GJEPC has responded to the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, stating that zero-duty access for jewellery will support exports, improve competitiveness and help double bilateral gem and jewellery trade within three years.

Following the announcement of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali outlined its expected impact on exports, employment and market diversification for India’s gem and jewellery sector.

Ahead of the 27 January 2026 India-EU Summit in New Delhi, GJEPC has urged the Government of India to secure duty-free EU access for jewellery to expand exports and double bilateral trade.

GJEPC announced “Quantum Couture” as the theme for Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026 on 22 January in Mumbai, outlining three design categories and opening entries for industry and student participants nationwide.

In spite of an 8.76% dip in cut and polished diamond exports during April-November 2025, GJEPC remains optimistic about India’s export performance in 2026. The Council is looking forward to the BTA with the US, and should that take longer than expected, it will take all necessary measures in coordination with the government and stakeholders to support exports, and ensure continued growth, says Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, in a conversation with Suneeta Kaul.

India’s gem and jewellery exports to the US declined sharply in April–December 2025 amid tariff pressures, while growth in UAE, Hong Kong and FTA markets kept overall exports largely stable.

IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 concluded in Mumbai on January 15, recording an estimated ?75,000 crore in business, driven by strong domestic buying, international participation, and focused sourcing across categories.

GJEPC submitted pre-Budget recommendations to the Finance Ministry in Mumbai on January 14, 2026, seeking duty rationalization, tax reforms and SEZ flexibility to support exports amid global trade pressures.

GJEPC launched JewelStart on January 12, 2026, in Mumbai at IIJS Bharat Signature to create a structured incubation and acceleration platform supporting innovation, startups, and MSMEs across the gem and jewellery value chain.

IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 sees selective demand, cautious capital deployment, and a clear move towards lightweight, lower-ticket jewellery, says Arpit Kala.

Over four days, IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 saw brisk business take place at JWCC; retailers focused on couture differentiation, lightweight gold, gemstone statements, and silver jewellery, reflecting evolving buying behaviour across daily-wear, bridal, and emerging categories.

GIA plays a key role in establishing authenticity and trust in jewellery retail — it brings credibility, transparency, and confidence to the entire ecosystem, Amit Pratihari, MD, GIA India, tells Khursheed Mistry.

Day two of IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), NESCO, Goregaon, Mumbai, was marked by the formal inauguration of the venue, and new collection launches focused on lightweight gold jewellery.

IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 opened at JWCC, Mumbai, bringing together industry leaders, and 1,600 exhibitors and global buyers; with a focus on exports, product launches, and knowledge sessions, the show is likely to set the tone for the industry for the rest of the year.