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Union Budget 2024 is a game-changer

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The Union Budget 2024 has created a positive sentiment and buzz in the GJ industry. Industry players are calling it a game-changer. The reduction in import duties on gold, silver and platinum, from 15 percent to 6 percent , abolition of the 2% Equalization Levy, Safe Harbour Rule on sale of rough diamonds at SNZs will contribute in propelling growth of GJ industry.

The import duty cut on precious metals is likely to ignite a significant increase in gold purchases across the country, particularly during the upcoming festive and wedding season. The cultural and religious significance of gold, combined with its role as a valuable investment, is expected to drive a substantial uptick in demand. Experts expect the allure of gold to reach new heights as the auspicious occasions of the wedding season and Diwali approach.

Piyush Goyal, Union Commerce & Industry Minister, said “The gold import duty cut to 6 per cent (from 15 per cent) will promote the manufacturing of gold and silver jewellery. It will also contain smuggling. When formal gold is imported through the official route, it only helps the economy further. Also, this move will benefit the consumers as the marriage season is approaching.Duty reduction in gold and silver will result in employment and business growth. Value addition in gold jewellery will also boost exports, including e-commerce exports.”

The reduction in import duties on precious metals is a major boost for our industry, enhancing affordability for consumers and competitiveness for the manufacturing sector by releasing working capital, said Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC.

Indian jewellers foresee a surge in domestic gold purchases due to a significant customs duty cut in the 2024-25 budget. This change has narrowed the price gap between India and Dubai, making Indian gold more appealing. The reduction is expected to boost domestic gold production, and jewellers plan to introduce new designs to attract customers. With lower duties, jewellers can offer competitive pricing, making gold and silver more accessible and affordable to all consumer segments.

This move will provide significant relief to consumers who have been investing in alternative assets, encouraging them to return to gold investments. Industry is  confident that household investment and savings in India will see an increase in the coming days.

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Education

The New-Age Jewellery Professional: Why Tech Education for Jewellery Industry is the Biggest Growth Driver

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The jewellery industry is no longer defined by craftsmanship alone. Today, it sits at the intersection of design, technology, sustainability, finance, branding, and global trade. As consumer expectations evolve and competition intensifies, structured education and continuous skill development are emerging as the most powerful growth catalysts for the sector.

For a dynamic industry like India’s jewellery market, education is not optional — it is strategic.

From Karigar to Knowledge Professional

For decades, the backbone of the industry has been generational craftsmanship. While this legacy remains invaluable, modern jewellery businesses now demand professionals who understand:

  • Gemology and diamond grading
  • CAD and 3D jewellery design
  • Retail management and consumer psychology
  • Digital marketing and brand storytelling
  • International trade compliance and tariffs
  • ESG and sustainability frameworks

Institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America and the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery have played a key role in formalising education pathways, helping transform traditional artisans and retailers into globally competitive professionals.

Trend Watch: Rise of Tech-Integrated Learning

One of the strongest education trends shaping the industry is technology integration.

  • CAD & CAM Training: Digital prototyping reduces costs and speeds up product development cycles.
  • AI in Retail Forecasting: Data-driven inventory planning is replacing intuition-based buying.
  • Blockchain Awareness: Traceability in diamonds and coloured gemstones is becoming a compliance requirement rather than a luxury.
  • Lab-Grown Diamond Expertise: As lab-grown diamonds gain market share, understanding grading, pricing dynamics, and consumer positioning has become critical.

Educational programs now increasingly blend online modules with hands-on workshops, enabling faster upskilling for working professionals.

The Bridal Economy & Consumer Education

India’s bridal jewellery segment continues to drive demand, but the modern bride is informed and research-oriented. She compares:

  • Natural vs lab-grown diamonds
  • Hallmarking standards
  • Ethical sourcing claims
  • Design originality

Retailers who invest in staff education see higher trust conversion rates. Well-trained sales professionals are no longer “salespeople” — they are consultants guiding life-defining purchases.

Financial Literacy in Jewellery

Another emerging area is financial education within the industry itself. With gold functioning as both adornment and asset, professionals must understand:

  • Gold monetisation frameworks
  • Hedging strategies
  • Commodity price cycles
  • Working capital management

Structured knowledge helps businesses move from being inventory-heavy traders to strategically managed enterprises.

Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing

Global buyers increasingly demand proof of ethical sourcing and environmental compliance. Education around responsible mining practices, supply-chain transparency, and ESG reporting is becoming central to export competitiveness.

Industry bodies such as the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council regularly conduct seminars and workshops to align Indian exporters with evolving global standards.

The Future: Hybrid Skills Will Win

The next generation jewellery professional will not be defined by a single skill. The future belongs to those who combine:

  • Design sensibility
  • Technical expertise
  • Business acumen
  • Digital fluency
  • Ethical awareness

For a sector contributing significantly to India’s exports and employment, education is the bridge between heritage and high growth.

Knowledge is the new luxury. As the jewellery industry transitions into a more organised, tech-enabled, and globally integrated ecosystem, continuous learning will determine who leads and who lags. The sparkle of the future will not just come from diamonds — it will come from informed minds shaping the industry.

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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

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