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.

Despite a sharp contraction in shipments to the United States, India’s gems and jewellery exports show resilience, supported by strong growth in the UAE, Hong Kong and emerging global markets.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds accelerates retail and supply-chain growth with capital infusion and vertical integration to capitalize on booming Indian LGD demand.

New luxury brand Daimanté launches in India with AI-generated design workflows and sustainable lab-grown diamonds, offering hallmark-assured collections and digital-first retail strategy, redefining premium product offerings for modern jewellery retailers.

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.

Bhima Jewellery opened a new showroom in Sector 18, Noida on February 8, 2026, marking its continued pan-India retail expansion as the company enters its centenary phase.

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.

Following the India–US Interim Agreement framework announcement, GJEPC confirms duty reduction on jewellery to 18% and anticipates zero-duty access for diamonds and coloured gemstones in the US market.

De Beers presented “Voyage Through the Diamond Realm” at India Art Fair 2026 in New Delhi on 6 February, collaborating with Lakshmi Madhavan to explore diamonds’ geological origins and material heritage.

As margin pressure, price volatility and shifting customer behaviour reshape jewellery retail, habitual discounting is eroding authority and long-term value, prompting retailers to rethink pricing discipline and strategy.

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.

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.

Bakul Limbasiya of Bhathwari Technologies was awarded the APO National Award in New Delhi in January 2026, recognizing contributions to productivity, innovation and leadership in India’s lab-grown diamond sector.