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WOMEN OF VISION AWARDS 2025: Celebrating empowered and visionary women
Pioneers who lead with purpose, inspire with resilience, and redefine possibilities.
GJC, GJS in association with JewelBuzz presented the WOMEN OF VISION AWARDS 2025 at GJS Diwali Edition September 18 2025 . This celeberation was about honouring 15 visionary women, empowered women of the GJ industry.
The Chief Guest Manisha Gupta, Commodities Editor -at CNBC-TV18 presented the awards to the worthy winners along with Rajesh Rokde, Chairman GJC, Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman GJC, Saiyam Mehra, IPC- GJC and Convenor GJS, Nitin Khandelwal, Past Chairman, GJC, Vivek Kabra, Founder and Publisher- JewelBuzz, Ashika Kabra, Co-Founder, JewelBuzz.
Speaking on the occasion, Manisha Gupta said, “I am delighted and overwhelmed to be here with all these empowered women.These women are an inspiration to all- and true champions. The GJC Women’s Wing is a move in the right direction. I will be glad to contribute in any I can to the GJC Women’s Wing.”
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman GJC, said “The WOV Awards are GJC’s tribute to empowered and visionary women in the gems and jewellery industry. More than ever, women are demonstrating exemplary leadership and driving their organizations to new heights. WOV Awards is our salute to their strength, inspiration and power of transformation.”
The glittering galaxy of award winners included:
Vandana Bhayyaji Rokde, Director -Rokde Jewels – Nagpur
With 25 years in the jewellery industry, Mrs. Vandana Rokde has been instrumental in leading the old gold division at Rokde Jewellers, overseeing operations across seven branches and spearheading its digital transformation. As the first woman in her family to join the business, she broke barriers in a male-dominated industry and continues to empower women through training and leadership opportunities. Her efforts have strengthened both processes and people, contributing to the brand’s expansion into gold, diamond, silver jewellery, and gifting.
Shital Subhash Dhomne, Director – MTD Jewellers – Wardha
With over 40 years of experience in the jewellery industry, Mrs. Shital Subhash Dhomne plays a pivotal role as Director of MTD Jewellers. She is actively involved in day-to-day inventory management and contributes strategically to the overall growth and direction of the company. Under her leadership, MTD has expanded its footprint with a new branch in Hinganghat and introduced a new brand, LOTUS, at Urich Mall, Wardha. Her commitment to excellence and innovation has helped steer the business toward sustained success. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with Navbharat’s Powerful Woman Award.
Neha Shah, Director -Chandukaka Saraf – Kolhapur
Mrs. Neha Kishorkumar Shah is a leading force behind Chandukaka Saraf & Sons Pvt. Ltd., a legacy jewellery brand with roots dating back over 199 years in Baramati. Inspired by her father, Late Sheth Nemchand Hirachand Shah (Mumbai), and father-in-law, Late Sheth Jindtta Chandulal Shah (Baramati), she upholds a tradition of purity, trust, and excellence in gold craftsmanship.
Vandana Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems and Jewels– Lucknow
Vandana Saraf is a creative force and visionary leader in the jewellery industry. As the first woman in the Saraf family to take on a leadership role, she has been instrumental in the transformation of Hari Prasad Gopi Krishna Saraf into the modern brand Aisshpra Gems & Jewels. With a keen eye for design, she has led key initiatives in marketing, merchandising, and manpower, while nurturing the next generation of leadership within her family. Vandana is also deeply involved in CSR and social initiatives, and balances her time between business, family, and creative exploration through travel.
Varuna D Jani – Mumbai, Founder and Creative Director -Varuna D Jani Fine Jewellery
Renowned for her avant-garde style, Varuna D Jani blends 1920s glamour with modern luxury to craft haute couture jewellery. Born into the iconic Popley family, she carries forward a legacy of fine craftsmanship through her brand, redefining how women wear their dreams.Her versatile creations have been adorned by icons like Kareena Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, and Zeenat Aman, and featured in collaborations with Audi and Falguni & Shane Peacock. Celebrated globally, she has received multiple awards for her creativity, brand leadership, and design excellence.
Vandana Jagwani, Creative Director, Mahesh Notandass Fine Jewellery – Mumbai
Vandana Jagwani is a luxury industry leader and sustainability advocate, best known for founding Vandals—India’s first designer brand for lab-grown diamond jewellery. As Creative Director at Mahesh Notandass, she’s modernizing a legacy brand with innovation and purpose.
Named in the LuxeBook Top 50 (2024), Vandana champions eco-conscious design, AR-powered retail, and women’s entrepreneurship. She blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech to build brands rooted in beauty, responsibility, and progress.
Seema Kothari, Director- of Karan Kothari Jewellers -Nagpur”
Seema Kothari is a visionary business leader and social advocate, heading one of Vidarbha’s most trusted jewellery brands. She blends tradition with innovation, expanding Karan Kothari Jewellers across Nagpur, Yavatmal, and Chandrapur. Known for her commitment to ethical business and authentic craftsmanship, Seema also champions education and empowerment—having adopted four schools and led numerous women-focused initiatives.
Hema Shah, Creative Head House of Sparsh – Mumbai
Hema Suken Shah brings over 9 years of creative leadership to House of Sparsh, where she leads design, content, and brand strategy. Known for blending tradition with trend, she introduced innovations like pastel jadau, nature-inspired motifs, and Vedic-inspired wearable art for Gen Z. Her standout collections — Twilight and Tutti Fruity Cappuccino — reflect her bold, contemporary aesthetic. An advocate for ethical sourcing and artisan welfare, Hema has received accolades including the IJ Awards, GJEPC Brilliant Bharat Award, and The Artisan Award.
Chhaya Jain, Founder & Creative Director, Sensuel Jewels – Mumbai
In 2011, she co-founded Sensuel Jewels with her brothers, scaling it from a 20-member team to 250+. She has worked with leading jewellery houses such as Tanishq, TBZ, Mehta & Sons, and Khanna Jewellers, holding roles from Design Head to Product Developer.
Durga Tulsyan,Director, TJ Impex – Mumbai
With 17 years at T J Impex, Durga Tulsyan has shaped the company into a trusted partner for jewellery retailers across India, specializing in diamond manufacturing and innovative collections. She leads design, production, quality control, marketing, and client engagement, empowering family jewellers with certified, ready inventory.
Anju Talla,Director-Talla Jewellers, Jammu
With over 10 years in the jewellery industry, Mrs. Anju Talla leads product innovation and customer relationship management at Talla Jewellers. She has introduced lightweight gold and diamond jewellery and revitalised the company’s silver jewellery line—an often-overlooked segment. These initiatives have significantly strengthened customer trust and engagement. Kind supporter of GJC & GJS initiative as a buyer at the shows from past 13 years, strong hand at Talla Jewellers.
Kamana Jobanputra, Co-Founder & Executive Director – Sequel Logistics Private Limited– Bengaluru
With over 20 years in logistics, Kamana leads business development and client growth at Sequel Logistics, driving its rise as a market leader in precious logistics. She has aligned the company with global standards (LBMA, RJC, TAPA) and champions sustainability through EV fleet integration. Committed to social impact, she supports education initiatives and fosters a people-first culture built on trust and learning. Under her leadership, Sequel has earned multiple awards, including Best Logistics Service Provider at the India Gold Conference for 11 years.
Suhani Garg, Founder, Nishani Studio– Jaipur
Suhani Garg is the creative mind behind Nishani Studio, India’s first truly customizable jewellery brand. She leads design, product strategy, and brand storytelling—pioneering modular jewellery with mix-and-match chains, locks, and charms. Her vision transforms jewellery from a static accessory into a personal narrative, empowering women to express themselves through evolving designs. Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2025), Suhani blends innovation, craftsmanship, and community engagement to build a deeply connected customer base.
Disha Pokharna,Creative Head – Product & Merchandising,Pure Platinum – Mumbai
A trailblazer in platinum design, Disha Pokharna leads innovation and merchandising at Pure Platinum, curating contemporary collections that blend craftsmanship with storytelling. She’s behind standout launches like Zulu, celebrating women’s strength, and has expanded the brand into luxury men’s accessories with unique designs and advanced techniques. Recognized as a Next Gen GJS Member and speaker at the GJC Women Entrepreneurs Seminar (2024), Disha Pokharna continues the legacy of her father, Mr. Vijay Pokharna at Pure Platinum.
Shradha Keshri,Director of Operations -Hira Panna Jewellers-Patna
With 44 years in the business, Shradha Keshri oversees all aspects of operations at Hira Panna Jewellers, from supply chain and sales to marketing and finance. She has implemented structured workflows, digital tools, and strong SOPs to ensure efficiency and consistency across departments. A pioneer in Bihar’s jewellery industry, Shradha has elevated the brand’s reputation for professionalism and trust, while driving modern retail practices and customer-centric innovation. She led the launch of EcoFacets – Lab Grown Diamonds, introducing sustainable luxury to the region.
The awardees- an eclectic mix of designers, members of their companies’ leadership, creative directors and more-are not just achievers; they are catalysts of change, architects of transformation, and torchbearers of progress. With their courage, wisdom, and unwavering spirit, they uplift communities, shape industries, and inspire the next generation of women to take up leadership.
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Jewellery Eminence Awards 2026 Celebrates Excellence In Indian Jewellery Design
Anurag Singh Thakur Graces Gala Night as Chief Guest
Jewellers Association Jaipur (JA) successfully organised the grand 18th Edition of the Jewellery Eminence Awards (JEA) Gala Night 2026 on 4th July at Novotel Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura, celebrating outstanding creativity, craftsmanship and innovation across the Indian gems and jewellery industry. Organised alongside JAS – The Premium B2B Show 2026, the prestigious evening brought together leading jewellers, designers, manufacturers, exporters, retailers, artisans, industry veterans and dignitaries from across the country.
The evening was led by the office bearers of Jewellers Association Jaipur including President Shri Raju Agarwal Mangodiwala, JAS Convenor Shri Ashok Maheshwari, Honorary Secretary Shri Ajay Godha, and JEA Coordinator Shri Naresh Agroya, who welcomed distinguished guests and members of the jewellery fraternity.
The Gala Night was graced by Hon’ble Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines & Steel, as the Chief Guest. His esteemed presence added immense prestige to the occasion as he felicitated several award winners and recognised exceptional talent from the jewellery industry. The celebration was further elevated by the presence of renowned actress Yuvika Chaudhary as the Celebrity Guest, whose participation added glamour and excitement to the evening.
One of the most touching moments of the ceremony was the presentation of the JEA Lifetime Achievement Award to Shri Navrattan Kothari, honouring his extraordinary contribution, visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to the Indian gems and jewellery industry. A special audio-visual tribute highlighted his remarkable journey before the award was presented by the Chief Guest in the presence of the Association’s leadership.
Recognising the invaluable contribution of master craftsmen, the Association also presented Special Artisan Awards to Shri Avtar Singh Talwar and Shri Abiddudin, acknowledging their decades of excellence, commitment and craftsmanship that continue to preserve and enrich India’s jewellery-making heritage.
Adding an international dimension to the evening, the Association also felicitated distinguished global industry leaders for their remarkable contributions to organised jewellery retail and international trade relations. Special honours were presented to Shri K. P. Abdul Salam, Vice Chairman & GED, Malabar Group, with the JAS Global Jewellery Retail Leadership Award, and Mr. Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman, Dubai Jewellery Group, with the JAS Architect of Organised Jewellery Retail in the Middle East Award. Their recognition reflected JAS’ growing global outlook and its commitment to strengthening international business relationships within the gems and jewellery sector.
The highlight of the evening remained the presentation of the Jewellery Eminence Awards 2026, one of India’s most respected jewellery design competitions. Winners were honoured across 18 prestigious categories, recognising excellence in jewellery design, natural gemstones, craftsmanship, innovation and professional achievement. The awards covered a diverse spectrum of categories including diamond and colourstone jewellery, polki jewellery, gold jewellery, silver vogue jewellery, loose gemstone awards, accessories, minimalist jewellery, professionals’ recognition and young achievers, reflecting the immense talent and creativity of India’s jewellery industry.
The ceremony also showcased inspiring films highlighting the journey of JAS and JEA, reinforcing the vision of promoting innovation, nurturing design talent and providing a national platform for excellence in jewellery creation. Throughout the evening, sponsors, jury members, exhibitors, industry leaders and distinguished guests joined in celebrating the achievements of designers and professionals who continue to shape the future of the Indian gems and jewellery sector.
Speaking on the occasion, the leadership of Jewellers Association Jaipur reiterated that Jewellery Eminence Awards has evolved into one of the country’s most credible and prestigious platforms for recognising excellence in jewellery design and craftsmanship. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging innovation, preserving traditional artistry and creating opportunities for emerging as well as established talent through initiatives like JEA and JAS.
Concluding the memorable evening, the Association expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, Celebrity Guest, award jury, sponsors viz (Banking Partner: AU Small Finance Bank, Co- Sponosor: RMC Gems, Supporters: GJEPC, Gemfields, Bid For All, Elanzia- An IGM Initiative, Logistics Partner: Secure Global Logistics), exhibitors, designers, artisans, partners, participants and the entire organising team for making the Jewellery Eminence Awards Gala Night 2026 a grand success. As part of the ongoing JAS – The Premium B2B Show 2026, the Gala Night once again reinforced Jaipur’s stature as one of the world’s foremost centres for gems, coloured gemstones and jewellery craftsmanship, while celebrating the excellence, innovation and legacy that continue to define India’s jewellery industry.
Winners by Category
1. JEA Emerald Gemstone of the Year
- GREEN INTERNATIONAL, JAIPUR
2. JEA Silver Vogue Jewellery
- ADORE JEWELS, JAIPUR
- ATTULYA JEWELS, JAIPUR
3. JEA Bejewelled Artifact
- KINU BABA GEMS INDIA PVT. LTD., JAIPUR
4. JEA Theme of the Year – Vintage Jewellery
- ADVIT JEWELS LIMITED, JAIPUR
5. JEA Accessory (Men’s & Women’s)
- ATTULYA JEWELS, JAIPUR
- MANTHAN’S GEM LEGACY LLP, HYDERABAD
6. JEA Gold Jewellery
- N. M. KAREL & SONS PVT. LTD., NEW DELHI
7. JEA Polki Bridal Set
- PARAMPARA THE JEWELS, JAIPUR
8. JEA Polki Necklace
- JEWELS OF RAJPUTAANA, JAIPUR
9. JEA Polki Earrings
- SRD JEWELS COUTURE PVT. LTD., VADODARA
10. JEA Polki Bangle/Bracelet
- KALA JOHARE, JAIPUR
11. JEA Polki Ring
- POLKI PARADISE BY V.K JEWELLERS, NEW DELHI
12. JEA Minimalist Jewellery
- SANGEETA DIAMONDS, JAIPUR
13. JEA Diamond/Colourstone Necklace
- TIMEPIECES, JAIPUR
14. JEA Diamond/Colourstone Earrings
- MAA SATTI JEWELS PVT. LTD., JAIPUR
15. JEA Diamond/Colourstone Bangle/Bracelet
- GREENBELL, JAIPUR
16. JEA Diamond/Colourstone Ring
- JEWELS BY SEPHORA LLP, JAIPUR
17. JEA Natural Gemstone of the Year (other than Emerald)
- BIHARILAL HOLARAM, JAIPUR
- TT GEMS INDIA LLP, MUMBAI
18. Winner of the JEA Professional Category
- RASHMI ABHIJIT BAFNA
- Bafna Jewellers
19. Winner of GIA Young Achievers’ Award
- BHAWANA MAHESHWARI
20. JEA Artisans’ Award
- AVTAR SINGH TALWAR
- ABEEDUDDIN
21. JEA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
- SHRI NAVRATTAN KOTHARI
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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.