In this issue

Will Diwali Shine Bright?

The festive season is fast approaching and with gold fluctuating like a seesaw it was imperative for us to gauge the mood of the industry across India. We interviewed some key figures in the jewellery industry to learn about their expectations of Diwali sales and consumer buying trends. The prevalent mood is one of cautious optimism. Read their detailed views in the Cover Story.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) welcomed a host of new measures announced by the union minister for finance and corporate affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman. The industry is happy about the policy of reimbursement of taxes and duties for export promotion as well as the inclusion of the gem and jewellery sector for the Annual Mega Shopping Festivals in four cities around March 2020. Turn to GJEPC News for more information.

In the Design Directions section, we have on board Pratiksha Kishandas of the renowned brand Kishandas & Co., Hyderabad, who speaks of the current trends in bridal and non-bridal segments.

Famous Italian trend forecaster, Paola de Luca decodes the theme of The Artisan Awards 2020, “Architectural Gems”; she expresses her views on India’s design strengths and how the country can take a big leap forward to enhance Indian jewellery’s global appeal.

The three-year review and reform of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) to strengthen the definition of “conflict diamonds”, will finally reach a conclusion at the KP Plenary in New Delhi from November 18th-22nd. Turn to the Bulletin section for an overview of the World Diamond Council’s annual general meeting.

Banking Seminar Gives Trade Reality Check

The banking and finance seminar that took place in Mumbai alongside Signature IIJS discussed the financing challenges in securing credit facing the global trade and possible solutions. A report by Sanjiv Arole.

10+ mins

GJSCI Reveals Winners Of Hupari-inspired Revive Design Contest

The Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI) recently organised an inter-institute design competition, Revive Design Contest, offering an opportunity for budding jewellery designers to showcase their talent while embracing ancient techniques. Those who made it through the preliminary rounds were taken to the town of Hupari near Kolhapur in Maharashtra, famous for making silver jewellery ornaments.

2 mins

US Gold Jewellery – An Evolving Industry

The US gold jewellery industry is both sizeable and globally significant. But it faces a range of challenges. MARK HANNA, chief marketing officer at Berkshire Hathaway company Richline Group, the leading jewellery manufacturer in the US, believes the industry can flourish, if it adopts certain key initiatives.

5 mins

Urgent Need To Upgrade Hupari Silversmiths

Hupari, a small town nestled in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, India, is home to nearly 25,000 silver artisans. Jewellery blogger and designer PRERNAA MAKHARIAA narrates her experience of a recent excursion to Hupari as part of the Women’s Jewellery Association (WJA) India.

3 mins

gjepc conducts 50th agm in mumbai

decides to form trade disciplinary committee.

4 mins

De Beers Diamond Jewellers Revamps Harrods Store

De Beers is proud to continue its legacy as the ‘Home Of Diamonds Since 1888’ with a refined new store in the Fine Jewellery Room at Harrods. 

1 min

JJS Gears Up For December Show

The Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS), the country’s largest combined business-to-business (B2B) and business-to consumer (B2C) jewellery show, will be held from December 22nd to 25th at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Sitapura.

1 min

HK's 4,455+ Employees Take Part On International Yoga Day

Hari Krishna Group organised a yoga programme on 21st June 2017, International Yoga Day in its factory premises in Surat, and sales offices at BKC and SEEPZ, Mumbai.

1 min

GJEPC To Set Up IIGJ Centre In Udupi

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) laid the foundation stone for a premier gem and jewellery training institute in Udupi, Karnataka, on June 16th.

2 mins

US Diamond Jewellery Demand Reaches $41 Bn

Total diamond jewellery demand from US consumers increased 4.4% in 2016 to exceed $40 billion for the first time, according to industry insight data published by De Beers. 

2 mins

Business In The GST Era

Bullion analyst Sanjiv Arole evaluates the pros and cons of the recently implemented Goods & Services Tax (GST).

10 mins

Signet Jewelers Appoints Virginia C. Drosos As CEO

Signet Jewelers Limited, the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewellery, appointed Virginia “Gina” C. Drosos, who has served as a independent director of the company’s board since 2012, as the new chief executive officer of Signet, effective August 1st 2017.

1 min

GJEPC Opens Common Facility Centre In Palanpur

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said the second Common Facility Centre (CFC) was inaugurated in Palanpur by Nirmala Sitharaman, minister of state (independent charge) for commerce & industry, and Haribhai Chaudhary, minister of state for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), on July 10th.

1 min

Jewellers For Hope Raises ₹1 Crore For Three NGOS

The GJEPC hosted a by-invitation-only charity dinner, Jewellers for Hope, on the sidelines of the show to raise funds for a noble cause.

2 mins

Small Is Big

Lightweight jewellery demand has grown 20% in the last year. Self-purchases, gifting and work wear drive the demand. Solitaire International interviewed retailers and designers to check out what’s hot in this category.

5 mins

India's 2016-17 Gems & Jewellery Exports Rise 10% To $43.1bn

India’s exports of gems and jewellery beat expectations by rising 9.85% to $43.1 billion in the financial year 2016-2017 mainly due to a resurgence of demand in key markets like the US, Hong Kong and UAE.

3 mins

In Support Of Dodd-Frank Conflict Minerals Regulation

IRIN’s recent article, Who pays the hidden price for Congo’s conflict-free minerals (read the report in the Solitaire April 2017 issue), offers a compelling story that highlights some real challenges facing many Congolese people today.

3 mins

Demonetisation Changes Industry Landscape

Chartered accountant (Dr.) SURESH SURANA, founder chairman of RSM Astute Consulting Group, decodes the implications of demonetisation for the gem and jewellery industry and advises the quick adoption of digital payment modes to bring in greater transparency.

6 mins

Oroarezzo Gets A 10% Boost In Exhibitor Numbers

The 38th edition of Oroarezzo saw a 10% rise in foreign exhibitor participation.

4 mins

Carat+Show Enjoys Strong Debut

The premiere edition of Carat+, the international trade show dedicated exclusively to the loose diamond and diamond jewellery trades, ended on a high note, with the organisers and participants describing it as an unqualified success.

3 mins

Imaginarium Leads 3D Printing's Next Big Revolution

Imaginarium is India’s largest rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing centre, a 3D printing company that has revolutionised the manufacturing processes in the jewellery industry. In an exclusive interview with Solitaire, KAMLESH PAREKH, controller – leadership team, reveals plans to launch a game-changing service – an online portal that lets customers order bespoke jewellery from the comfort of their own office/home – at the IIJS this year.

7 mins

Artisanal Gold Supply Chain Operational In Eastern DRC

Partnership Africa Canada (PAC) said the Just Gold project has successfully implemented a system to trace legal and conflict-free artisanal gold in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

2 mins

GFMS: Indian Platinum Jewellery Fabrication -5% In 2016

In 2016, global platinum jewellery demand fell by 12% to reach 2.18 Moz (67.7 tonnes), Thomson Reuters said in its GFMS Platinum Group Metals Survey 2017.

1 min

JAS 2016 Receives International Acclaim

The 10th Jewellers Association Show (JAS), held at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Sitapura, received widespread appreciation from international participants, according to a statement from the show organisers.

2 mins

HK Show Where have all the Buyers Gone?

Expectations were cautious at the start of this year’s September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the world’s second largest show of its kind. By the end of the event, this caution proved justified. Results were mixed, with the vast majority of polled exhibitors reporting a quiet show. And, to add to the mix, another show opened in Hong Kong at the same time, the International Gem & Jewellery Festival, held in tents on the Central Harbourfront, not far from the main convention centre.

6 mins

Couture India Receives 2,000 Trade Visitors

The inaugural edition of Couture India, a business boutique show organised by Indian Jeweller (IJ) magazine at Taj Palace, New Delhi, received an overwhelming response from the Indian gem and jewellery fraternity, according to the organisers. Held from September 24 to 26, the event received more than 2,000 trade visitors.

1 min

Vicenzaoro Show: Maintains its Global Relevance

Over 19,000 visitors attended the Vicenzaoro September show organised by Fiera di Vicenza, which took place from September 3-7. Among its features was the launch of NOW - Not Ordinary Watches, a new area dedicated to timepieces.

6 mins

IIGJ Hosts Glimpz 2016

Innovation was the central focus at Glimpz 2016, an annual exhibition organised by the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai. Held on October 18 and 19 at IIGJ in Andheri, the final year students of the three-year jewellery design and manufacturing techniques diploma course showcased their designs as part of their graduation project.

1 min

UN Paying Blacklisted Diamond Company In CAR: Report

The UN has paid more than half a million dollars to a company on its own sanctions list for allegedly fuelling the conflict in Central African Republic (CAR) through the sale of ‘blood diamonds’, an IRIN investigation reveals.

5 mins

GJEPC Welcomes King Philippe Of Belgium

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) hosted His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium at a round-table discussion in Mumbai on November 9th. The talks revolved around the contributions of the diamond industry to social and economic development.

4 mins

Read all stories from Solitaire International

Solitaire International Magazine Description:

Solitaire International is India’s leading B2B magazine on the gem and jewellery trade. With more than 20 years behind it, the monthly publication is today recognised in India and the world over as a quality publication in trade journalism. The magazine is referred to by the global trade sector for information on India and its industry.