International News
The 2nd SEZ Gem and Jewellery Conclave
Conclave provided valuable insights in technology, branding, exports, SEZ policy
The Second SEZ Gem and Jewellery Conclave held at Bharatratnam Mega CFC in SEEPZ, Mumbai, brought together influential stakeholders from across the gem and jewellery sector to deliberate on industry growth, innovation, and policy advancements.The conclave provided valuable insights into the latest industry trends in technology, branding, exports.
The conclave was inaugurated by Dr P Anbalagan, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra. Present at the inauguration were Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, Saunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Suvankar Sen, MD, Senco Gold & Diamonds, Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC, Colin Shah, Head of the Working Group, Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC and Adil Kotwal, Director – SEEPZ GJ Manufacturers Association.

Dr. P Anbalagan in his inaugural address said “The Union and state governments aim to grow India’s economy from USD 3 trillion to USD 30 trillion, requiring double-digit growth across sectors, with Maharashtra as a key driver. As the state with the highest FDI, Maharashtra targets a USD 1 trillion economy in 4-5 years, needing 13-14% annual growth. We are looking at the GJ sector as generator of employment and employment.The employment intensive GJ sector will be cornerstone of Maharashtra becoming a $1 trillion economy.The GJ sector in Maharashtra is contributing 47 per cent of India’s GJ exports.”
Track 1 – Technology included: Platinum Group Metal Recycling , Dr Debashish Bhattacharya, Technical Director of Covalence, India, Casting, Stamping and Tubing in Platinum, Dr. Peter Hofmann, Chairman of INDUTHERM, Germany and Rakesh Jangid, Technical Director, Lagor India, 3D Printing of Precious Metal for Commercial Use-Dr Andrea Friso, R&D Head, Legor Italy ,Technology in Diamond Testing, Jayant Kulkarni , Partner ,SGL, Challenges in Identification of Lab Grown Diamonds by Deepa Srinivasa, Chief Gemmologist – Research & Development – GSI, India
Track 2 – Branding included: Redefining Businesses by Sachin Jain, Educator, LÉCOLE School of Jewellery Arts , Dubai, Revitalizing Diamond Desire by Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, De Beers.
Track 3 – Investments included: Booster to G&J Manufacturing by Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC ,Draft Report of Common SoP for SEZs by Nishant, Partner, ELP.
With key decision-makers in attendance, the conclave promises to be an influential platform for shaping the future of the sector.
International News
JA Lobbies For Exemptions As US Threatens 100% Tariffs
To Shield The Supply Chain, JA Is Petitioning Washington To Place Diamonds, Gemstones, and Pearls On The U.S. Annex II List, Which Designates Products Eligible For Duty-Free Entry Into The United States.
– Jewelers of America (JA) has intensified its lobbying efforts in Washington to secure sweeping tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls, as new legislation opens the door to potential 100% duties on imports from major trade partners including India.
The industry group sent a delegation of executives and members to Capitol Hill on Sept. 15 for its annual “Fly-In” event, pressing lawmakers to safeguard the trade from broad trade penalties aimed at supporters of Russia’s energy sector.
The delegation, led by JA President and Chief Executive David J. Bonaparte, met with key lawmakers, including Senators Dick Durbin and Susan Collins and Representatives Jim Jordan and Dave Joyce.
The increased lobbying push coincided with Congress weighing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Passed by the House of Representatives on Sept. 16 and signed into law by President Donald Trump on Sept. 18, the legislation grants executive authority to levy tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, as well as top facilitators of sanctions evasion.
India, a primary global hub for diamond cutting and polishing, is among the top buyers of Russian crude and faces potential exposure under the law’s discretionary tariff authority.
To shield the supply chain, JA is petitioning Washington to place diamonds, gemstones, and pearls on the U.S. Annex II list, which designates products eligible for duty-free entry into the United States.
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