Ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, the seventh edition of GJS showcased a vibrant mix of lightweight innovative, modular bridal jewellery, with event highlighting a renewed interest in silver. While some exhibitors saw high engagement, others noted a more cautious buying environment shaped by soaring gold prices
The seventh edition of the India Gem and Jewellery Show (GJS), organized by the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), concluded on April 7, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Strategically scheduled between Gudi Padwa and Akshaya Tritiya to harness seasonal and wedding-related demand, the four-day event drew an estimated 400 exhibitors and over 10,000 visitors. As a key B2B platform for the domestic jewellery industry, GJS retained its relevance — while some booths, such as Uma Ornaments, saw brisk footfall and steady orders, with retailers making a beeline for their products on all four days, others reported more muted activity, compared to previous years.
“Gold at Rs 90,000 per 10gm has changed the nature of buying," said one exhibitor, who did not wish to be named. "People are looking for smarter designs, and investing more cautiously,” he added.
Defining trends -- Lightweight, Modular and Market-Friendly
Lightweight pieces, modular designs, and vibrant bridal jewellery stood out as the defining trends at GJS 2025, with exhibitors innovating around affordability and versatility. Dilip Dassani of Dassani Brothers, Mumbai, noted that his focus this year was on creating lighter designs that offer grandeur without excess weight, often crafted to split into multiple wearable pieces. “We have created bridal necklaces where the gold content stays around 30gm to 60gm, and the rest of the volume comes from design ingenuity and coloured stones. The market is polarizing. We have the ultra-luxury bride who still wants big polkis and diamonds, but the middle-tier consumer is very conscious of weight and versatility,” he said.
Sunny Chordia of Swarnsarita Jewels, Mumbai, presented new collections in temple jewellery with religious motifs and smart use of materials such as pink rice pearls, which look like kumkum-stained rice in a puja platter. “We have introduced lightweight necklace designs with motifs like Shivji and Lord Ram, incorporating the look of kumkum rice to bring a sense of sacredness and uniqueness,” he said. The collection also included six-piece bangle sets with meenakari work, designed to blend tradition with lightness.
Ritik Agarwal of Albeli Jewellers, a silver manufacturer from Jaipur, noted that GJS 2025 was particularly fruitful for his business. “The response was very positive, with consistent footfall and great interest in our collection,” he said. “Buyers came with a focused intent, leading to meaningful and productive conversations. The momentum translated into strong leads and immediate bookings,” he added.
Announcements, Delegations and Star Power
A highlight of the inaugural day was the announcement of Miss India 2024, Nikita Porwal, as the brand ambassador of GJC. Dressed in a sleek black gown and a crown crafted by Shree HariSiddhi Jewellers, Porwal made a striking impression. “India’s gem and jewellery industry is a true reflection of creativity, culture, and innovation,” she said. “I’m honoured to represent this industry and look forward to contributing to its global presence,” she added.
GJC Chairman Rajesh Rokde underscored the Council’s vision and efforts to build a safer, more connected, and better-supported industry. He also referenced the work being done toward forming vigilance committees for jewellers across Maharashtra, aimed at addressing the persistent challenges they face in transporting goods and protecting their business interests. “We want the same safety and structure across all states. The goal is to create a gold cluster and reduce dependency on high-cost equipment for individual jewellers,” he said.
The show featured a variety of sessions, including motivational talks by Dr Ujjwal Patni. The launch of a dedicated Silver Pavilion, with over 100 stalls, reflected the growing importance of silver as a category in its own right. The guest of honour at the launch event, Paul Alukkas of Jos Alukkas, Thrissur, said, “There is a need to recognize silver not merely as an alternative to gold, but as an aspirational, sustainable, and fashionable segment. From handcrafted ornaments to modern fusion pieces, silver is no longer the poor cousin,” he said.
Industry Stakeholders, Global Buyers, and Market Focus
The exhibition included delegates and buyers from across India and abroad. Several corporate retailers, including teams from Kalyan Jewellers and Malabar Gold & Diamonds, were spotted sourcing for Akshaya Tritiya. The event also attracted hosted buyers, foreign delegations, and emerging regional players.
GJC Vice Chairman Avinash Gupta noted the Council’s commitment to sustainability and skill-building. “As a jeweller, you are contributing to the nation’s growth. But we must also examine how our industry can play a larger role in sustainability and education,” he said. The show featured more than 40 talk sessions, a GJC Nite fashion showcase, and interactive seminars to prepare businesses for compliance, trends, and customer engagement.
A Cautious, Yet Steady Show
While GJS April 2025 successfully convened the jewellery industry under one roof, and delivered a strong platform for product discovery and buyer-seller engagement, it also reflected the evolving realities of a market navigating high prices and changing consumer behaviour. Exhibitors praised the show’s organization and infrastructure, but hoped for even stronger momentum in the coming editions. “For us, it was a good opportunity to reinforce relationships, show new lines, and stay present in the market,” said one returning exhibitor. “Business was not as high-volume as last year, but the quality of visitors was very good,” he added.
The blend of tradition, innovation, and resilience was on full display at GJS 2025 — a show that reaffirmed its identity as #HamaraApnaShow, while adapting to a more discerning market.
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