Realm of Gems

Eleven out of every 12 diamonds worldwide set in jewellery, are processed in India. Gold accounts for 14% of India’s total merchandise exports during FY 2011-12. The industry has registered a remarkable
growth over the last four decades, with exports grown from 28 million US Dollars in 1966-67 when the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) was established, to 42.84 billion US Dollars in FY 2011-12.
Diamonds account for 54% of the total export basket of the industry, with gold jewellery contributing 38%. UAE constitutes 44%, Hong Kong constitutes 25% and USA constitutes 12% among the major buyers while Belgium accounts for 21.55% of all raw material import is the major supplier. Export of coloured gemstones touched 343 million dollars in 2011-12.
Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) ushered an epoch, organising the first chapter of India International Jewellery Week 2013 in Delhi. The prolific prowess of jewel and ornament craftsmen and designs was let up amidst domestic and international buyers. 14 dashing fashion shows saw some 39 top models of India sashaying the ramp augmented with the choreography of the likes of Lubna Adam and Anu Ahuja. The show leveraged the call of the hour – empowerment of women. IIJW brand ambassador, Sonam Kaoor set the ball rolling with her ramp walk. ‘Amer’ jewellery range imbibes and replicates the magnificence of Amer Fort onto a pair of earrings and the splendor of the Ganesh Polegate congeals in the form of a pendant of Lord Ganesha in a necklace. The designs of Amer collection pose an immaculate setting of full cut,rose cut and uncut diamonds along with the lush green emeralds, white diamonds, yellow canary diamonds embellished with lavish pearls. Again’Hunar’ reckons Mughal influence with its kundan, minakari and enamel.Hazoorilal ushered in its ‘Desire’ assortment culled out from tribal lineage. Bearing in mind the mehndi, baraat and shaadi segments of Indian wedding, jewellery brands have churned out their bespoke ornaments. Traditional brands like Nizam, Envi and True Platinum from Gitanjali reveal their magnum opus. Gitanjali’s Parineeta collection in jadau, gold and diamonds is goaded by the Rajput, Mughal and Nizam eras. It has pristine white diamonds studded with 18K white gold ensconced amongst green emeralds, red rubies, blue sapphires and south sea pearls.
The impressive lineup of collection from Charu Jewels dealt a ravishing effect. JUD jewellery from Junagarh Jewellery pitted its uncut diamonds. R.K. Jewllers rolled down its ‘Zistava’ and Rio Tinto put forth its peerless array ‘Nazraana’.
Designers such as Rosily Paul, Monica Kapoor and Pooja Juneja left lasting imprint upon the years to follow. Jewllery work upholds the melding of India’s prolific history and fecund traditions with contemporary creativity and exquisite craftsmanship.


By : Ratandeep Banerji