National News
JOSH convocation ceremony celebrates graduates, including specially abled candidates
The Jewellery Occupational Skilling Hub (JOSH), the first-ever industry-funded, state-of-the-art training centre of the Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI), held its convocation ceremony at Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC SEEPZ, Mumbai on 12th February. The event celebrated the graduation of 136 candidates, comprising the ninth batch of regular trainees and the second and third batches of Specially Abled Persons.
The convocation was graced by dignitaries including chief guest Mr. Dnyaneshwar B. Patil, IAS, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ; Mr. Raghuraj Rajendran, IAS, Secretary (Technical Education), Skill Development and Employment, Government of Madhya Pradesh; and Mr. Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director, Gemological Institute of America (GIA); Also present on the occasion was Shri. Milan Chokshi, Chairman, GJSCI.
In his welcome address, Mr. Milan Chokshi congratulated the graduates for their dedication and perseverance in joining the gems and jewellery industry. He also extended gratitude to industry partners, including Mega CFC, SEEPZ Development Commissioner’s office, and GIA, for their continuous support in bridging the skill gap in the sector.
National News
Palmonas Raises $40 Million in Series B, Accelerates Omni-Channel Expansion
Shraddha Kapoor-Backed Demi-Fine Jewellery Brand to Scale Offline Retail and Strengthen Market Presence
Palmonas, the Shraddha Kapoor-backed demi-fine jewellery startup, has raised $40 million (approx. Rs. 373 crore) in a Series B funding round, led by Xponentia Capital and Vertex Growth Fund, with participation from existing investor Vertex Venture
The fresh capital will be utilised to expand its offline retail footprint, building on its growing omnichannel presence across online platforms and physical stores.
Founded in 2022 by Pallavi Mohadikar and Amol Patwari, with Shraddha Kapoor joining as co-founder, Palmonas operates in the demi-fine jewellery segment, offering affordable yet premium designs crafted from sterling silver and stainless steel with gold plating. The brand targets the space between fashion and fine jewellery, catering to a young, aspirational audience.
The company has seen rapid growth, with its operating revenue surging over 40X to Rs. 39 crore in FY25, up from Rs. 97 lakh in FY24. Notably, Palmonas also turned profitable, reporting a profit of Rs. 4.3 crore during the same period.
The brand had earlier raised Rs. 55 crore from Vertex Ventures and gained visibility through Shark Tank India Season 4, securing Rs. 1.26 crore funding from Namita Thapar and Ritesh Agarwal, at a Rs. 126 crore valuation.
Operating in a competitive space, Palmonas goes head-to-head with players such as GIVA, BlueStone, and Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, as it continues to strengthen its position in India’s fast-growing demi-fine jewellery market.
-
New Premises5 minutes agoP. N. Gadgil & Sons Expands in Pune with New Store at Tribeca Highstreet; Launches 9KT Collection
-
National News3 hours agoPalmonas Raises $40 Million in Series B, Accelerates Omni-Channel Expansion
-
GlamBuzz5 hours agoForevermark Diamond Jewellery Opens New Store in Patna
-
BrandBuzz18 hours agoDe Beers Group Partners With Suryakumar Yadav To Celebrate A Journey of Resilience and Rare Brilliance
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.