The EU-India FTA offers a significant boost to India’s gems and jewellery industry through reduced tariffs, easier market access, and improved competitiveness in Europe. The pact is expected to accelerate exports, attract investment, strengthen manufacturing, and reinforce India’s position as a trusted global sourcing hub for premium jewellery, says Suneeta Kaul.

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.

HRD Antwerp opened a new certification laboratory in Hyderabad on January 31, 2026, to expand regional access to diamond and jewellery grading services for manufacturers and retailers in South India.

Angara has enabled silver metal selection across eligible jewellery designs on its India website in January 2026, expanding consumer metal choices as price volatility drives demand for flexible fine jewellery options.

IGI inaugurated its second Jaipur laboratory on January 29, 2026 in Sitapura to expand coloured gemstone testing, improve turnaround times and support manufacturers and exporters across North India.

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.

Shringar House of Mangalsutra Limited launched a Pune sales office on January 23, 2026, inaugurated by Saurabh Gadgil, to coordinate B2B operations across Pune, Marathwada and Vidarbha markets.

De Beers Group introduced its ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye’ program at IIJS Bharat Signature to strengthen natural diamond demand in India by enabling retailers through the INDRA alliance and expanding structured access nationwide.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, leading jewellery retailers, manufacturers and industry bodies outline expectations on GST, import duties, exports, digital gold regulation, working capital, and policy reforms to strengthen growth.

Ahmedabad-based Harit Zaveri Jewellers has introduced its Shagun collection in January 2026, targeting wedding-related gifting demand with 22K gold jewellery designed for ceremonial and long-term wear.

HRD Antwerp launched its globally recognized diamond, gemmology and jewellery education programmes in Mumbai on January 13, 2026, to expand access to structured, internationally aligned professional training in India.

Poonam Soni launched the Brace-Watch in Mumbai in December 2025, collaborating with artist Nawaz Modi Singhania to introduce a trademarked bracelet-watch format expanding her collectible jewellery portfolio.

Pret jewellery is turning out to be a major focus area during IIJS Bharat Signature 2026; exhibitors say it offers several advantages to retailers – it is design-led, the stock moves faster, and the working-capital exposure is low, finds out Khursheed Mistry.

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.