National News
Trump’s reciprocal tariffs spark job loss fears in GJ sector
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.
National News
Jagannath Gangaram Pednekar Jewellers Celebrates Jewellery as a Lifestyle with The Great Jewellery Festival
Month-long festival brings together diamond, gold and silver jewellery for everyday dressing, celebrations, gifting and special occasions
Jewellery is increasingly becoming part of everyday life, moving beyond weddings and milestone occasions to find a place in everyday dressing, work, celebrations, gifting and personal expression. Reflecting this evolving relationship with jewellery, Jagannath Gangaram Pednekar Jewellers (JGP) is bringing together a diverse range of diamond, gold and silver jewellery through its month-long The Great Jewellery Festival, being held from October 15 to November 15, 2026.
Rather than focusing on a single jewellery category or collection, the festival celebrates the breadth of jewellery available at JGP. From lightweight gold and real diamond pieces to statement designs and wedding jewellery, the festival brings together options suited to different occasions, styles and preferences.
The changing role of jewellery is also reflected in how consumers are making their choices. While weddings, festivals and family celebrations continue to be important occasions for jewellery purchases, consumers are increasingly looking for pieces that can complement their everyday wardrobe. Lightweight earrings, rings and other versatile designs can move seamlessly from work and casual occasions to festive gatherings, while more distinctive pieces can mark celebrations and personal milestones.
The festival will feature real diamond jewellery starting at ₹25,000 onwards and gold jewellery starting at ₹10,000 onwards, offering consumers an opportunity to explore fine jewellery across different styles and price points. The gold offering includes everyday pieces such as rings and earrings, alongside designs suited to more special occasions.
The festival brings together some of JGP’s established collections, each reflecting a different facet of the jewellery experience. Amalia, the brand’s real diamond jewellery collection, has emerged as a hot favourite among consumers, offering diamond pieces that combine elegance with contemporary appeal.


For weddings, Sanvi, one of JGP’s wedding jewellery collections, reflects the enduring appeal of traditional bridal jewellery, while Amrapali, a longstanding bestseller, celebrates the timeless importance of traditional and occasion-led jewellery.
You & Me adds silver jewellery to the portfolio, offering contemporary designs for those looking to express their individual style.
Together, these collections reflect the diverse ways in which consumers engage with jewellery today. A customer may choose a lightweight gold piece for regular wear, a real diamond design for a personal milestone, or traditional jewellery for a wedding or family celebration. The choice is increasingly shaped not only by the occasion, but also by individual taste, lifestyle and the versatility of the piece.
With The Great Jewellery Festival, JGP aims to celebrate this wider role of jewellery while bringing its diverse portfolio together under one platform. The festival builds on JGP’s longstanding heritage and credibility while responding to the evolving expectations of today’s jewellery consumer — from those looking for everyday pieces and contemporary designs to customers seeking wedding jewellery, diamonds and statement pieces for significant occasions.
Speaking about the festival, Sanika Pednekar, Creative Director at Jagannath Gangaram Pednekar Jewellers, said, “

Jewellery today is no longer limited to a few big occasions. People are looking for pieces they can wear to work, for a celebration, as a gift or simply because they want to. With The Great Jewellery Festival, we wanted to bring that entire spectrum together and give customers the freedom to find jewellery that fits their occasion, style and personality.”
The Great Jewellery Festival will be held from October 15 to November 15, 2026, at Jagannath Gangaram Pednekar Jewellers.
Key Highlights:
● The Great Jewellery Festival: October 15 to November 15, 2026
● Jewellery across diamond, gold and silver
● Real diamond jewellery starting at Rs.25,000 onwards
● Gold jewellery starting at Rs.10,000 onwards
● Lightweight, contemporary and everyday-wear designs
● Collections including Amalia, Sanvi, Amrapali and You & Me
● Jewellery for everyday dressing, work, festivals, gifting, weddings and milestones
● A celebration of jewellery as part of modern lifestyle and personal expression
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