National News

Trump’s reciprocal tariffs spark job loss fears in GJ sector

Published

1 year ago

March 7, 2025

The U.S. government’s move to impose reciprocal tariffs has sent ripples of concern through India’s gem and jewellery sector, a vital component of the nation’s economy. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues and implications:

The Core Issue: Reciprocal Tariffs and Trade Imbalance

Unequal Tariff Structures: The heart of the issue lies in the perceived imbalance in tariff structures between the U.S. and India. India currently levies a 20% tariff on gold jewellery imported from the U.S., while the U.S. applies a significantly lower duty of 5.5-7% on Indian gold jewellery. Similarly, India imposes a 5% tariff on cut and polished diamonds, whereas the U.S. has historically maintained zero tariffs on these Indian exports. This discrepancy has prompted the U.S. to consider reciprocal tariffs, aiming to create a more level playing field.
Potential Impact on Exports: The U.S. is a critical market for Indian gem and jewellery exports. Any increase in U.S. tariffs would directly raise the cost of Indian products for American consumers, potentially reducing demand and negatively impacting export volumes.
Key Export Categories at Risk: The primary export categories facing potential disruptions include:
• Cut and polished diamonds: A major export segment, historically enjoying tariff-free access to the U.S. market.
• Studded gold jewellery: A significant contributor to export revenue.
• Plain gold jewellery: Another essential export commodity.
• Lab-grown diamonds: A growing sector within the Indian gem and jewellery industry.

Economic and Social Implications for India

• Impact on Export Revenue: A decline in gem and jewellery exports would directly affect India’s foreign exchange earnings.
• Employment Concerns: The industry is a significant employer, providing livelihoods to over two million people, with a substantial portion being women and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Tariff-induced disruptions could lead to job losses and economic hardship for these vulnerable populations.
• Industry Vulnerability: While not the single largest export driver, the gem and jewellery sector holds a vital position in India’s economy. Its labor intensive nature, and the high value of its exports makes it very important.
• Trade Relations: The tariff issue has the potential to strain trade relations between India and the U.S., potentially impacting other areas of economic cooperation.

Factors to Consider

• Market Dynamics: The extent of the impact will depend on the magnitude of the tariff hikes and the ability of Indian exporters to absorb the increased costs or find alternative markets.
• Negotiations: The outcome will also depend on the results of ongoing or future trade negotiations between the two countries.
• Lab-grown Diamonds: The lab-grown diamond market is fairly new, and very dynamic. Any tariff changes could drastically alter the market share of Indian companies in the United States.
In essence, the potential imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the U.S. poses a significant challenge to India’s gem and jewellery industry, with potential ramifications for export revenue, employment, and overall economic stability.

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National News

Zi Launches As A Modern Indian Design House Redefining Everyday Luxury

The New Jewellery Brand Makes Its Debut With 925 Sterling Silver, With An Expanding Design Vocabulary Across Titanium, Gold and Lab-Grown Diamonds

Published

9 hours ago

September 3, 2026

JewelBuzz Spread The Buzz

Zi, a new Indian design house, has launched with its debut collection of 925 sterling silver jewellery, bringing contemporary, everyday designs to a category traditionally shaped around occasion and ceremony. Starting at Rs 3,500, the collection marks the first chapter of Zi’s ambition to build a modern jewellery house where luxury is defined by design, material and wearability rather than spectacle.

Zi begins with a simple shift in how jewellery is approached: pieces need not be saved for a particular occasion. Its debut collection is designed to become part of an everyday wardrobe, with clean forms, considered detailing and versatile silhouettes that can be worn repeatedly, styled differently and carried across settings.

The collection is divided into three edits: Staple Edits, featuring everyday essentials; Forever Favourites, comprising versatile pieces designed for repeat wear; and Evening Elegance, bringing a more elevated expression to after-dark and occasion dressing. Across the edits, the pieces are designed to work independently or together, allowing customers to build a personal jewellery wardrobe rather than buy around individual occasions.

925 sterling silver forms the foundation of the launch, chosen for its versatility and as the starting point for Zi’s design language. The collection also incorporates other considered metals across select designs and is finished with premium rhodium plating. The jewellery is nickel- and lead-free, with a focus on material quality, finish and everyday wearability.

But silver is only the beginning for Zi. The brand is developing its next phase around more considered, design-led jewellery, including upcoming collections such as The Classics and The Atelier. These collections will build on the restraint of the debut while introducing greater depth and design expression, expanding the idea of what everyday luxury can look like over time.

The house is also developing jewellery across a broader material palette, including titanium fused with gold and lab-grown diamonds. Each material has been selected for a distinct role: titanium for its strength and lightness, gold for its warmth, and lab-grown diamonds as a contemporary interpretation of an established luxury material. The move reflects Zi’s intent to build a design house with a considered material philosophy, rather than remain defined by a single category or metal.

Beyond jewellery, Zi is exploring future lifestyle categories, with design continuing to anchor the brand’s approach. The long-term ambition is to create a design-led house that evolves across materials, products and categories while maintaining a consistent point of view.

The debut collection is available exclusively through Zi’s online platform from 24 August 2026, with prices starting at Rs 3,500.

With its launch, Zi is introducing a different proposition to India’s jewellery landscape: luxury designed not only for the moments that call for it, but for the everyday ones that make up a life. The debut in silver is the starting point; the larger ambition is to build a house with a design language that can evolve with the way modern India wears luxury.