National News
Natural Diamond Council Welcomes GJEPC Membership, Strengthening Industry Collaboration
Partnership Strengthens Global Collaboration, Consumer Education, and Category Marketing Efforts For The Natural Diamond Industry
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) is pleased to announce the membership of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), making it the first industry body to progress toward NDC membership under the Luanda Accord framework.
The milestone follows GJEPC’s signing of the Luanda Accord in June 2025 and the Memorandum of Understanding during the second Luanda Accord High-Level Meeting in Cape Town in February 2026. It further reflects GJEPC’s commitment to collective industry action in support of the natural diamond sector.
India sits at the heart of the global natural diamond value chain, spanning everything from cutting and polishing to a rapidly expanding domestic consumer market. As the world’s dominant diamond-processing hub, India cuts and polishes an estimated 90 percent of the world’s diamonds by volume, primarily in Surat, Gujarat.
Representing the country’s gem and jewellery trade, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has played a pivotal role in advancing India’s position as a global leader in the sector through trade promotion, industry development, and international engagement. Against this backdrop, GJEPC’s move toward membership further strengthens industry collaboration at a time when aligned messaging, consumer education, and sustained category marketing are increasingly important to supporting long-term demand for natural diamonds.
Amber Pepper, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome GJEPC as a Member of the NDC, marking an exciting new chapter in our longstanding partnership and a powerful step forward for industry collaboration. India plays a vital role in the global natural diamond value chain, and GJEPC’s membership reflects our shared commitment to driving sustained category marketing, elevating consumer education, and championing the long-term growth and differentiation of natural diamonds.
Together, we are strengthening our collective voice to celebrate the rarity, authenticity, and emotional significance of natural diamonds, inspiring consumers around the world and reinforcing the enduring value of our category.”
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council added:
“The Natural Diamond Council represents the voice of our industry to consumers globally, and it is important that we collectively support its efforts in the category marketing of natural diamonds, the world’s most coveted gemstone. As a new generation of modern consumers emerges, it is increasingly important that we continue to engage them through meaningful storytelling, inspiration, and education.
This shared vision is what led us to become Members of the NDC and to contribute both strategically and financially to its long-term mission and growth,”
Together, these developments mark a strong step forward for the natural diamond industry as stakeholders across the value chain continue to work collectively to strengthen consumer confidence and support the future growth of the category.
– The 16th edition of the Gujarat Gold Jewellery Show (GGJS 2026), jointly organized by GGJS and the Gold Ornaments Jewellers Wholesalers Association (GOWJA), successfully concluded its three-day B2B trade exhibition at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar. The landmark event reinforced its position as a premier national platform for business networking, product sourcing, design innovation, and trade collaboration.
Under the leadership of GOWJA President Hiteshbhai Soni, Vice President Akshaybhai Mehta, and the organizing committee, GGJS 2026 recorded unprecedented trade visitor footfall, substantial bulk order placements, and strong participation from leading jewellers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retail delegations across India.
Jointly organized by GGJS (Gujarat Gold Jewellery Show) & GOWJA (Gold Ornaments Jewellers Wholesalers Association), the B2B exhibition is creating a strong platform for business networking, product sourcing, market opportunities and industry collaboration, with a special focus on the participation and aspirations of the young jeweller’s community.
The grand inauguration was graced by Guests of Honour boCHE (Dr. Boby Chemmanur), Chemmanur International Jewellers, A.B.S. Sanjjay, AVR Swarna Mahal Jewellers, Pramod Dugar, India Gem & Jewellery Creation, , Anil Kataria, DP Abhushan Ltd, Ajay Talla, Talla Jewellers, along with Special Guests Surendra Mehta, National Secretary-IBJA, Ankit Vaidya, Founder & CEO- Jewel Partner, Dharmendra Soni,Past President -GOWJA, Shampatlal Jain, President -Shree Manekchowk Sona Chandi Dagina Jewellers Association and dignitaries and leaders from the GJ industry.Present at the inauguration were GOWJA President Hitesh Soni and Vice President Akshay Mehta and GOWJA committee members.
Following the opening ceremony, Day 1 featured the Young Jewellers Summit (J20), highlighting the next generation of industry leaders. Designed to empower young entrepreneurs looking to scale emerging ventures or modernize legacy businesses, the summit presented actionable insights into modern retail strategies, technology integration, and sustainable growth.
The summit featured two flagship panel discussions:
- The New Rules of Jewellery Growth – Focused on modern scaling strategies, digital expansion, and evolving consumer preferences.
- Building a Business That Can Outlive You – Explored legacy preservation, professionalization, and tech-driven business transformation.
Day 2 saw accelerated commercial momentum as thousands of regional wholesalers, elite retail buyers, and trade delegates visited the exhibition halls. Exhibitors presented an extensive range of collections, spanning cutting-edge craftsmanship, lightweight daily wear, and heavy bridal jewellery.
Key highlights of Day 2 included:
- High-Volume B2B Engagement: Nationwide buyers placed substantial bulk orders, reflecting strong retail demand rebound ahead of the upcoming festive and wedding seasons.
- Operational Excellence: Streamlined visitor hospitality and floor management facilitated efficient business negotiations and trade deals.
- Knowledge Sharing: Industry seminars and walkthroughs addressed BIS hallmarking compliance, sustainable trade practices, and the integration of AI-driven inventory management tools.
GGJS 2026 wrapped up on a high note, delivering measurable business value to exhibitors and attendees alike. The event bridged classic craftsmanship with modern enterprise management, serving as an incubator for long-term partnerships and market growth. From empowering young entrepreneurs at the J20 Summit to facilitating high-value commercial transactions, this edition has demonstrated the resilience, dynamism, and future-readiness of the Indian jewellery sector.
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