New Premises
IIGJ Mumbai Opens Modern Campus to Power Skills, Innovation, and Industry Growth
The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai, took a significant leap forward in its journey of growth with the inauguration of its newly modernised, state-of-the-art campus. The launch marks a new chapter for the institute, reinforcing its role as a centre of excellence in gems and jewellery education, skill development, and innovation.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC India, along with Guests of Honour Dilipbhai V. Lakhi, Chairman of Lakhi Group, and Raj Hitendra Parikh, Managing Director of Uni-Design Jewellery. Also present were Adil Kotwal, President of SEEPZ GJMA; Sanjay Kothari, Founding Board Member of IIGJ Mumbai; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of GJEPC. The event was chaired by Milan Chokshi, Chairman of IIGJ Mumbai, and Debasish Biswas, CEO, who extended heartfelt thanks to all guests, industry stakeholders, and supporters who have been instrumental in IIGJ’s journey.
With upgraded infrastructure and advanced learning facilities, the new campus is designed to meet the evolving needs of students and professionals, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly changing global business environment.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC said, “The new IIGJ Mumbai campus is more than just a modern facility — it reflects the spirit of an industry that constantly evolves to stay ahead of the times. For over two decades, IIGJ has nurtured more than 8,000 talented professionals who now drive India’s gems and jewellery sector. As IIGJ moves towards becoming a Deemed University, this milestone reaffirms its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of designers, artisans, and leaders.”
Offering to support the establishment of IIGJ centres in Kolkata, Rajkot, Jaipur, and Surat, Dilipbhai Lakhi, Chairman, Lakhi Group, said, “This is the time for our industry to shine. With institutions like IIGJ and the strong backing of the industry, we can become the world leader in technology, design, manufacturing, and innovation.”
Adil Kotwal, President, SEEPZ Gem & Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association, said, “One of the biggest achievements of GJEPC has been its commitment to nurturing young talent through IIGJ campuses across the country. Skilling and training must remain a priority, and I would strongly urge GJEPC to channel a larger part of its resources into education and capacity building. With such focused efforts, India has every potential to become the jewellery hub of the world — and I believe IIGJ can play a central role in unlocking that potential.”
Sanjay Kothari, Founding Board Member of IIGJ Mumbai,said, “IIGJ Mumbai became a reality thanks to the wholehearted financial support of our industry members, who recognised the potential of such an institute to nurture talent, create employment, and build resources that would strengthen our sector for the future. I remain deeply grateful to all who stood by this cause. Today, the entire IIGJ team is leading this institute through a remarkable transformation — one that keeps pace with generational shifts and the changing business landscape.”
Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai, said, “When IIGJ was founded, the intent was simple yet profound — to give back to the trade that shaped us. The support we received from industry leaders laid the foundation for what we have achieved today. With this modernised campus, we carry that same spirit forward — to stay relevant, empower talent, and continue supporting the industry as it evolves.”
Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, said, “Any great nation is built on the foundation of knowledge. Our own industry has thrived because of knowledge — we have world-class designers and cutting and polishing centres. So, it is vital to nurture institutions like IIGJ and to keep expanding and deepening our knowledge base to keep us ahead of the world.”
IIGJ Mumbai, the first institute under the IIGJ banner, has been a cornerstone of jewellery education in India since its inception in 2002. As it approaches its 23rd anniversary in November 2025, the institute proudly reflects on its journey from offering a handful of programs to becoming a comprehensive centre of learning. Today, it offers a flagship three-year degree program, a postgraduate diploma, and a wide range of professional certifications. Over the past 23 years, more than 8,000 students have graduated from IIGJ Mumbai, each successfully contributing to the industry as entrepreneurs or professionals with reputed brands. Equipped with world-class infrastructure, advanced laboratories, and highly experienced faculty, IIGJ Mumbai continues to raise the benchmark in gems and jewellery education. With plans to become the main campus of a proposed Deemed University under UGC by 2026–27, the institute is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of the industry.
DiamondBuzz
Forevermark Diamond Jewellery Celebrates the Grand Opening of De Beers Group’s Largest Flagship Store in Mumbai
Nearly 5,000 sq. ft. Mumbai flagship debuts with a stunning launch event, unveiling the ICON Collection
Forevermark Diamond Jewellery marked a defining milestone in its India journey with the grand opening of the world’s largest flagship store by De Beers Group in Mumbai. Located at Crest Link, Khar West, at the heart of Linking Road, the nearly 5,000 sq. ft. store reflects the brand’s long-term commitment to Indian consumers seeking meaningful, design-led luxury.
The marquee launch was celebrated with an exclusive evening that brought together
Mumbai’s most influential tastemakers, jewellery connoisseurs, creative voices, socialites,
celebrities, and leading creators. Hosted within the flagship itself, the event offered guests a
first glimpse into the brand’s stunning universe, featuring a fashion showcase and immersive
experiences that seamlessly blended craftsmanship with contemporary style.
The evening unfolded with enthralling performances including live music and a spectacular
fashion showcase, complemented by interactive installations and AI integrations around the
Mine to Finger journey, branded photo moments, innovative tarot readings and displays of the new collection, creating an atmosphere of modern luxury and timeless elegance. Guests
explored the store’s full portfolio, from refined everyday diamond jewellery to statement and
high jewellery pieces, all designed to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.
Every Forevermark Diamond Jewellery piece is crafted from some of the world’s most
beautiful, rare, and responsibly sourced diamonds, each bearing a unique inscription, a
promise of authenticity, integrity, and exceptional quality. This philosophy comes to life with
the launch of the all-new Forevermark Icon Collection, inspired by the North Star as a symbol of clarity, direction, and confidence. It features versatile everyday diamond jewellery styles,striking statement pieces, and iconic designs across rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
This collection launch is also accompanied by the brand’s new campaign titled ‘My Guiding
Light’ that celebrates four iconic women who represent modern Indian excellence across
diverse fields. Manu Bhaker, professional shooter and double Olympic medallist; Diana
Penty, actor; Masaba Gupta, designer, actor, and entrepreneur; and Princess Gauravi
Kumari of Jaipur, social entrepreneur, each embody individuality, strength, and purpose,
sharing their personal stories and perspectives through mini digital videos on Instagram.
Together, they reflect the belief that confidence and direction come from within, perfectly
aligning with the spirit of the Icon Collection.
All four of them were also in attendance at the event, bringing glamour and gravitas to the
evening and reinforcing the store’s position as a landmark destination in Mumbai’s luxury
retail landscape. The evening was further elevated by the presence of Mumbai Indian
Cricketers Amelia Kerr, Milly Illingworth and Sajeevan Sajana, whose stories of resilience,
precision and perseverance echo the enduring strength of natural diamonds.
Commenting on the launch, Sandrine Conseiller, CEO, Brands & Diamond Desirability, De Beers Group, said: “India is central to the future of the natural diamond category. The opening of our largest Forevermark store in Mumbai reflects both the strength of consumer response we are seeing and our long-term confidence in the market. As luxury consumption
in India becomes more considered and value-driven, Forevermark is well positioned to build relevance through trust, craftsmanship, and enduring desirability.”
Shweta Harit, Senior Vice President, De Beers Group and CEO, Forevermark, added: “Mumbai marks an important next chapter in Forevermark’s India story. Following the encouraging response to our New Delhi store, this flagship reflects the scale of opportunity ahead. As our largest store globally, it brings together our brand vision, retail ambition, and commitment to the Indian consumer. This opening is also a key step toward our longer-term plan of building a network of 100 Forevermark stores in India by 2030.”
The new Mumbai flagship blends Forevermark’s contemporary international design with
local sensibilities. The spacious store offers an immersive experience, showcasing everyday
diamond jewellery, statement and high jewellery pieces, and iconic designs in a setting that
reflects the brand’s commitment to thoughtful, experience-led luxury.
Kalyan Jewellers: The Official Style Partner of RCB Women for WPL 2026
Lucara Secures $50 Million Equity Boost for Karowe Underground Expansion
HRD Antwerp Launches Globally Recognised Diamond, Gemmology and Jewellery Education Programmes in India
Kalyan Jewellers: The Official Style Partner of RCB Women for WPL 2026
Lucara Secures $50 Million Equity Boost for Karowe Underground Expansion
HRD Antwerp Launches Globally Recognised Diamond, Gemmology and Jewellery Education Programmes in India
-
GlamBuzz2 weeks agoGIVA Launches ‘Glow in Motion’, Unveils New Jewellery Collection Fronted by Barkha Singh
-
International News2 weeks agoSilver retraces down on margin hike pressure AUGMONT BULLION REPORT
-
JB Insights2 weeks agoThe JewelBuzz E-zine: Your Fortnightly Pulse of the Jewellery Industry
-
JB Insights2 weeks agoIIJS Bharat Signature 2026 set to open the year with scale, innovation and global momentum
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.