National News
India’s Gem & Jewellery Exports Drop 11.72% in FY25 Amid Global Pressures
Studded gold and platinum jewellery buck trend with positive growth; CPD and silver exports see sharp declines
India’s gem and jewellery (G&J) exports declined by 11.72% in the financial year 2024-25, totaling USD 28.5 billion, compared to USD 32.28 billion in FY24. The industry grappled with multiple global challenges including sluggish demand in key markets like the US and China, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and rising competition from lab-grown diamonds.
Despite the overall decline, exports of studded gold jewellery rose by 14% year-on-year to USD 6.1 billion, and platinum jewellery exports also saw an uptick of 11.79% to USD 182.75 million. In contrast, exports of cut and polished diamonds (CPD), the sector’s largest component, plummeted 16.75% to USD 13.2 billion, while silver jewellery exports dropped a staggering 40.58% to USD 962 million.
The imposition of a 26% US tariff on certain goods triggered a last-minute surge in exports, with over USD 1 billion worth of shipments sent in the 10 days prior to the tariff’s implementation — a sign of underlying global demand potential.
On the import front, gross G&J imports fell 11.96% to USD 19.6 billion, down from USD 22.2 billion in the previous fiscal year. Imports of rough diamonds, a key raw material, dropped 24.27% in value to USD 10.8 billion, while the volume declined 16.2% to 1,044.34 lakh carats.
Exports of lab-grown polished diamonds were also impacted, declining by 9.64% to USD 1.2 billion.
Gold jewellery exports were relatively stable, recording only a marginal decline of 0.11% to USD 11.21 billion. Of this, plain gold jewellery contributed USD 5.1 billion.
Signs of recovery were visible from January 2025 onwards, with month-on-month growth, although still trailing behind year-on-year figures. Exports in March 2025 were USD 2.5 billion, showing a modest 1.02% growth over February, but slightly below the USD 2.55 billion recorded in March 2024.
Industry players remain cautiously optimistic, citing stabilizing diamond prices and improving market sentiment as early indicators of a turnaround, despite ongoing global uncertainty.
National News
Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds Raises INR 275 Crore To Strengthen Vertical Integration and Accelerate Retail Expansion Across India
The INR 275 Crore Funding Will Bolster Manufacturing, Innovation, and Retail Expansion As Limelight Targets 200 Stores Nationwide By 2027.
Limelight Diamonds, India’s leading lab grown diamond jewellery brand, has successfully completed an INR 275 crore strategic funding round led by the Company’s core promoters, the Bhathwari Group, along with participation from key strategic partners from the jewellery industry. The round also saw strong participation from several of the Company’s franchise partners, reinforcing their confidence in Limelight’s long-term vision, business fundamentals, and growth trajectory.
The capital has been raised through a combination of equity and cash consideration and will be utilised towards strengthening the Company’s vertical integration capabilities, expanding manufacturing infrastructure, enhancing design and innovation capabilities, and accelerating retail expansion across India.
At a time when the national conversation is increasingly focused on strengthening domestic industries and reducing dependency on imports under the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s “Make in India” vision, Limelight Diamonds believes the lab grown diamond sector is uniquely positioned to become a globally competitive Indian luxury category. Lab grown diamonds represent a modern, technology-led manufacturing opportunity for India. With strong domestic manufacturing capabilities, skilled craftsmanship, and growing consumer demand, the category aligns closely with India’s ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing and export hub.
Commenting on the milestone, Pooja Madhavan, Founder & MD, said:
“This funding round is a strong validation of Limelight’s vision and the growing potential of the lab grown diamond industry in India. At a time when Hon’ble Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ vision is driving focus towards domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness, we believe lab grown diamonds present a significant opportunity for India to lead a new-age luxury category globally. This investment will help us strengthen Indian manufacturing, accelerate retail expansion, and build a world-class brand from India for the world.”

Limelight Diamonds also confirmed that its retail expansion plans remain firmly on track, with aggressive growth planned across metro cities, Tier I, and emerging Tier II markets. The Company aims to significantly increase its national retail footprint through a combination of company-owned and franchise-operated stores, with a target of adding 100 stores in 2026 and scaling up to 200 stores by 2027.
The funding comes at a time when consumer interest in lab grown diamonds is witnessing rapid momentum globally, driven by evolving preferences, value-conscious luxury consumption, sustainability considerations, and increasing acceptance among younger consumers.
With a strong retail network, vertically integrated operations, and growing investor confidence, Limelight Diamonds is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s next-generation jewellery revolution.
BSC Advisors served as the financial advisor to Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds for this strategic fund raise.
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