Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds opened a new retail store in Rohini, Delhi, in February 2026, expanding its NCR presence and strengthening distribution in response to growing consumer demand.

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.

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.

India’s gem and jewellery exports totalled $23.19 billion in April–January 2026, down 0.64% year-on-year, as US shipments fell 45%, while a new India–US trade framework restores 18% tariff access.

Akoirah by Augmont introduced the ‘Made of Us’ collection on February 11, 2026, featuring 14K recycled gold and lab-grown diamond designs centred on heart motifs for Valentine’s season retail demand.

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 GJEPC has welcomed the India-U.S, trade agreement announcement, saying the move could ease tariff pressures and provide much-needed relief to India's gem and jewellery exporters/

QWEEN has partnered London-based Dalziel & Pow to design new retail stores in Bangalore and Delhi, aiming to reshape jewellery shopping through experiential formats, with the first launches scheduled March 2026.

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.

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.

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.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds opened its exclusive store in Coimbatore in January 2026, strengthening its South India network as the brand crossed 50 exclusive stores nationwide to expand lab-grown diamond retail access.

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.