Natural Desert diamonds dominated the BAFTA Awards 2026 red carpet in London on February 23, worn by leading actors, signalling growing cultural and stylistic momentum for warm-toned natural diamonds.

The International Institute of Gemology organized a two-day industrial visit to Surat, covering diamond processing, technology integration and jewellery manufacturing to align academic training with industry practices.

Sawansukha Indian Institute of Jewellery organized a student-led sustainable design competition, challenging participants to create jewellery from scrap materials to promote circular thinking and responsible craftsmanship within design education.

As margin pressure, price volatility and shifting customer behaviour reshape jewellery retail, habitual discounting is eroding authority and long-term value, prompting retailers to rethink pricing discipline and strategy.

EKARAA enters India’s fine jewellery market with the opening of a 6,700 sq. ft. flagship store in Mumbai on February 5, 2026, marking its retail debut and global headquarters.

Divine Solitaires outlines its India strategy to position natural diamond solitaires for proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, self-purchase and Mangalsutra ceremonies, aiming to expand repeat-purchase opportunities for jewellery retailers.

As bridal tastes evolve, and retail cycles shorten, India’s polki industry is being redesigned for lighter wear, faster movement and commercial relevance, transforming a heritage craft into a modern retail category, says Dhwani Rathod.

In order to meet the challenges of the diamond industry head on, De Beers has devised a multi-pronged strategy – the major steps include upping investment in marketing, participating in the Luanda Accord, developing a range of category campaigns, collaborating with key retail partners to grow demand, and investing in branded marketing programmes for its own retail businesses, says David Johnson, VP, Global External Communications, De Beers Group, in a conversation with Suneeta Kaul.

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.

PNG Jewellers appointed Ranbir Kapoor as brand ambassador in January 2026 in Pune to support national expansion by increasing visibility and reinforcing brand trust through endorsements and brand-led initiatives across markets.

Senco Gold & Diamonds received IAGES accreditation across over 100 stores pan India on January 21, 2026, aligning operations with the association’s Code of Conduct to strengthen accountability and consumer confidence.

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.

Jos Alukkas launched its ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ brand campaign on January 10, 2026, featuring Dulquer Salmaan, Keerthy Suresh and Suhasini Maniratnam, reflecting contemporary wedding decision-making and shared celebrations.

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.