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.

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.

IGI acquired American Gemological Laboratories on January 31, 2026, in New York and Mumbai to expand coloured gemstone certification, linking US and India markets through a combined global platform.

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.

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.

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.

GIA plays a key role in establishing authenticity and trust in jewellery retail — it brings credibility, transparency, and confidence to the entire ecosystem, Amit Pratihari, MD, GIA India, tells 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.

Shringar House of Mangalsutra Limited was recognized by Indriya, Aditya Birla Group’s fine jewellery brand, on December 22 2025, in Mumbai for long-term strategic manufacturing alignment and innovation focus.

International Institute of Gemology has launched Diamond Fundamentals, an educational book by CEO Rahul Desai, unveiled at Hari Krishna Exports, introducing storytelling-led learning to diamond education.

JJS 2025, scheduled from December 19–22 at the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, will host 1,227 booths, feature the Coloured Gemstones theme, and welcome top exhibitors, retailers, and global participants.

Tanishq commemorated India’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup victory by gifting gold rings to players, crafted from gold exchanged by households nationwide under its Gold Exchange programme.

Edstead has launched Jewels of Legacy on JioHotstar, a documentary series exploring the histories, family narratives and craftsmanship traditions of Kishandas, Mahesh Notandass, VBJ and Abaran, highlighting their role in India’s jewellery heritage.

GJEPC’s MSME Department hosted a practical export-readiness Chaupal in Zaveri Bazaar, guiding first-time exporters through procedures, compliance, market demand, incentives and global opportunities, while addressing real operational challenges.