India’s GJEPC Elects New Chairman
Vipul Shah will step into the role of chairman and Kirit Bhansali will serve as vice chairman.

Vipul Shah, former vice chairman for the 2020-2022 term, will step into the role of chairman, succeeding Colin Shah, who finished serving his two-year term.
Vipul was previously the chairman for the 2012-2015 term, and helped to organize GJEPC’s first World Diamond Conference, which was attended by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.
He also implemented the policy of rotating board members.
“I feel privileged and energized to return to the role of GJEPC chairman in these exciting times,” Vipul said. “There are tremendous opportunities for growth ahead of us.”
The country’s gem and jewelry industry is in a growth phase, he said, and set to reach the government’s export target of $45.7 billion for fiscal 2022-2023.
Kirit Bhansali of Smital Gems was elected to a two-year term as vice chairman of GJEPC.
“I am honored to get the opportunity to serve the industry as vice chairman of this great organization built with years of toil by my predecessors,” said Bhansali.
“The steadfast government support towards infrastructure development projects like the state-of-the-art Mega CFC in SEEPZ and the upcoming world-class India Jewelry Park Mumbai will nurture an export-friendly ecosystem that underpins the industry’s growth ambitions.”
The Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) is a special economic zone in Mumbai that is currently home to two new projects: the building of a mega common facility center to support the design and manufacturing of gem and jewelry products and the construction of standard design factories, scheduled to be operational by May 2023.
Previously, Bhansali served on the council as the convener of the awards committee, organizing several India Gem & Jewellery Awards.
He is currently the chairman of the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery and India Jewellery Park Mumbai.
As per GJEPC’s rules of succession, Bhansali will step in as chairman in 2024.
The Latest

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.


The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

High-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

The trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.

The Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.

Bring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.




























