JB Insights

Let us continue to harness our collective strengths, seize emerging opportunities, and embrace change with enthusiasm.

Let us uphold our legacy of craftsmanship and integrity, and propel the industry towards unparalleled success – Vipul Shah

Published

2 years ago

February 11, 2024

JewelBuzz Spread The Buzz

877 Views

The Indian gem and jewellery sector is a force to reckon with in the international GJ market. GJEPC has been the apex body driving India’s export-led growth in the gem and jewellery sector since 1966.Vipul Shah, Chairman GJEPC speaks to JewelBuzz on the initiatives, strategies for growth of the GJ industry, impact of geopolitical crisis on GJ sector and government policies and regulatory frameworks aiding the growth of Indian GJ sector.

Take us through the GJEPC roadmap for the year 2024—events and initiatives, strategies for growth of the GJ industry.

GJEPC is focused on growing India’s share of the global gem and jewellery pie. The Council also has a dual focus of driving export growth and creating job opportunities in the industry. Despite challenges faced in 2023, the industry is optimistic for the year 2024.

Efforts are directed towards sustaining and increasing exports to major markets like the USA, Hong Kong, and UAE. Additionally, the industry is exploring new markets such as the UK, Italy, France, Latin America, and Cambodia among many others.

Marketing efforts will be intensified to promote Indian gems and jewellery globally. This includes organising the IIJS, the India International Gem & Jewellery Show (IGJS) in Dubai and Jaipur, actively participating in major international gem and jewellery exhibitions; and facilitating product-specific and market-specific Buyer Seller Meets.

There is also a focus on investing in technology and innovation to enhance productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. GJEPC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and SEEPZ, has launched a Mega Common Facility Center in SEEPZ Mumbai. This initiative aims to increase manufacturing capacities, drive technological advancements, and provide extensive skill development opportunities. Importantly, the services offered will benefit both SEEPZ and Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units, reflecting inclusivity and industry-wide progress.

The geopolitical crisis and G7 sanctions banning Russian diamonds are major concerns. What is the impact on Indian diamond industry with the manufacturing sector affected drastically with shortage of rough diamonds?

The G7/EU has considered March 1st to August 31st as the “Sunrise Period.” During this phase, the US has opted for self-certification for import shipment clearance, while the EU provides two alternatives: G7 certification and a documentary evidence-based system, facilitating Indian trade in importing goods directly to India using the documentary evidence option. Certain countries allow Mixed Origin relaxation, subject to documentary evidence. The UK has provided clarification on Grandfathering diamonds movement and the necessary procedures. As of March 1, 2024, the immediate impact of G7 sanctions appears relatively manageable, with the industry adjusting to uphold support documents, coordinate two supply chains, and comprehend country-specific requirements for legal compliance. While it is still early, being only 3 weeks into the sanctions, inquiries and feedback from members are being actively received and assessed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

How are government policies and regulatory frameworks aiding the growth of Indian GJ sector?

Based on its potential for growth and value addition, the Government of India has declared the Gems and Jewellery sector as a focus area for export promotion. Over the years, through trade-friendly policies, the government has facilitated a remarkable surge in gem and jewellery exports, which now stand at USD 40 billion.

The recent Free Trade Agreements with key partners such as the UAE, Australia, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries—Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein—hold substantial promise for further boosting Indian gem and jewellery exports.

However, to enhance the industry’s competitiveness in global markets and ensure sustainable development, several measures have been proposed to the government:

Safe harbour rule for sale of rough diamonds in Special Notified Zones (SNZs)
Introduction of Diamond Imprest License and reduction in import duty on cut & polished diamonds to 2.5%
Reduction in import duty on gold/silver/platinum bars to 4%
Introduction of a mechanism like “Rates & Taxes Refund” through EDI system similar to GST refund.

Despite the various challenges there is always a positive spirit. What is your message to the GJ industry?

Despite facing challenges, the Indian gem and jewellery industry has always shown resilience, relying on its renowned craftsmanship and skills recognized worldwide.

Understanding its inherent strengths, the industry perceives setbacks as temporary hurdles, consistently striving for improvement by integrating the latest technologies. Today, it stands capable of meeting the diverse demands of global markets.

My message to the GJ industry is simple: Let us continue to harness our collective strengths, seize emerging opportunities, and embrace change with enthusiasm. Together, we can navigate through any adversity, upholding our legacy of craftsmanship and integrity, and propel the industry towards unparalleled success.

Related Topics:2024 jbinsights spotlight

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JB Insights

India Doesn’t Have Any Jewellery Brands; They Are Marketplaces Masquerading As Brands

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

JewelBuzz Spread The Buzz

1,860 Views

Amit Kumar, CEO & Co-founder, QWEEN, speaking to JewelBuzz, said jewellery brands are actually “marketplaces masquerading as brands.” QWEEN disrupts the fragmented diamond industry by replacing “aggregator” models with a 100% natural, Mine-to-Market approach. By sourcing exclusively from Rosy Blue, they maintain a closed-loop supply chain that guarantees a documented, audited journey for every stone. Moving beyond marketing jargon, QWEEN prioritises transparency and ethical integrity through Kimberley Process compliance, transforming the intimidating traditional buying process into a confident, self-discovery experience for the modern woman.

You’ve made a bold claim that most Indian jewellery brands are actually “marketplaces masquerading as brands.” What do you mean by that?

For decades, the industry has operated on an illusion. Most retailers act like aggregators—they source diamonds from a vast web of multiple vendors in various batches. Much like a restaurant sourcing ingredients from different suppliers to save costs, these jewellers prioritise efficiency over consistency. The result is a fragmented supply chain where even the jeweller often cannot tell you the true origin of the stones they are selling. We felt modern luxury deserved better than that ambiguity.

QWEEN calls itself India’s first “100% natural, Mine-to-Market” brand. How does your sourcing model actually differ from the norm?

We chose a path that is intentionally harder and slower. Instead of juggling multiple vendors, we source every single diamond from one revered origin: Rosy Blue. With over 63 years of heritage, they aren’t just a supplier; they are our strategic supply-chain investors. Because they are sightholders with direct access to ethically sourced rough diamonds, we have a documented, audited chain of custody. We don’t just trace a diamond to a country; we trace it through its entire journey.

Ethical sourcing is a popular buzzword. How do you move beyond “marketing narratives” to provide verifiable proof to your customers?

We believe trust is built through structural integrity, not just slogans. Every diamond at QWEEN is Kimberley Process compliant, meaning it is verifiably conflict-free by global standards. Because we don’t deal in “mixed batches,” there is zero room for inconsistency. We intend to prove this transparency directly to our customers within our retail stores, showing them the verifiable truth behind their purchase.

You often mention moving away from “jargon and intimidation” in the buying process. What does the “self-discovery” experience look like for a woman shopping at QWEEN?

Historically, buying diamonds has felt transactional or even intimidating. We want to change that. When a woman understands exactly where her diamond came from, who worked on it, and why it’s graded a certain way, the purchase transforms. It’s no longer about pressure; it’s about ownership and confidence. We want our customers to connect the diamond’s journey to their own identity and values.

What is next for QWEEN, and where can customers experience this new model of luxury?

Our philosophy is coming to life in our upcoming experiential stores in Bangalore and Delhi. These won’t just be retail spaces; they are environments designed for clarity and intent. We aren’t building this brand on the size of our assortment, but on the courage to do things differently.

Feature	Traditional Marketplaces	QWEEN (Mine-to-Market)
Sourcing	Fragmented: Diamonds pass through many hands, making it hard to pinpoint origin.	Single Source: Sourced directly through Rosy Blue, ensuring a closed-loop system.
Traceability	Opaque: Often impossible to guarantee the exact journey of a specific stone.	Fully Documented: Offers a clear, verifiable chain of custody from the mine to the wearer.
Ethical Standards	Inconsistent: Rely heavily on vague marketing or secondary certifications.	Strict Compliance: 100% Kimberley Process compliant with rigorous ethical oversight.
Customer Vibe	Transactional: Can feel cold, intimidating, and buried in technical jargon.	Experiential: Focuses on the “story” of the diamond, making it personal and relatable.