jewellery retailers. The top finalists will gain invaluable opportunities, including paid internships and potential employment with Shringar, along with sponsorships for their designs. The competition marks a significant step for IIG in its commitment to providing hands-on industry experience alongside academic learning.
This collaboration reflects IIG’s dedication to shaping the future of jewellery design education by offering practical exposure and industry connections. Rahul Desai, CEO of IIG, emphasized that the MoU represents a dynamic approach to cultivating talent, blending tradition with innovation. Meanwhile, Chetan Thadeshwar highlighted Shringar’s commitment to mentoring young talent, fostering creativity, and providing them with the resources to succeed in the jewellery industry.
JB Insights
Jewellers Expect Healthy Festive and Wedding Demand Amid Evolving Consumer Preferences
India’s jewellery industry is entering the festive and wedding season with cautious optimism, supported by positive consumer sentiment, relatively stable bullion prices and sustained demand for wedding-led purchases.
India’s jewellery industry is entering the festive and wedding season with cautious optimism, supported by positive consumer sentiment, relatively stable bullion prices and sustained demand for wedding-led purchases. While elevated gold prices are influencing buying behaviour, jewellers expect lightweight designs, contemporary styling, natural diamonds and innovative bridal collections to drive sales.
Vinay Bamalwa, Director, Nemichand Bamalwa and Sons, said consumer sentiment remains positive, with gold prices staying range-bound over the past three to four months. Sentiment towards natural diamonds has also improved over the last 12–18 months. The company’s 2026–27 Eden bridal collection has received an encouraging response, reinforcing expectations for the season.
Anil Kataria, Director, DP Abhushan Ltd., see favourable conditions for jewellery sales. He cited positive consumer sentiment and conducive gold and silver prices as encouraging factors. We see a positive sentiment in consumers, and foresee healthy sales in the festive season. We are optimistic we will meet our targets this festive season.
Vaibhav Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems & Jewels, expects healthy festive and wedding demand despite elevated gold prices, noting that customers are becoming more thoughtful and value-conscious. Lightweight, versatile jewellery is gaining preference, while bridal buyers increasingly seek statement pieces offering multiple styling options. The company has introduced Navni, a diamond bridal collection featuring innovative 9-in-1 jewellery designs, alongside contemporary and everyday-wear offerings.
Vastupal Ranka, Director, Ranka Jewellers, said current gold and silver prices are creating a favourable backdrop for jewellery sales. “We are seeing strong consumer sentiment and anticipate healthy demand leading into the festive season. While volume may see a slight dip, we remain confident that customers will continue to buy with optimism,” he said.
Darshan Chauhan, Whole-time Director, Sky Gold & Diamonds Ltd., expects wedding-led consumption, cultural traditions and demand for design-led, value-conscious jewellery to support the season. He highlighted the importance of inventory efficiency, faster stock rotation, consistent quality and market-relevant designs in helping retailers capture seasonal opportunities.
Vijay Pokharna, Founder, Pure Platinum Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., expects platinum jewellery to gain momentum as consumers increasingly favour premium, contemporary and meaningful purchases. Beyond traditional occasions, everyday luxury and self-purchase—particularly among younger consumers—present significant growth opportunities. He emphasised that innovation, accessible products, compelling designs and greater consumer awareness will be crucial to expanding the category.
Overall, industry leaders expect a healthy festive and wedding season, with success increasingly dependent on design innovation, value perception, product differentiation and efficient inventory management. Rather than signalling a retreat in jewellery demand, changing consumer preferences are creating opportunities for brands and retailers to broaden their offerings and strengthen customer engagement.
Aisshpra Gems & Jewels Opens Four Stores in One Day, Takes Network to 20; Targets 30 Stores by March 2028
The Met Goes Desi: Inside Sabyasachi’s Showstopping Diwali Dhamaka in New York
Jewellers Expect Healthy Festive and Wedding Demand Amid Evolving Consumer Preferences
Dhanteras Shopping Guide 2026:Gold, Silver, Diamonds & Festive Jewellery Trends To Watch
Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery Unveiled India’s Largest Sustainable Jewellery Rangavalli
From Diya Puja To Diwali Soirées: Jewellery Designed To Go Beyond The Festive Season
-
JB Insights1 day agoDhanteras Shopping Guide 2026:Gold, Silver, Diamonds & Festive Jewellery Trends To Watch
-
National News1 day agoIndriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery Unveiled India’s Largest Sustainable Jewellery Rangavalli
-
BrandBuzz1 day agoFrom Diya Puja To Diwali Soirées: Jewellery Designed To Go Beyond The Festive Season
-
BrandBuzz1 day agoThe Solenne Collection: A Celebration Of Diwali By Bharti Bangur Fine Jewels
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.