Indian gem and jewellery industry has seen an increase in imports of not only polished diamonds, but has also indulged in importing gold bars, silver bars and rough diamonds, during September. Import of gold bars in value terms increased from Rs 216 crore in August 2008 to Rs 717 crore in September’08. Silver bars were also imported higher in value terms from Rs 2 crore to Rs 38 crore from, as per GJEPC. %% The reduction in precious metals prices in international markets and anticipated demand for the coming festival have promoted the increase in imports. Gold valued at $750 an ounce during end-August 2008, and silver was at $11-level. The reduced prices favoured increase of gold jewellery export during September 2008, by 21 percent to Rs 1,742 crore from Rs 1,433 crore in August. %% Increase in rough diamond imports was of 38 percent, amounting to Rs 4,194 crore in September, while in August it was Rs 3,036 crore.