ShowBuzz
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi attends GJS to celebrate 25 years of gold jewellery hallmarking in India
Announces Hackathon for non-destructive testing in collaboration with BIS and GJC
The Indian gems and jewellery industry witnessed a momentous occasion as Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Minister of New & Renewable Energy, graced the prestigious GJS at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of hallmarking of gold in India, a significant milestone in ensuring quality, transparency, and consumer trust in the industry. The show is organised by the apex industry All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) and scheduled from 4th to 7th April 2025.
Addressing the gathering, Pralhad Joshi applauded the efforts of jewellers in adopting hallmarking, which has played a crucial role in protecting consumer interests while strengthening India’s position as a trusted market for gold jewellery. He highlighted the government’s commitment to further streamlining hallmarking regulations to make compliance easier for jewellers and beneficial for consumers. Prominent jewellers and trade representatives took the stage to celebrate the success of hallmarking, reflecting on how the initiative has safeguarded buyers and boosted India’s exports in the global jewellery market.
The event saw participation from leading jewellers, industry stakeholders, and international visitors, making it a highly successful gathering.
Pralhad Joshi remarked, “Indian Gems & Jewellery industry has been a cornerstone of our nation’s heritage and will continue to drive the economic progress. There are 650 + owned and accredited Laboratories of BIS, and it has reached every corner of the nation to focus in ensuring quality products are given to the consumers. It is imperative that we develop the system to ensure there are no misuses of HUID and collectively with joint efforts from all stakeholders, we also focus on increasing the Assaying Hallmarking Centres (AHC) across India. Currently 361 districts are covered in the mandatory regime and let us jointly target to reach 500 districts this year. We firmly believe in Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of ease of business and the Ministry is willing to provide its full support to the industry and I am happy to announce that BIS in collaboration with GJC is launching National Hackathon to invite innovative and practical solutions to develop scalable, cost-effective & non-destructive testing for the gold jewellery.”
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, GJC, remarked, “It is with immense pride and gratitude that we welcome Shri Pralhad Joshi, to this grand occasion. Your presence reflects the government’s continued support for our industry, and we deeply thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to join us. We, as an industry, take immense pride in our transparency and the legacy of trust that our gold, vouched for by generations, represents. Today, we look forward to the government recognizing us with a fresh perspective—as a trading community with a positive attitude and a vision to make hallmarking mandatory across the nation. Honourable Minister’s announcement of Hackathon today marks a new chapter in our journey, and we are extremely positive about the future. Together, we will continue to uphold purity, trust, and innovation for a brighter tomorrow.”
Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC, commented, “On behalf of the GJC and the entire G&J Industry, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Shri Pralhad Joshi for celebrating 25 years of gold hallmarking in India with his esteemed presence at our exhibition GJS. His presence highlights the transformation of the Gem & Jewellery industry into a trusted and well-structured sector. We deeply appreciate his announcement of the groundbreaking hackathon with GJC and BIS, aimed at developing non-destructive testing for hallmarking jewellery. This initiative will revolutionize the industry, enhancing efficiency and consumer confidence. His support inspires us to make India a global leader in the Gems & Jewellery sector. Thank you for your invaluable contributions toward a brighter future.”
Saiyam Mehra, Convenor, GJS, said, “It is my distinct honour to welcome Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Minister of New & Renewable Energy, to the grand occasion of GJS 2025. This is truly a special moment for the 7th edition of GJS as we celebrate the 25 years of hallmarking in India with the Honourable Minister. As we move forward, this milestone reminds us of our collective responsibility to uphold the values of purity and trust, ensuring continued prosperity for both jewellers and consumers.”
International News
Bangkok Gems Surges Ahead: 73rd Edition Targets 150 Million USD in Trade Value
Thailand’s premier trade event expands exhibition space to host over 1,300 companies, eyeing record-breaking exports following a 53% surge in industry growth.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the organizer, together with the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) or GIT, co-organizer, along with key public and private sector partners, held a press conference to announce preparations for the 73rd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, scheduled to take place from February 22–26, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok. The event is expected to generate trade value exceeding 150 million USD.
Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the organizer, Chair of the press conference, stated:
“Over the past 40 years, the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair has served as a key driving force for the industry. It has played a vital role in connecting buyers and sellers from around the world, creating business opportunities and trade partnerships, enhancing the international reputation of Thai products, and continuously promoting exports.
Today, Thailand has achieved its goal of becoming one of the world’s leading hubs for the gems and jewelry trade. Bangkok Gems has also significantly contributed to the export growth of Thailand’s gems and jewelry sector (excluding unwrought gold). During the first 11 months of 2025, after deducting re-export values, exports in this category reached 12,124 billion USD, representing a growth of over 53 percent. She added, Bangkok Gems has experienced remarkable growth in terms of exhibitor numbers, visitor attendance, and trade value. The fair is now recognized as one of the world’s four most important gems and jewelry trade fairs and is the largest global marketplace for colored gemstones. To accommodate strong demand from both Thai and international exhibitors, the organizers have expanded the exhibition area to include the Plenary Hall on Level 1, allowing the 73rd edition to host more than 200 additional booths. This further reinforces Thailand’s position as a global gems and jewelry trading hub. The event will feature more than 1,300 companies, over 2,800 booths from more than 20 countries, and is expected to attract over 45,000 visitors, generating trade value exceeding 150 million USD.”
Boonyarit Kalayanamit, Chairman of the Board of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), the co-organizer, stated that the Bangkok Gems is widely recognized as an international trade platform that plays a critical role in Thailand’s gems and jewelry industry. It reflects Thailand’s strong capabilities as a leading manufacturing hub for gem and jewelry, particularly in craftsmanship and expertise in colored gemstone enhancement. These strengths have earned the trust of leading global jewelry brands, which continue to choose Thailand as a production base. More than 80 percent of exhibitors at the fair are Thai manufacturers offering comprehensive OEM and ODM services, which is a key highlight of the fair.
The co-organizer also revealed that the fair is honored to be graciously presided over at the opening ceremony by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. In addition, a special exhibition will be presented, showcasing jewelry designs created under Her Royal Highness’s vision and crafted by Thailand’s master artisans. The exhibition reflects Her Royal Highness’s commitment to continuing the royal initiatives of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, to preserve and elevate Thailand’s handicraft heritage on the global stage. The 73rd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair will be held from February 22–26, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.
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