National News
Van Mahotsav at IIG: A Celebration Rooted in Nature and Creativity
The International Institute of Gemology (IIG) celebrated Van Mahotsav, India’s annual festival of trees with a deeply symbolic and immersive experience, blending environmental consciousness with the spirit of design and innovation. Observed across the country to raise awareness about the importance of trees and ecological balance, Van Mahotsav resonates strongly with IIG’s ethos: nurturing talent in an industry born from nature, shaped by creativity, and sustained by responsibility.
At its core, jewellery design is an art form inspired by the elements, from the brilliance of gemstones formed deep within the earth to motifs drawn from leaves, flowers, skies, and oceans. IIG, as an institution that shapes future custodians of the gem and jewellery world, believes that nature is not only a muse, but also a mentor. Trees, like education, take time to grow; they require care, nurturing, and a strong foundation. Both leave legacies, both shape futures.
The celebration began with a thoughtful address by Ms. Gunjan Sapra, COO & Head of Department of Jewellery Design, who set the tone with a powerful message: “Nature is not only our life source; it is also our deepest source of inspiration. Every branch, every bloom, every element of nature holds within it a design story waiting to be discovered.” Her words served as a reminder that when students observe nature with sensitivity and awareness, they open doors to creative expression that is meaningful, rooted, and responsible.
In his address, Mr. Rahul Desai, CEO & Managing Director of IIG, emphasized the role institutions and individuals play in shaping a sustainable future. “It is the responsibility of every individual and every organization to do their best for the environment. Every chance we get is an opportunity, to rethink, to act, and to contribute meaningfully. At IIG, we are committed to this philosophy not just in thought, but in practice.”
He highlighted IIG’s shift towards sustainable practices; from digitizing brochures and course materials to minimizing plastic use across campuses, and reiterated the institute’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship through its curriculum, infrastructure, and values.
A highlight of the event was the Nature-Inspired Jewellery Design Competition, where students translated the beauty and symbolism of the natural world into striking pieces of wearable art. From leaf motifs to flora-fauna compositions, the entries reflected a deep reverence for nature and an acute understanding of form, balance, and symbolism. The winning piece, a breathtaking necklace by Ms. Kritika Jiwnani, inspired by the Aurora Borealis, used Alexandrite to mimic the northern lights, capturing not only the aesthetics of nature but also its mystery and magic.
The campus was transformed into a visual celebration of Van Mahotsav as students curated and decorated soft boards with themes centered on sustainability, biodiversity, and forest life. These creative expressions became storytelling walls, echoing messages of conservation, harmony, and purpose.
The celebration closed with a tree plantation drive and a green gift for each participant, a symbol of growth and responsibility. For IIG, Van Mahotsav is more than a tradition; it’s a reflection of its core belief, that true brilliance is rooted in purpose. In shaping tomorrow’s jewellery professionals, the institute champions not just design excellence, but environmental integrity.
GlamBuzz
Aisshpra Gems & Jewels Opens Four Stores in One Day, Takes Network to 20; Targets 30 Stores by March 2028
Four franchise showrooms add approximately 12,000 sq. ft. of retail space, taking the brand’s total retail footprint beyond 90,000 sq. ft.; Bettiah marks its entry into Bihar.
Aisshpra Gems & Jewels, the jewellery retail brand established in Gorakhpur in 1940, today announced the simultaneous opening of four showrooms in Bahraich, Bettiah, Lucknow and Mirzapur. The milestone takes its operational network from 16 to 20 stores in a single day, with three more stores under construction and a target of 30 operational stores by March 2028.
Each new franchise-operated showroom measures approximately 3,000 sq. ft. Together, the openings add around 12,000 sq. ft. of retail space and take the brand’s overall retail footprint to more than 90,000 sq. ft. The Bettiah opening is Aisshpra’s first in Bihar, where Siwan and Gopalganj are also in its expansion pipeline. The Lucknow launch marks its third showroom in the city.
Jewel Story takes centre stage across all four stores
All four showrooms feature a dedicated store-in-store presence for Jewel Story, Aisshpra’s lifestyle jewellery brand. Designed for teenagers, young adults and customers up to around 40 years of age, Jewel Story focuses on lightweight, wearable, modern jewellery across 9KT to 22KT gold purity. The concept seeks to make jewellery relevant to everyday personal style, alongside Aisshpra’s traditional, bridal and occasion-wear collections.
Leadership on expansion and legacy
Atul Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems & Jewels
“Since 1940, our most important achievement has been the trust we have earned across generations. Opening four stores together is a proud milestone, and every new showroom brings the responsibility of preserving that trust.”
Anoop Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems & Jewels
“As we enter new markets, Trust, Integrity and Ethics remain our guiding principles. We want customers in every city to experience the same transparency, quality and care that have defined Aisshpra for decades.”
Vaibhav Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems & Jewels
“Moving from 16 to 20 stores in one day is a major jump in our network. Our footprint now exceeds 90,000 sq. ft., three additional stores are under construction, and we are working towards 30 stores by March 2028. Bettiah opens the door to Bihar, while our third Lucknow showroom deepens our presence in a key market.”
Saumitra Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems & Jewels
“Younger customers increasingly want jewellery that feels contemporary, versatile and easy to wear. Jewel Story brings that proposition to every new showroom, with modern designs spanning 9KT to 22KT.”
Inauguration celebrations and opening offers
The celebrations featured Mouni Roy in Lucknow, Adah Sharma in Bahraich and Ayesha Khan in Mirzapur. The Bettiah inauguration took place in the presence of local dignitaries.
Customers can avail inaugural offers of up to 30% off gold jewellery making charges and diamond value, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Offer validity is to be confirmed.
Aisshpra Gems & Jewels Opens Four Stores in One Day, Takes Network to 20; Targets 30 Stores by March 2028
The Met Goes Desi: Inside Sabyasachi’s Showstopping Diwali Dhamaka in New York
Jewellers Expect Healthy Festive and Wedding Demand Amid Evolving Consumer Preferences
Dhanteras Shopping Guide 2026:Gold, Silver, Diamonds & Festive Jewellery Trends To Watch
Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery Unveiled India’s Largest Sustainable Jewellery Rangavalli
From Diya Puja To Diwali Soirées: Jewellery Designed To Go Beyond The Festive Season
-
JB Insights2 days agoDhanteras Shopping Guide 2026:Gold, Silver, Diamonds & Festive Jewellery Trends To Watch
-
National News2 days agoIndriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery Unveiled India’s Largest Sustainable Jewellery Rangavalli
-
BrandBuzz2 days agoFrom Diya Puja To Diwali Soirées: Jewellery Designed To Go Beyond The Festive Season
-
BrandBuzz2 days agoThe Solenne Collection: A Celebration Of Diwali By Bharti Bangur Fine Jewels
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.