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.

Despite a sharp contraction in shipments to the United States, India’s gems and jewellery exports show resilience, supported by strong growth in the UAE, Hong Kong and emerging global markets.

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.

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.

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.

India’s Economic Survey FY25–26 outlines how the gems and jewellery sector shaped exports, gold imports, inflation and lending, highlighting diversification gains and rising macro pressures for policymakers and industry.

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.

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.

Vicenzaoro January 2026 attracted global buyers led by the US, UK, India and Germany, reinforcing its role as a key sourcing and technology hub amid volatile metal prices and shifting international trade dynamics.

Titan Company enters the lab-grown diamond jewellery segment with the launch of beYon, opening its first Mumbai store and targeting younger, lifestyle-driven consumers through affordable, design-led LGD offerings.

International Institute of Gemology used Jaipur Jewellery Show 2025 to demonstrate its industry-integrated education model, combining trade exposure, manufacturing visits and design evaluation to prepare students for jewellery business realities.

India–Oman CEPA abolishes duty on Indian gems and jewellery in Oman from December 2026, with GJEPC projecting exports rising from $ 35 million to $ 150 million within three years.

De Beers VP Sales Sean Lin meets GJEPC leadership in Mumbai to discuss strengthening natural diamond demand in China, market recovery signals, and deeper collaboration on retail promotion and consumer education.

Despite soaring gold prices, steep tariffs and rising crime, US jewellery sales continue to climb in 2025 — driven by resilient consumer demand, strong independents and a smaller but stronger retail base.