Lab-GrownAug 12, 2022
Report: State Bank of India to Begin Lending to Lab-Grown Producers SourcingAug 31, 2022
India’s GJEPC Elects New Chairman
Vipul Shah will step into the role of chairman and Kirit Bhansali will serve as vice chairman.
The GJEPC has elected a new chairman and vice chairman. From left to right, GJEPC Executive Director Sabyasachi Ray, Vice Chairman Kirit Bhansali, Chairman Vipul Shah, and outgoing Chairman Colin Shah.
Mumbai, India—The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, the governmental body that supports the diamond and jewelry trade in India, has elected a new leadership team.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
