National News
Raniwala 1881 Partners with Francorp to Scale Retail Footprint Through Franchising
The iconic Jaipur-based jewellery house adopts FOFO and FOCO models to expand across India while preserving its royal heritage and artisanal legacy
Raniwala 1881, the luxury jewellery brand rooted in Jaipur’s rich heritage, has announced a strategic alliance with Francorp, the franchising advisory arm of Franchise India Group, to fuel its next phase of growth through a structured franchise model.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for the 140-year-old brand as it seeks to expand its retail footprint across India while staying true to its legacy of regal design and meticulous craftsmanship.
Under the agreement, Raniwala 1881 will implement both Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated (FOFO) and Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated (FOCO) models. These formats aim to offer opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to be part of the evolution of one of India’s most prestigious fine jewellery brands.
“Our jewellery is more than just adornment; it is a representation of centuries-old craftsmanship and a deep-rooted heritage,” said Abhishek Raniwala, Managing Director of Raniwala 1881. “With the growing demand for handcrafted Polki and Jadau jewellery, this partnership with Francorp allows us to expand while preserving our brand’s exclusivity.”
Founded in the 19th century by Rai Bahadur Champalal of Beawar, the brand carries a legacy dating back to the British era, when the family was honored with the title “Raniwala.” The brand continues to be a trusted name in bridal jewellery, known for its 18-karat gold Polki pieces that appeal to both Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
Over the years, Raniwala 1881 has also collaborated with some of India’s top fashion designers, including Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra, and Rahul Mishra, reinforcing its place at the intersection of heritage and high fashion.
The shift toward franchising comes as India’s jewellery market undergoes a transformation, with consumers increasingly gravitating toward branded, story-driven luxury pieces that offer authenticity and traceability.
Francorp will help guide Raniwala 1881’s expansion across metro cities and fast-growing luxury markets, ensuring a consistent retail experience that honors the brand’s heritage.
“Luxury retail is evolving rapidly, and heritage brands like Raniwala 1881 are leading the way in strategic expansion while maintaining timeless elegance and exclusivity,” said Gaurav Marya, Chairman of Franchise India Group. “Franchising provides an effective model to scale without compromising brand integrity. With FOFO and FOCO formats, we’re introducing a new dimension to luxury jewellery retail in India.”
National News
GJ Exports Show Signs Of Stabilization Amid Global Headwinds With A Rise Of 26.51% In June 2026; Imports Also Rise By 10.06% In The Same Period
The Overall Gems & Jewellery Exports Witnessed A Rise After A Prolonged Downtrend And Indicates A Revival In Overseas Demand Dynamics
The overall gross gems & jewellery exports grew by 26.51% to US$ 2212.65 million (Rs. 21010.78 crores) in June 2026 after a long trail of decline. Quarterly performance of the April to June 2026 period also reflects a positive sign, with a rise of 0.04% to US$ 6612.21 million (Rs. 62588.61 crores) as compared to last year.
Here are the important points highlighted from the provided performance report for the Indian gems and jewellery sector in June 2026 and the April-June 2026 quarter:
Overall Sector Performance
- Export Revival: Overall gross gems and jewellery exports broke a prolonged downtrend, growing by 26.51% in June 2026 to US$ 2,212.65 million.
- Quarterly Growth: The April–June 2026 period stabilized with a marginal rise of 0.04% to US$ 6,612.21 million year-on-year (YoY).
- Imports: Gross imports grew by 10.06% in June 2026, though the cumulative April–June period saw a 5.9% decline YoY.
Diamonds (Natural vs. Lab-Grown)
- Cut & Polished Diamonds (CPD):
- June 2026 exports grew by 8.71% to US$ 846.73 million.
- Quarterly volume (Apr–Jun) increased by 8.98% (39.88 lakh carats), though cumulative value dipped slightly by 4.13% (681.76.
- Quarterly imports surged by 66.13%, showcasing a clear preference for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) over Domestic Tariff Areas (DTAs).
- Rough Diamonds: Imports continued to decline (-27.11% in June; -32.42% for the quarter) as manufacturers focused on clearing existing inventory amid volatile overseas demand.
- Polished Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGD): Continued a massive growth surge, with June exports up 52.25% and quarterly value up 14.92% (volume up 31.97%). LGDs are rapidly emerging as a highly lucrative, price-conscious alternative to natural diamonds.
Gold, Silver & Platinum Jewellery
- Gold Jewellery: June 2026 exports spiked by 54.50% to US$ 1,087.74 million, driven by stabilizing global buyers’ sentiments.
- Plain Gold: June exports grew 25.34%, but the quarter fell 23.30% due to mixed monthly trends earlier in the year.
- Studded Gold: Experienced stellar growth, rising 85.35% in June and 20.10% for the overall quarter.
- Silver Jewellery: Retains strong momentum as the preferred affordable alternative to gold, maintaining robust double-digit YoY growth.
- Platinum Jewellery: Quarterly exports jumped 27.66% to US$ 58.67 million, fueled by international demand for premium, cost-effective contemporary jewellery.
Alternative Categories & Investment
- Coloured Gemstones: Quarterly exports dropped 15.0% to US$ 82.25 million, largely hampered by temporary international logistical barriers rather than a drop in core demand.
- Gold Medals & Medallions: Quarterly exports skyrocketed by 86.42% to US$ 1.81 million, underscoring strong overseas investor sentiment using gold as a hedge against global inflation.
Outlook
The strong June performance indicates a reinstatement of international demand and points toward highly positive holiday season sales moving into the October–December quarter.
GJ Exports Show Signs Of Stabilization Amid Global Headwinds With A Rise Of 26.51% In June 2026; Imports Also Rise By 10.06% In The Same Period
De Beers Suspends Production At Venetia Mine Amid Global Diamond Market Slowdown
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De Beers Suspends Production At Venetia Mine Amid Global Diamond Market Slowdown
GJ Exports Show Signs Of Stabilization Amid Global Headwinds With A Rise Of 26.51% In June 2026; Imports Also Rise By 10.06% In The Same Period
Certificate Ceremony Held To Recognize The First Jewellery Import Shipments Under The India–UK CETA
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International News19 hours agoDe Beers Suspends Production At Venetia Mine Amid Global Diamond Market Slowdown
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National News1 hour agoGJ Exports Show Signs Of Stabilization Amid Global Headwinds With A Rise Of 26.51% In June 2026; Imports Also Rise By 10.06% In The Same Period
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International News23 hours agoCertificate Ceremony Held To Recognize The First Jewellery Import Shipments Under The India–UK CETA
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