By Invitation
Jewellery industry sees Union Budget 2025-26 stimulating consumer demand, streamlining regulations and focusing on growth
Increased disposable income, coupled with stable gold and silver tariffs, is expected to create a favorable increase in jewellery demand
The Indian jewellery industry welcomed the Budget 2025 announcements, particularly the significant increase in the personal income tax exemption limit to ₹12 lakh. This increased disposable income, coupled with stable gold and silver tariffs, is expected to create a favorable increase in jewellery demand. The abolition of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on high-value transactions above ₹50 lakh was welcomed for simplifying compliance. The continued focus on supporting the lab-grown diamond (LGD) sector is welcomed.
While some in the industry expressed a desire for clarity on gold tariffs, particularly regarding alloys, the overall sentiment remains positive. The unchanged import duty on gold and silver is viewed as providing stability and predictable pricing for consumers.
Overall, the Budget 2025 is perceived as a positive step for the Indian jewellery industry, with tax relief measures expected to stimulate consumer demand and streamlined regulations fostering a more efficient and transparent business environment.
GJEPC welcomes the recognition of exports as the fourth engine of growth and the new Export Promotion Mission with sectoral and ministerial targets, driven jointly by Union Commerce, Finance & MSME Ministries. This will facilitate easy access to export credit cross border and factor support to MSMEs to tackle non-tariff barriers in exports. GJEPC welcomes the digital public infrastructure, ‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN) for international trade to be set-up as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.
The announcement of National Manufacturing Mission & the National Centres of Excellence Skilling furthering ‘Make for India ‘Make for the World’ is positive and is set to have direct benefit to the sector. GJEPC welcomes income tax relief incentives to boost consumer demand. Overall, Union Budget presented by Hon. Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman puts India in the growth path to Viksit Bharat.
Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC
The reduction in personal income tax rates, along with the tax exemption limit raised to 12 lakh, is a positive move that will significantly boost consumer spending and drive demand for jewellery. This increase in disposable income is expected to particularly benefit the gold and branded jewellery sectors.
Additionally, the abolition of TDS and TCS on high-value transactions above *50 lakh will streamline operations, ease compliance burdens, and bring more transactions into the formal, hallmarked market. These reforms will foster transparency, trust, and sustainable growth in the jewellery industry.
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, GJC
“The reduction in personal income tax rates is a welcome move as it will enhance disposable income, leading to increased consumer spending, including in the jewellery sector. Additionally, the abolition TDS and TCS on specific goods purchases and sales above ₹50 lakh will significantly ease compliance burdens for jewellers and bullion dealers, fostering a more seamless and efficient business environment. These measures will collectively boost industry growth and strengthen consumer confidence.”
Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman – GJC
Finance Minister has announced a populist Union Budget 2025 with a main aim to continue growth momentum of the Viksit Bharat. There have been no announcements on Gold and Silver import duties as market expected. There are few things specified in the finance bill about increase in tariffs on gold and silver, which is not clear, so we will have to wait for DGFT notifications.
Prithviraj Kothari, MD- RiddiSiddhi Bullions Limited (RSBL)
The fiscal budget announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is advantageous for the gold industry as it increases disposable income, encourages spending, and promotes economic growth across various income levels.
Overall, this consumption-led budget prioritises both investments and spending, with the increase in disposable incomes due to an enhanced tax exemption limit expected to boost overall consumer demand, including that for gold and jewellery.
Sachin Jain, Regional CEO, India-World Gold Council
The reduction in tariffs on platinum and findings is a welcome move, but the industry awaits clarity on gold tariffs post-May 1, especially regarding alloys. While no direct duty cuts have been announced, the relaxation of TDS and TCS on high-value jewellery is a step in the right direction. The budget’s consumer-friendly measures, including the extension of the non-taxable income limit to ₹12 lakh, will encourage higher spending and drive growth in the jewellery sector.
Saiyam Mehra, Director -Unique Chains Pvt. Ltd.
There will be no change in the gold, platinum, and silver import duty rates. This stability in duty will greatly benefit the industry. The new tariff lines, set to be introduced on May 1, 2025, will assist the government in levying the correct duty, addressing the confusion that has affected all sectors of gold, silver, and platinum.
Surendra Mehta, National Secretary – IBJA
We sincerely thank the Honourable Finance Minister for presenting a robust budget. The reduction in the customs duty from 25% to 6.4% on platinum findings and the reduction in the tariff rate from 25% to 20% on finished jewellery— is a significant step. We are confident that these measures will stimulate renewed demand and drive growth for platinum in the coming years.”
Vaishali Banerjee, Managing Director – India, Platinum Guild International
The Union Budget 2025-26 has a laser sharp focus on boosting economic growth. With definitive steps in infrastructure investment and key support for agriculture, manufacturing and urban development, there is a deep commitment to continue on the growth momentum.
As brands continue their growth in the real Bharat, the Centres of Excellence for Skilling, coupled with global skilling partnerships, will add to the available talent pool.
The tax reforms proposed in the Budget will ensure that the consuming class will have enhanced discretionary income in their hands leading to a significant demand stimulus.
 TS Kalyanaraman, MD – Kalyan Jewellers
The budget reflects the government’s continued focus on revitalizing consumption, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and fostering job creation. Therefore, the budget has rightly focussed on offering fiscal impulse to boost consumption. With personal income tax reform, it will free up disposable income to boost urban consumption. It will boost the spending power of the middle-income segment and enhance consumer sentiment—both critical drivers of economic growth. For the retail and jewellery sector, a rise in consumption directly translates into stronger demand, fuelling expansion and employment generation.
MP Ahammed, Â Chairman, Malabar Group
The Budget 2025 reflects a forward-thinking approach with a strong focus on growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare. The significant increase in the income tax exemption threshold is a commendable move. By enhancing the spending power of the middle class, we anticipate a positive ripple effect on consumer demand, which will invigorate various sectors of the economy. I see this budget as a positive sign for future growth and innovation, paving the way for a stronger, more competitive economy.
Dr. B.Govindan, Chairman, Bhima Jewellery- Trivandrum
This budget is a classic bend of boosting the economy in the near term through income tax relief and in the long run through job creation measures (particularly MSME sector which ia biggest job creator). This will help sustain the growth momentum. Jewellery industry will benefit from the consumption thrust. Stability in tariffs on Gold and Silver comes as a positive.
Jignesh Mehta, Founder & MD- Divine Solitaires
The budget has set the right objective of driving growth of India by focussing on middle class consumption, agricultural sector that will drive rural demand and rural productivity , focusing on women and youth, that will drive future growth of India . Gold and Silver duty has remained the same, thus that will avoid additional burden on Indian Consumer . Tech development is need of the hour and should be focused, to becoming a more futuristic country . I think the intent is well planned
Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO, Senco Gold & Diamonds
We are deeply grateful to the Finance Minister for increasing the income tax slab from 7.5 lakhs to 12 lakhs, which will significantly boost the flow in the jewellery industry and drive demand from more consumers. As an industry, we are pleased with the decision to maintain the current customs duty. While a 1% GST would have been ideal, we remain hopeful that the Finance Minister will consider this in the months to come.
Anantha Padmanabhan, CMD-NAC JEWELLERS PVT LTD
The Indian government’s proposed income tax relief up to Rs. 12 lakhs is expected to benefit a significant portion of the population.
The government has also addressed concerns raised by the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association regarding import policy loopholes.
Additionally, the removal of Tax Collected at Source (TCS) will ease business operations, reduce compliance burdens, and promote economic growth. These developments are expected to have a positive impact on the Indian economy, putting it on a growth path.
Deepak Soni, Kartikey Bullion – East India Head- IBJA
We welcome and commend the government’s efforts to reduce income tax for the middle-class households which would facilitate more savings and also increase their purchasing power.
The reduction of the Basic Customs Duty on Platinum findings from 25 per cent to 6.4 per cent is a welcome step for the jewellery industry.
This inclusive budget with special focus on investing in people by setting up National Centres of Excellence for skilling with global expertise and partnership will strengthen many industries including gems and jewellery industry.
Amarendra Vummidi, Managing Partner, VBJ
By Invitation
Artisan Perspectives: Rethinking Craft In The Age Of Lab-Grown Stones
Prapanjj S K Kota
Founder & CEO at Réia Diamonds
- Traditionally, diamond value was driven by rarity, origin, and size, with craftsmanship playing a secondary role.
- With the rise of lab-grown diamonds, abundance is shifting focus from rarity to design and craftsmanship.
- Jewellery-making is returning to a craft-first approach, placing artisans at the core of value creation.
- Skill, precision, and finishing quality are becoming primary differentiators.
The rarity of diamonds has historically dictated their market value, and most of the conversation surrounding a diamond’s value has revolved around where (and how rare) it came from, and how large it was. While craftsmanship has always been important, it has often remained secondary, simply supporting the diamond rather than receiving the buyer’s focus.
As lab-grown diamonds begin to enter the market in greater numbers, the conversation surrounding them is also changing. With an increasing supply of diamonds, being a differentiating factor in jewellery becomes much more about design, craftsmanship, and the quality of work than about rarity.
For artisans, this shift means that the focus of making jewellery has returned to the craft itself.
From a technical perspective, lab-grown diamonds do not affect the fundamentals of jewellery making. They will continue to have the same hardness, brilliance, and structural properties that natural diamonds do; therefore, using traditional setting techniques, including precision settings, pavé work, micro-setting, and polishing, will be just as essential. While the tools may be more modern, the knowledge to work with diamonds continues to be based on many years of training and experience.
The major change comes with the new opportunities presented by working with lab-created stones.
Designers are utilising the increased access to stones to try new layouts incorporating a greater focus on symmetry, scale and intricate detail. As jewellery changes, so does its craftsmanship. Today, with designs that involve numerous stones, layered settings, and modern silhouettes, artisans must have an intentional focus on the structural integrity and balance of the pieces being created, elevating their role more than ever before.
As we see craftsmanship play a supporting role to design when jewellery becomes design-centric, the specifics of how stones are aligned, how strong the setting is, and how well metal surfaces are finished will have an impact on how a piece looks, feels, and holds up over time; and therefore, they cannot be replicated with technology alone.
This change also highlights the importance of India’s historical craft traditions. Surat’s experience in the production of diamonds has established it as a leading force in the world of fine jewellery. This industry relies heavily on a team of talented craftsmen and manufacturing expertise, which plays a very important role in the overall development of jewellery that uses natural as well as lab-grown diamonds.
The introduction of lab-grown diamonds offers a fresh new direction for many artisans, as well as introducing something new into the world of fine jewellery. As it becomes less critical to know where a stone comes from, knowing the quality of the craftsmanship around a piece of jewellery will become increasingly essential. Design integrity, structural engineering, and finishing standards will all contribute to defining the real value of a finished piece.
Therefore, there is an opportunity for artisans; thoughtful design with precise execution requires a high level of technical proficiency. The better the craft, the more evident the difference is.
With the rise of lab-grown diamonds, the discussion about value will slowly evolve to include what has always been considered great jewellery: the skill, time, and craftsmanship it takes to create a piece of art from a design.
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