The Indian gem and jewellery industry is entering the festive season on a high note, with July 2025 exports delivering a sharp rebound after months of subdued performance. The sector posted a 15.98% year-on-year jump in overall exports, buoyed by a dramatic rise in cut and polished diamond shipments to Hong Kong, robust gold jewellery sales, and healthy demand from domestic and international buyers.
One of the biggest confidence boosters came from the recently concluded IIJS Premiere 2025, where order bookings touched an estimated ₹70,000–90,000 crore. This strong showing, industry leaders say, signals renewed momentum despite ongoing global challenges, including the lingering impact of US tariffs. Adding to the optimism, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is preparing for SAJEX 2025 in Saudi Arabia this September — an event expected to unlock new opportunities in the Gulf market.
July’s Standout Numbers
In July alone, gross gem and jewellery exports hit US$ 2,178.24 million, up from US$ 1,878.09 million a year earlier. Cut and polished diamonds grew 17.76% to US$ 1,071.73 million, with Hong Kong emerging as the star market — imports from India soared 70% to US$ 320 million. GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali called this rebound “a very positive sign,” noting that it reflects both renewed buyer confidence and an uplift in industry sentiment.
Gold jewellery exports also shone brightly, climbing 16.39% to US$ 813.77 million. Within this, plain gold jewellery was up 15.61%, while studded pieces gained 16.99%. Lab-grown polished diamonds posted a 27.61% surge to US$ 122.43 million, while platinum jewellery rose 14.11% in April–July figures.
The Bigger Picture
Although April–July 2025 overall exports showed a marginal 0.11% dip year-on-year at US$ 8,789.67 million, several categories have seen robust gains. Plain gold jewellery exports jumped nearly 49% in this period, while studded gold jewellery rose just over 6%. Coloured gemstones inched up 1.93%, and platinum jewellery also maintained double-digit growth.
Bhansali emphasised that the July revival across major verticals, coupled with Hong Kong’s strong demand, sets the stage for a positive festive season. With SAJEX 2025 around the corner, industry players are hopeful that India’s global jewellery footprint will expand further, opening new channels for trade and collaboration.