Yoram Dvash: Industry unity, producer leadership and marketing investment key to natural diamond's future

The natural diamond industry is navigating a period of significant transition, but there are increasing signs that the foundations for a stronger and more positive future are being built, according to the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB)...

29 june 2026

AWDC: First fully traceable artisanal diamonds from DRC sold on the international market in Antwerp

In a historic milestone for the diamond industry, fully traceable, artisanal diamonds from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been sold on the international market for the very first time in Antwerp. Below, Ine Tassignon, AWDC spokesperson, provides...

22 june 2026

Natural diamonds most desired luxury jewellery, Gen Z spending double baby boomers, reveals De Beers report

Natural diamonds remain the most desired jewellery item among US consumers, with Millennials and Gen Z driving demand value and spending, according to De Beers Group’s The Diamond Report, which draws on the biannual Diamond Acquisition Study of 18,500...

15 june 2026

Edahn Golan: India’s lab-grown diamond exports surpass natural diamonds by volume, yet value gap widens

India’s diamond industry has reached a historic turning point. In March and April 2026, the volume of lab‑grown diamond exports overtook that of natural diamonds, with lab‑grown stones accounting for 51% and 50.4% of total export volume respectively...

01 june 2026

Dr M’zée Fula-Ngenge: Kimberley Process failing Africa

The Kimberley Process (KP) is failing Africa, and the world's definition of a “conflict diamond” is a moral and legal absurdity, according to the African Diamond Council (ADC) chairperson M’zée Fula-Ngenge. The following exclusive...

18 may 2026

Vipul Shah takes charge as Chairman for term Sept 2022 - Sept 2024 & Kirit Bhansali elected as Vice Chairman, GJEPC

06 september 2022
GJEPC, the apex body of the gem & jewellery trade in India, announced the Election Results of the new GJEPC board members for the tenure of 2022-2024 on 30 August 2022, as per a press release from GJEPC.
Vipul Shah took charge as the Chairman of GJEPC for the tenure of September 2022- September 2024, and Kirit Bhansali was elected as the new Vice Chairman of GJEPC.
vipul_shah.pngElaborating on his vision for the Indian gem & jewellery industry, Vipul Shah said, “I feel privileged and energised to return to the role of GJEPC Chairman in these exciting times! The Indian gem and jewellery industry is at the start of yet another growth phase and is set to achieve the Government’s export target for our sector, of $ 45.7 bn in FY 2022-23. There are tremendous opportunities for growth ahead of us. The landmark trade agreements signed with the UAE (CEPA) and Australia (ECTA) have provided a competitive edge to the plain gold jewellery exporters in the UAE. In addition, the forthcoming DESH Act will give a boost to the SEZ ecosystem and drive up export numbers. I take this opportunity to thank the Govt. for continued support to the industry through a series of trade-friendly measures.”
kirit_bhansali.pngKirit Bhansali, the newly elected Vice Chairman of GJEPC, said, “I am honoured to get the opportunity to serve the industry as Vice Chairman of this great organisation built with years of toil by my predecessors. We have put the turbulent two years behind us, and as we emerge into the new era post the pandemic, GJEPC, through its continued leadership, will help take this industry into a new phase of growth, dynamism, and prosperity. The steadfast Government support towards infrastructure development projects like the state-of-the-art Mega CFC in SEEPZ and the upcoming world-class India Jewellery Park Mumbai will nurture an export-friendly ecosystem that underpins the industry’s growth ambitions.”  

Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished