From new materials and lightweight designs to emerging suppliers, wider sourcing and stronger seasonal relevance, COUTURE India 2026 showed how the format has evolved, discovers Preeti Kulkarni

At the 11th edition of COUTURE India 2026, businesses across design, branding, packaging, technology, certification and retail services presented solutions aimed at addressing the operational challenges faced by jewellery retailers.

The 11th edition of COUTURE India opens in New Delhi with five jewellery leaders, over 100 exhibitors and 700 retailers and buyers from across India.

Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla launched its first jewellery collection in September 2026, with Dimple Kapadia as muse and collections inspired by Indian embroidery, motifs and symbolism across multiple ranges.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee and The Metropolitan Museum of Art have unveiled a six-piece jewellery collection drawing on imperial medallions, architecture, statuary and religious imagery from the museum’s collection.

Saggar Mehra Couture has partnered with jewellery designer Nipun Khanna to launch Vanraaj, a menswear and fine jewellery collection inspired by modern royalty, combining couture craftsmanship with jewellery design.

SICIS Jewels collaborated with Vaishali S as the official jewellery partner for the Swayam collection, presented on July 8, 2026 at the Residence of the Ambassador of India in Paris.

Tanishq Natural Diamonds and Rahul Mishra unveiled an exclusive couture jewellery collection at Paris Couture Week 2026 on July 8, showcasing Indian jewellery craftsmanship and couture through a collaborative design approach.

GJEPC inaugurated the India Pavilion and India Design Gallery at JCK Las Vegas 2026, showcasing 33 exporters and award-winning jewellery designs to strengthen India's global market presence.

Kalyan Jewellers returned to the Cannes Film Festival for a third appearance, unveiling a bespoke high-jewellery creation for brand ambassador Kalyani Priyadarshan inspired by Art Deco design and couture styling.

Jewels by Queenie and Treasures by Tiara have launched a concept jewellery and café retail space on Mumbai’s Peddar Road, combining experiential jewellery retail with hospitality and design-led merchandising.

Statement diamonds, sculptural brooches, layered gemstones, and expressive menswear jewellery emerged as the defining visual language of luxury at Met Gala 2026, discovers Khursheed Mistry.

GJEPC says India–New Zealand FTA signed on April 27, 2026 will enable zero-duty access, supporting export growth from $ 16.61 million to $ 50 million within three years.

Couture India Show 2026 will be held from September 26–28, at Taj Palace, New Delhi, bringing together leading jewellery brands and retailers for a focused B2B networking and sourcing platform.