National News
Global Thought Leaders Converge at BDB Leadership Series to Shape the Future of the Gem & Jewellery Industry
Three-day event features global experts, cutting-edge research, and high-level discussions on innovation, market trends, and the future of diamonds—both natural and lab-grown.
The second edition of the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) Leadership Series, themed “Polishing Our Future”, concluded successfully, drawing international experts and industry pioneers for three days of high-impact dialogue, research, and strategic insights into the evolving gem and jewellery landscape.
Hosted at the Bharat Diamond Bourse, the event kicked off with the Advances in Gem & Diamond Research & Technology (AGDRT) annual meet, led by the Gemmological Institute of India (GII). Over the first two days, research papers were presented on cutting-edge developments in gemology and diamond technology.
High-Profile Speakers & Global Collaboration
The final day featured the much-anticipated BDB Leadership Series. The event was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai, with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony.
In his keynote, Anoop Mehta, President of BDB, addressed critical industry issues such as the recent US tariffs on Indian gems, global economic uncertainties, and the importance of engaging more deeply with ASEAN and Far East markets.
Industry Innovations and Market Trends
Tom Moses, Executive Vice President of GIA, delivered a virtual keynote on diamond origin and provenance technologies, also addressing participant queries related to certification and grading.
Liang Weizhang, Founder of Hubwis Strategic Creations, China, provided an in-depth look at the China and Hong Kong markets, outlining current shifts and long-term projections.
A powerful panel discussion on consumer trends in India and the Middle East featured:
- Pratap Kamath, MD, Abaran Timeless Jewellery
- KP Abdul Salaam, Vice Chairman, Malabar Group
- Siddharthaa Sawansukha, MD, Sawansukha Jewellers
All panelists agreed on strong growth momentum in both regions, particularly within the premium and bridal jewellery segments.
Fireside Chat & First-of-Its-Kind LGD-Natural Dialogue
A highlight of the day was an inspiring fireside chat between:
- Pranay Narvekar, Partner, Pharos Beam Consulting LLP
- Mithun Sacheti, Co-founder & Former CEO, CaratLane
Sacheti shared the inside story of CaratLane’s journey, detailing key decisions, challenges, and learnings that shaped the brand’s success.
A first-of-its-kind panel brought together voices from both the natural and lab-grown diamond sectors, moderated by consultant Nirupa Bhat. Speakers included:
- Smit Patel, Director, Greenlab LGD Diamonds
- Olivia Landau, Founder & CEO, The Clearcut (USA)
- Ashish Pethe, Partner, Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers
The discussion offered nuanced insights into consumer behavior, product positioning, and the future co-existence of both diamond categories.
Commitment to Industry Knowledge and Growth
Mehul Shah, Vice President of BDB, praised the event, stating: “This was one of the most educational and insightful industry gatherings in recent memory. The BDB Leadership Series continues to expand its scope and relevance, and we are committed to facilitating global dialogue that shapes the future of our industry.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Jay Parikh, BDB Committee Member. With participation from experts across Russia, China, the U.S., and India, the event stood out for fostering international collaboration and driving conversations around innovation and industry consolidation.
National News
All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) welcomes Maharashtra Government’s landmark initiative- Formation of State-Level ‘Dakshata Committee’ for Jewellers’ Security
GJC hails Maharashtra Govt’s move to set up state-level Dakshata Committee for jewellers’ safety and security
The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), the apex body representing over 600,000 jewellers across India, heartily welcomes the Maharashtra Government’s historic step of establishing a state-level ‘Dakshata Committee’ (Vigilance Committee) to ensure the safety and security of jewellers.
For a long time, jewellers have faced harassment during investigations of theft and robbery cases involving gold and silver. In some unfortunate incidents, jewellers even lost their lives during the process. Taking cognizance of these grave concerns, on March 14, 2024, the Government of Maharashtra issued a circular under the Home Department, clearly instructing police officers regarding investigations under BNS 317 (formerly Section 411 IPC). The circular also recommended the establishment of a special Dakshata Committee.
This Vigilance Committee has been constituted by the State Government. Representatives from 36 districts of Maharashtra have been included, and in the near future, district-level committees will also be established with the support of GJC. The key objective of this initiative is to build a secure and reliable bridge between the government and trade bodies, ensuring the safety of jewellers and extending full support to honest business practices.
GJC expresses its sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis for this visionary step. The Council also acknowledges the special efforts of Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Pankaj Bhoyar and Hon’ble Smt. Chitra Wagh (MLC) in making this reform a reality.
GJC Chairman, Mr. Rajesh Rokde, said:
“This decision marks a historic moment for the jewellery industry in Maharashtra. The formation of the Dakshata Committee reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe business environment in a safe state. We are deeply thankful to Hon’ble Shri Devendra Fadnavis for this far-sighted reform and appreciate the tireless efforts of Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Pankaj Bhoyar and Hon’ble Smt. Chitra Wagh. We congratulate all trade representatives included from various districts of Maharashtra. I urge jewellers across India to make similar efforts in their respective states so that a strong and secure national framework can be created. GJC remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the industry.”
GJC Vice Chairman, Mr. Avinash Gupta, added:
“The jewellery sector has long grappled with serious security challenges. The Maharashtra Government’s decision is indeed a revolutionary step, reflecting both sensitivity and strong commitment towards the jeweller community. This initiative will instill confidence among jewellers. We appeal to all our pan-India members to actively engage with their respective state governments for similar committees, so that a safe ecosystem for jewellery business can be built nationwide.”
| Name | District | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Shri Nitin Khandelwal | Akola | Member |
| Shri Rajesh Rokde | Nagpur | Member |
| Shri Shailesh Kharote | Akola | Member |
| Shri Sudhakar Tank | Nanded | Member |
| Shri Kiran Andilkar | Pune | Member |
| Shri Mahavir Gandhi | Solapur | Member |
| Shri Bharat Oswal | Kolhapur | Member |
| Shri Subhash Vadala (Jain) | Mumbai | Member |
| Shri Girish Devrmani | Solapur | Member |
| Shri Ajit Pendhurkar | Mumbai | Member |
| Shri Rajendra Dindorkar | Nashik | Member |
| Shri Amol Dhomne | Wardha | Member |
As the national apex body, GJC also invites all state heads across India to replicate such initiatives in their respective states. GJC will extend full support and is preparing a detailed national Plan of Action to help implement this framework across India.
All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) welcomes Maharashtra Government’s landmark initiative- Formation of State-Level ‘Dakshata Committee’ for Jewellers’ Security
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