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India-GCC jewellery design collaboration kicks off in Mumbai ahead of SAJEX 2025
GJEPC hosted the inaugural session of the Exporter and GCC Designers’ Workshop at the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC, SEEPZ in Mumbai on 17th July.
The event marks a key milestone in the lead-up to SAJEX (Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition), GJEPC’s first-ever show in Saudi Arabia, scheduled from 11th to 13th September 2025 at the Jeddah Superdome.
The workshop was inaugurated by Milan Chokshi, Co-convener PMBD, and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, along with distinguished designers and industry stakeholders. A special welcome was extended to Ms. Mahima Varma and. Tarun Jain, Founders of the World Academy of Design, Dubai, who partnered with the Council to bring six leading GCC-based designers to collaborate with Indian manufacturers.
Delivering the keynote address, Sabyasachi Ray expressed his optimism about the initiative: “This design workshop marks a crucial step in deepening India’s engagement with the fast-evolving Saudi jewellery market. With Saudi’s jewellery imports expected to grow from $4.5 billion to $8.5 billion by 2030, this is a timely initiative. The collaboration between Indian manufacturers and GCC-based designers will help create region-specific collections that reflect Saudi sensibilities while showcasing India’s manufacturing strength. SAJEX 2025 is not just an India show; it’s envisioned as a world jewellery show, and this workshop lays the foundation for its long-term success. This is a young, affluent, and globally minded audience looking for style and substance — and India is perfectly poised to meet that demand.”
Adding to the sentiment, Milan Chokshi highlighted the broader design evolution taking place. “This initiative has the potential to spark something truly exciting in design. Indian jewellery design has evolved from referencing catalogues to creating original, contemporary pieces rooted in Indian heritage but made for the world. Today, as the Middle East undergoes its own transformation, this is a chance for GCC designers to draw from their own cultural identity and collaborate with Indian manufacturers to build something unique and globally relevant. The future belongs to original design — and this is where it begins.”
with this initiative, GJEPC is laying the groundwork for stronger ties between India and the Gulf. By bringing together design talent from both regions, the workshop is encouraging fresh ideas, meaningful partnerships, and jewellery that resonates with today’s global consumer. It’s a step towards building collections that not only reflect local tastes but also stand out on the international stage — just in time for the Council’s much-anticipated debut in Saudi Arabia with SAJEX 2025.
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Sydney Jewellery Fair Puts Education, Technology and Business Growth In The Spotlight
12 Expert-Led Sessions To Equip Jewellery Retailers With Insights On AI, Diamonds, Gemstones, Security, Insurance and Next-Generation Consumers
With the International Jewellery Fair in Sydney set to take place from 22–24 August 2026, organisers Expertise Events have announced an extensive education programme aimed at helping jewellery retailers strengthen their businesses and stay ahead of industry developments.
The three-day fair will feature 12 expert presentations, covering everything from AI and digital tools to gemstone education, diamond detection, business security, insurance and consumer trends.
The programme will open on Saturday, 22 August, with Vikas Sodhani of Unbridaled exploring how AI tools can boost sales and streamline daily operations. The day will also feature sessions on Australian opals, Colombian emeralds, jewellery business security and insurance.
Gemstone specialists Alyssa Cameron and Mateo Patino of GemstoneX will offer practical insights into Colombian emerald quality, treatments, origin and certification. Meanwhile, John Papadimitriou of Safeguard Locksmiths will focus on improving operational discipline and business controls, while Lachlan Renshaw of Centrestone Jewellery Insurance will address protecting jewellery businesses beyond the point of sale.
Technology will remain a key theme, with Ryan Abdullah and Isaac Schaider of CaratIQ demonstrating how AI and technology can help jewellers increase sales and simplify operations. Stephen Moignard of Australian Jade will also take attendees through the origins and characteristics of Australian jade.
Focus on Trust, Technology and Changing Consumers
The education programme continues on Sunday, 23 August, with Christina Loccisano of Searay presenting a live demonstration of diamond detection technology and examining how retailers can use trust as a competitive advantage.
The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) will address one of the industry’s most relevant areas—the distinction between natural, treated and synthetic materials, including natural and lab-created diamonds.
Other sessions will explore how outsourced manufacturing and integrated software are reshaping bespoke jewellery, while generational consultant Scott Millar will examine the trends influencing the next generation of jewellery consumers.
The final day, Monday, 24 August, will open with Mustafa Ali of Fog Bandit ANZ, who will focus on proactive approaches to jewellery business security and loss prevention.
By bringing together industry expertise, practical education and emerging technology, the Sydney Fair aims to provide retailers with actionable knowledge that can be applied directly to their businesses.
The International Jewellery Fair will be held at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICC Sydney) from 22–24 August 2026.
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