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International Institute of Gemology receives global recognition with the Industry Excellence Award at the Auguste Piccard Awards

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The International Institute of Gemology (IIG) is proud to announce that it has been conferred with the prestigious Industry Excellence Award at the globally respected Auguste Piccard Awards, at ICIEET; a momentous honor that marks a significant milestone not only for IIG, but for India’s gemological education sector on the world stage.

This distinguished award, named after the pioneering Swiss physicist and inventor Auguste Antoine Piccard, is reserved for institutions and individuals whose work represents a fusion of scientific innovation, boundary-breaking exploration, and lasting global impact. Much like Piccard’s daring ascent into the stratosphere and revolutionary deep-sea discoveries, the awards celebrate those who dare to push limits and challenge conventions in their fields.

Rahul Desai, CEO and Managing Director of IIG, was personally honored with the Industry Excellence Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership, future-forward vision, and his commitment to innovation, education quality, and industry transformation. Under his leadership, IIG has not only upheld its rich heritage, but also evolved into a globally relevant institution that champions a modern approach to skill-building and certification in gemology and jewelry arts.

“I am truly grateful for this award as it contributes deeply to IIG’s ongoing mission of raising the bar in education and empowering our students across the world. Our curriculum is designed to meet global standards, our mindset is driven by purpose, and our roots are firmly grounded in legacy. With this recognition, I feel more energized than ever to keep the momentum going and take IIG to the next level,” Rahul Desai. “Our students, hailing from across continents, are now part of a larger global narrative and IIG is proud to give them the edge and access they need to thrive internationally. We are a modern-heritage institute, established in 1965 and redefined for today’s world, focused solely on education, which gives us the ability to go deeper, broader, and bolder.”

This recognition affirms the transformative journey IIG has embarked upon; where tradition meets technology, and regional roots merge with global aspirations. With students and collaborations now spanning across countries, IIG continues to position itself as an international institution not only in name, but in ethos, curriculum, and opportunity. 

The Industry Excellence Award places IIG among a select group of global institutions that are not just responding to change, but leading it. As the institute moves into its next phase of expansion, this milestone stands as a powerful validation of its legacy, its leadership, and its future. With this feather added to its cap, IIG steps forward as not just an educational institution, but a powerhouse, shaping the future of the gem and jewelry industry with purpose, integrity, and global impact.

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230+ International Buyers Visit IGJS Jaipur 2026 Amid Evolving Global Geopolitical Scenario

Strong Global Turnout Reinforces India’s Position As A Trusted Sourcing Hub Despite Ongoing Trade Uncertainties

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The International Gem & Jewellery Show (IGJS) Jaipur 2026, organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), is currently underway in Jaipur from April 9 to 11, 2026, bringing together leading Indian manufacturers and global buyers under one roof.

Recognised as a highly curated, business-focused platform, IGJS continues to strengthen India’s position as a preferred sourcing destination for the global gem and jewellery trade.

This edition of IGJS Jaipur features 85 companies across 110 booths, with participation from over 230 international buyers representing 30 countries, including the USA, UK, Europe, Latin America, Oceania, MENA, Russia, and the CIS region.

The show was inaugurated by Sanjay Gupta, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Customs Preventive, New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including R. K. Chandan, Commissioner of Customs, Jaipur; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman (Rajasthan), GJEPC; Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Exhibitions, GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Gupta, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Customs Preventive, New Delhi, said,

“I am happy to see that GJEPC is playing a pivotal role in strengthening Brand India on the global stage. Platforms like IGJS not only showcase the depth of India’s manufacturing capabilities but also build confidence among international buyers. As Customs, our commitment is clear—we will continue to facilitate trade, simplify processes, and support the industry in its growth journey.”


R. K. Chandan, Commissioner of Customs, Jaipur, Said
, “Customs is not only a regulator—we are also facilitators of trade. Our focus is on enabling ease of doing business and supporting the growth of the industry. We appreciate GJEPC’s efforts in organising IGJS, which brings global buyers and Indian manufacturers together on a strong platform.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Said:

“At a time when the global trade environment is impacted by geopolitical uncertainties, the strong participation of over 230 international buyers reflects the continued trust in India as a reliable sourcing partner. IGJS is a focused platform that brings together the strength of Indian manufacturing and the confidence of global buyers, helping build resilient supply chains and long-term business relationships.”

Highlighting Jaipur’s importance, Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman (Rajasthan), GJEPC, said,

“Jaipur offers a unique and integrated ecosystem for the gem and jewellery industry—from sourcing and manufacturing to certification and trade—all within close proximity. IGJS Jaipur reflects this strength and presents an opportunity for global buyers to engage deeply with India’s capabilities.”

Simon Benney, CEO & Owner, House of Benney and Royal Warrant holder as Goldsmith to His Majesty King Charles, said:

“Bringing the industry together under the India-UK FTA framework, with zero tariffs, creates a clear advantage for both sides. It removes a key cost barrier and encourages wider participation across manufacturers, cutters and polishers. What stands out here is the exceptional level of Indian craftsmanship, particularly the precision in settings, the quality of finishing, and the high standard of enamel work. The attention to detail is consistently strong, even on close inspection. Overall, highly impressive and a strong signal for increased bilateral trade in jewellery.”

Esmarie Du Plooy of Eco Chic Jewellery, South Africa, said:

“India offers far more than expected. I’ve discovered designers experimenting with new materials, metals and surface finishes, and creating fastening mechanisms that feel original and fresh. There is strong potential to collaborate, combining my design approach with Indian craftsmanship to develop something distinctive. I am particularly interested in sourcing gemstones and working with partners here. My design philosophy centres on merging old and new, upcycling heirloom pieces with contemporary elements to create something meaningful and unique.”

In FY 2024–25, India’s gem and jewellery sector remained a key contributor to the economy, with exports of $28.7 billion, accounting for nearly 7% of India’s merchandise exports.

IGJS Jaipur offers international buyers a comprehensive sourcing platform across categories, including diamond and studded jewellery, gold, silver, coloured gemstones, and lab-grown diamonds – enabling direct interaction with India’s leading manufacturers.

At a time when global trade is navigating shifts in supply chains and consumer demand, IGJS provides a reliable and efficient platform to build partnerships and explore new opportunities.

Beyond flagship initiatives like IGJS, GJEPC continues to drive India’s global outreach through a wide spectrum of domestic and international platforms. The Council hosts its marquee IIJS exhibitions – IIJS Premiere, IIJS Signature, and IIJS Tritiya – which are among the largest jewellery shows in the world, attracting buyers from across key global markets. Internationally, GJEPC actively promotes Indian manufacturers through India Pavilions at leading trade shows such as JCK Las Vegas, Vicenzaoro, and major exhibitions across Hong Kong and the Middle East, while also organising focused Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs) in emerging and high-potential markets. Strategic initiatives like IJEX in Dubai provide a year-round sourcing platform for global buyers, while new ventures such as SAJEX in Saudi Arabia are opening fresh opportunities in the rapidly growing Middle East region. Through these sustained efforts, GJEPC continues to expand market access, strengthen trade relationships, and position India as a trusted global hub for gem and jewellery sourcing.

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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.

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