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
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm Rare Tourmaline Discovery In Ethiopia
The Testing Revealed hat While The Stones Exhibit The Signature Electric Blues, Bluish-Greens, Violets, and Purples Typical Of Copper-Bearing Elbaite, Their Trace-Element Profile Is Distinct From South American and West African Counterparts.
Two of the world’s foremost gemological authorities have verified the discovery of a significant new source of rare, copper-bearing tourmaline in Ethiopia, adding a major new supplier to one of the luxury jewelry sector’s most valuable gemstone markets.
Independent testing conducted by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Switzerland-based Gübelin Gem Lab confirmed that newly circulating rough material originates from an Ethiopian deposit and qualifies as the coveted “Paraiba” variety. Historically, supply of the vivid, copper-infused gemstone has been restricted to limited deposits in Brazil, Nigeria, and Mozambique.
Reports of Ethiopian material first emerged across global trading networks in early 2026 as unrefined stones began appearing on international markets. Gübelin acquired and tested roughly 300 rough and cut specimens in May, while the GIA analyzed a parcel of more than 100 stones in July to establish origin baselines.
The testing revealed that while the stones exhibit the signature electric blues, bluish-greens, violets, and purples typical of copper-bearing elbaite, their trace-element profile is distinct from South American and West African counterparts.
Many specimens also display pronounced internal color zoning corresponding to subtle variations in chemical concentration during crystallization.
Both laboratories stated they will continue expanding their reference databases and analytical testing as commercial mining operations mature and additional Ethiopian rough enters the global supply chain.
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