Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact SourcingApr 09, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
The Bharat Ratnam Mega Common Facilitation Centre is one of the main features of the revamping and modernization of jewelry manufacturing operations within the special export zone known as SEEPZ in Mumbai.
Mumbai—It is India’s single largest cluster of modern jewelry manufacturing facilities, the engine powering its studded jewelry export industry.
It singlehandedly delivers more jewelry to the United States than most other supplier countries. And it lies in a designated export zone covering less than one square kilometer (less than half a square mile) in Mumbai North-West.
The Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone, or SEEPZ as this area is more widely known, is being revamped with a new outlook and infrastructure to “refurbish and rejuvenate” operations, particularly those in the gem and jewelry sector.
The most prominent symbol of SEEPZ 2.0, as it is known, is Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC) that was inaugurated in January by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A senior member of Modi’s cabinet, India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal, presided over the commencement-of-operations ceremony in the middle of March, an indication of the importance attached to this project.
The Mega CFC clearly symbolizes the new direction in which India’s studded jewelry export industry is moving. (Studded jewelry refers to jewelry that is set with diamonds and/or colored gemstones and the precious metal content is relatively low.)
The six-floor, 115,000-square-foot complex is a one-stop center that will facilitate the upgrading of what the industry describes as the “three Ts”—technology, techniques, and training – that will be crucial to take jewelry exports to the next level.
Three floors are dedicated to a comprehensive range of cutting-edge technical services including CAD and CAD rendering; 3D printing in metal, ceramic, resin, and wax; and casting in gold, platinum, and silver.
Manufacturers, irrespective of size, can use these machines on a time-share basis.
Colin Shah, a leading jewelry exporter and head of the working group that spearheaded the Bharat Ratnam project, describes it as a “360-degree service model to engage in high-level jewelry manufacturing.”
According to Shah, “This is a pathbreaking concept for democratizing access to entrepreneurs big and small, catering to global and domestic markets.”
According to Shah, “This is a pathbreaking concept for democratizing access to entrepreneurs big and small, catering to global and domestic markets.”
It also has a modern Skill Training Center that will provide over 1,500 personnel with in-depth knowledge of the latest techniques and technology each year, about 25 percent of whom will be individuals with special needs.
Leading exporters believe the Mega CFC will help enhance the quality, diversity, and efficiency of jewelry offerings, and enable scaling up the number of pieces for export, boosting economies of scale for the trade.
The vision of SEEPZ 2.0 also encompasses replacing the 50-year-old buildings with new, modern structures more suited to the current technologies, and fully equipped with state-of-the-art systems.
The New Enterprises & Services Towers, also known as NEST 01, NEST 02 and NEST 03, will consist of three six-floor towers with more than 500,000 square feet of built-out areas. They will rehouse all existing units of the gem and jewelry industry and also offer space to new entrants wishing to set up operations in SEEPZ.
Between 2021-2023, studded jewelry exports from SEEPZ have ranged between $2.75 billion and $3 billion, figures released by India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council show, or more than 50 percent of India’s total studded jewelry exports.
According to estimates of the SEEPZ Gem & Jewellery Manufacturers Association (SGJMA) a few years ago, SEEPZ alone enjoyed an approximately 18 percent share of total U.S. studded jewelry imports, or about 80% of the country’s total supply to the U.S. market).
Industry leaders aver that with the better infrastructure and technology, jewelry exports from SEEPZ can be expected to grow exponentially, possibly even reaching between $7 billion and $10 billion in a few years.
Shah, the head of the working group for the Mega CFC, answered more questions from National Jeweler about SEEPZ 2.0 and what it will mean for the future of jewelry manufacturing in India.
National Jeweler: There are a variety of new technologies and machines available in the Mega CFC. Which of these are the most important?
Colin Shah: Among the range of technologies, I would highlight the large 3D metal printers, which are the first of their kind to be installed anywhere in India and, linked to that, the laser color printers, as well as plating facilities in various type of metals and finishes.
Alongside [these] are the lab facilities for testing and certifying durability, strength, and other parameters in studded jewelry.
NJ: What new capabilities will these add to jewelry manufacturing operations in India?
CS: With designing shifting more and more to CAD, I think the advantages of the large [3D] metal printers are quite clear, especially for the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprise) units.
Further, with plating in various colors also becoming possible, smaller manufacturers can take up orders outside their regular areas of expertise. Those doing gold, for example, can now easily take smaller orders of say palladium or titanium, which they earlier would have found difficult to handle or even had to refuse.
As for the lab testing facility, clearly instead of sending new lines to Europe or the Far East for certification … manufacturers will now only have to reach Gate 1 on the border of the zone; so much simpler, faster, and more economical.
NJ: What impact has the vision of SEEPZ 2.0 had on the industry?
CS: The government plans to totally revamp SEEPZ has provided a huge boost to the industry. There is a new vibrancy, and the public-private partnership has worked so well that we got the Mega CFC up and running within 14 months after the start of the project.
Moreover, the construction of NEST 01 and 02 as well as NEST 03, which is in the pipeline, opens new possibilities for smaller units that were facing constraints due to aging infrastructure. The number of units in SEEPZ is likely to go up by the time all three become operational in about a year from now.
With manufacturing units outside the zone also being given access to the Bharat Ratnam facilities, many units there can also take up exports using the e-commerce and postal/courier dispatch mode for smaller orders as well.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
