Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds launched its first Andhra Pradesh store in Visakhapatnam in February 2026, inaugurated by Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, expanding retail presence across emerging South Indian markets.

IJ Power List 2026 honours the leaders redefining Indian jewellery retail through governance, innovation, cultural stewardship, and disciplined growth—celebrating visionaries shaping the industry’s future with clarity, credibility, and conviction.

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.

Bhima Jewellery opened a new showroom in Sector 18, Noida on February 8, 2026, marking its continued pan-India retail expansion as the company enters its centenary phase.

Namibia signed the Luanda Accord in Cape Town on February 9, 2026, while GJEPC and DMCC agreed pathways toward Natural Diamond Council membership to support global natural diamond marketing efforts.

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.

The objective of Gemological Science International (GSI) is not just to issue reports, but to help the trade build credibility with its customers through transparent and consistent certification, and ensure that certification, testing and education remain aligned with how the jewellery business is actually conducted on the ground, says Ramit Kapur, Managing Director, GSI, in a conversation with Dhwani Rathod.

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.

IGI acquired American Gemological Laboratories on January 31, 2026, in New York and Mumbai to expand coloured gemstone certification, linking US and India markets through a combined global platform.

Union Budget 2026-27 makes a strong push for MSMEs, with a Rs 10,000-crore SME Growth Fund; besides, it enables faster payments via mandatory TReDS for CPSE purchases. Overall, the Budget emphasizes fiscal prudence, infrastructure creation, and ease of doing business. For a sector navigating global uncertainty, shifting consumer preferences, and rising compliance standards, it is stability that the enabler.

Bakul Limbasiya of Bhathwari Technologies was awarded the APO National Award in New Delhi in January 2026, recognizing contributions to productivity, innovation and leadership in India’s lab-grown diamond sector.

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.

Silver surged above $100 per ounce for the first time ever, while gold reached record highs near $5,000, driven by strong safe-haven demand and tight physical supplies amid global economic uncertainties.

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.