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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ahead of the 27 January 2026 India-EU Summit in New Delhi, GJEPC has urged the Government of India to secure duty-free EU access for jewellery to expand exports and double bilateral trade.

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.

As jewellery buying shifts toward longer consideration cycles, retailers and manufacturers must reframe hesitation not as failure, but as a trust-led decision process shaped by permanence, complexity, and emotional alignment.

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.

IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 sees selective demand, cautious capital deployment, and a clear move towards lightweight, lower-ticket jewellery, says Arpit Kala.

Over four days, IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 saw brisk business take place at JWCC; retailers focused on couture differentiation, lightweight gold, gemstone statements, and silver jewellery, reflecting evolving buying behaviour across daily-wear, bridal, and emerging categories.

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.