The Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) inaugurated the IBJA Leadership Conclave 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), bringing together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and visionaries from across the country. The event is aimed at shaping the future of India’s bullion and jewellery industry through meaningful dialogue, innovative thinking, and collaborative strategy.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent dignitaries, including Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta, President – Jewellery Division, IBJA and President – JAB; Malleswara Rao, State President – Andhra Pradesh, IBJA and Convenor of the Conclave; Chandrasreenivas Rao, State President – Telangana, IBJA; P.V. Jose, State President – Kerala, IBJA; Sumesh Wadhera, State President Karnataka –IBJA, Ankit Vaidya, State President – Madhya Pradesh, IBJA; and Sreekanth Urs, CEO – GES India Inc.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta inspired the audience with a motivational message: “Followers are temporary, leaders are permanent. So, be a leader!” Drawing from his own journey, Dr. Chetan Mehta stressed the importance of humility, consistent hard work, and the adoption of technology and innovation as essential traits for long-term success in the jewellery business.

The conclave featured several insightful sessions, acting as a knowledge booster for industry professionals. One of the most compelling sessions was Next Gen Jewellery: Provenance, Precision and Personalization with AI & Blockchain.

In a discussion between Kamlesh Nagware, Founder – Global Tokenization Forum, and Rahul Desai, MD & CEO, IIG, the focus was on rising consumer demand for transparency in ethical sourcing and authenticity—especially in diamonds and precious metals. The speakers emphasized that AI and Blockchain are no longer optional but essential tools for the future of jewellery.

Another key session addressed the Necessity of Hedging in Bullion, featuring Jigar Pandit, SVP & Business Head – Commodity, Mirae Asset Sharekhan, in conversation with Sumesh Wadhera, MD – AOJ Media.

Jigar Pandit highlighted the importance of hedging in mitigating risks due to price fluctuations. He advised that jewellers should hedge only their actual exposure rather than speculate on market movements. He also emphasized the effectiveness of Gold Metal Loans (GMLs) in managing raw material procurement while minimizing price risk. He pointed out the urgent need to educate local jewellers in India on this topic.

The session on Retail Sales and Merchandise, led by Rajiv Pandey, HOD – Jewellery Design, IIG South, outlined critical strategies for enhancing retail performance. He spoke on the importance of strategic planning, upselling and cross-selling, gemstone certification, effective inventory management, and structured staff training as key components for maximizing sales and customer experience.

Silver in Focus – Comprehensive look at silver trajectory by Ajay Kedia, Founder and Director -Kedia Capital Service stressed that silver is the most mispriced asset in the monetary system. Silver is not just a commodity -it is a currency hedge, a strategic metal and an early signal of systemic fragility. Kedia took the audience through the reasons for silver’s surge which include industrial demand including clean energy, jewellery consumers moving to silver. And, the buzz that Russian central bank considering silver as a reserve. He was bullish on silver, predicting that silver could touch USD 70 in the short term.

At the recent industry session titled “Legacy to Leadership: How Traditional Jewellers Can Rule the New Era“, celebrated motivational speaker and business coach Dr. Ujjwal Patni delivered a power-packed address that left the audience inspired and energized. With his signature blend of sharp insights and relatable delivery, Dr. Patni spoke directly to jewellers navigating the evolving business landscape—urging them to rethink tradition and embrace transformation.

The session highlighted a central message: complacency has no place in the pursuit of excellence. In a fast-changing market driven by modern consumer expectations and digital disruption, Dr. Patni stressed that only those who maintain an unrelenting hunger for growth will thrive.

He emphasized that clarity, structure, and vision are non-negotiables for success in the current era. Traditional jewellery businesses, while rich in legacy, must now complement their heritage with well-defined systems, robust processes, focused strategies, and a written vision to ensure sustainability and scalability.

Dr. Patni also revealed what he called the “secret sauce” for business success—a set of practical strategies tailored for jewellery entrepreneurs:

• Owner Growth Hour Strategy: A dedicated time daily for business owners to invest in learning, reflection, and high-level decision-making.
• Market Analysis Strategy: The importance of tracking industry trends, competitor movements, and evolving consumer behavior to stay ahead.
• USP Strategy: Identifying and communicating a clear Unique Selling Proposition to differentiate from the competition.
• Cartier Strategy: Drawing inspiration from global luxury brands to elevate perception, customer experience, and brand value.

The session served as a wake-up call for jewellers holding on to legacy practices. With practical takeaways and strategic clarity, Dr. Patni redefined what it means to be a leader in today’s jewellery business: a visionary who honours tradition while embracing innovation.

Cybercrime – Adv Pankaj Bafna underscored the fact that increased usage of mobile telephony and social media was driving the cybercrime. An accused in cybercrime faces stiff fines and imprisonment.

Suspicious transactions or deposits by unknown individuals can lead to account freezes and possible raids by authorities. Businesses must comply with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and related regulations. Key measures include obtaining KYC details, keeping accurate transaction records, and enforcing strict internal controls. Non-compliance poses legal and reputational risks.

Astro Gemology – Dr Prashanth Srinivasa Murthy, Faculty -IIG South presentation unveiled the ancient wisdom of Astro Gemology,  a traditional practice in India that combines astrology and gemology—the study and use of gemstones—to influence and enhance an individual’s life based on their astrological birth chart.

Rooted deeply in Vedic astrology, astro gemology is based on the belief that certain gemstones, when worn according to one’s planetary positions, can attract positive energies and counteract negative planetary influences.

Nirmal Bang View on Gold By Kunal Shah, Head of Commodities Research, Nirmal Bang stated that the drivers of gold prices were ‘love demand’ -the love for gold as an adornment and ‘fear demand’ – the fear of an uncertain world and future.

Kunal Shah unraveled the complexities of a multipolar world marked by soaring U.S. debt, increasing central bank gold purchases, and the growing influence of Asian economies. He projected that gold prices are unlikely to surge dramatically in the near term, instead expecting them to consolidate and potentially dip.

Overall, the IBJA Leadership Conclave 2025 served as a dynamic platform for industry innovation, strategic foresight, and leadership development. With participation from various state leaders and industry experts, the conclave set the stage for collaborative growth and transformation in India’s jewellery and bullion sector.

Indriya, Aditya Birla Group’s jewellery brand today announced the launch of ‘SMART GOLD EXCHANGE,’ a pioneering scheme set to redefine the gold exchange experience for customers across India. Breaking traditional norms, Indriya now offers India’s only zero-deduction policy on old gold, ensuring customers receive the full value of their pre-owned gold, 14kt onwards, regardless of its karatage.

Customers can now bring in their old gold, whether 14kt or 22kt, and receive full value of its prevailing market value, with no hidden charges or deductions. This ground-breaking initiative places trust and transparency at the forefront, empowering customers to seamlessly upgrade their old jewellery and buy exquisite masterpiece jewellery.

Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya said “At Indriya, we believe trust is the most precious element in every piece of jewellery. With this initiative, we are proud to offer our customers complete value for their old gold—without deductions, without hidden charges. It is our way of ensuring transparency, simplifying the upgrade journey, and welcoming them to experience the elegance of our latest collections with total confidence. This will also allow our consumers to effortlessly transform their existing gold into new designs, ensuring they always receive full value and the confidence that comes with it.”

This transformative ‘SMART GOLD EXCHANGE’ scheme is now available across all 25 Indriya stores spanning North, South, and West India, including five in Delhi; four in Hyderabad; three each in Mumbai and Pune; two each in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Patna; and one each in Indore, Surat, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing Indriya’s growing footprint and commitment to delivering exceptional value to consumers nationwide.

Gone are the days when bridal jewelry meant stashing ornate heirlooms in a locker. Today’s brides are rewriting the rules—opting for pieces that reflect their values, personal style, and modern lifestyle. Whether it’s a lab-grown diamond or a mined classic, contemporary bridal jewelry is about self-expression, sustainability, and long-term wearability.

Leading this movement is Oropel’s Noor Collection—a curated line of handcrafted, versatile diamond jewelry that beautifully blends tradition with modern sophistication. Here are six reasons why the Noor Collection is becoming a go-to for brides redefining luxury on their own terms:

1. Diamonds That Align with Your Values—and Your Aesthetic
With the Noor Collection, you’re free to choose between lab-grown or ethically sourced mined diamonds—without compromising on sparkle or sentiment. Every piece is a celebration of what matters to you, crafted with intention and authenticity.

2. The Noor Necklace: Designed for Every Chapter
This standout piece features three interchangeable, hand-embroidered straps—making it as adaptable as your wedding wardrobe. From ceremonies to after-parties to Sunday brunch, it’s bridal jewelry you’ll want to wear again and again.

3. Timeless Craftsmanship, Modern Sensibility
Each Noor design is handcrafted in 14K gold, merging intricate Indian techniques with clean, contemporary forms. Whether you’re drawn to delicate stackable rings or statement earrings, every piece is built for both beauty and longevity.

4. Jewelry That Tells Your Story
Oropel’s founder, Neeti Patwa, says it best: “Whether you prefer mined or lab-grown, Noor is about jewelry that feels like you.” Each piece is meant to be worn, lived in, and loved—just like the memories you’ll create in them.

5. More Than Just Wedding Day Jewelry
Noor pieces are designed to move with you—from your bridal look to your everyday style. Think diamond studs, versatile chokers, and refined bracelets that look just as good with jeans as they do with lehengas or gowns.

6. Heirlooms of a New Era
These aren’t your grandmother’s jewels—but they’re just as meaningful. With a focus on emotion, longevity, and design, each Noor piece is meant to be passed on—not just through generations, but through life’s many milestones.

Bridal Jewelry That’s Meaningful, Wearable, and Truly Yours
The Noor Collection by Oropel reimagines what bridal jewelry can be—versatile, value-driven, and deeply personal. Because the most beautiful diamond pieces aren’t just worn—they’re lived in.