Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2024
Gems Keep Giving Reorganizes, Taps Hayley Henning as Board ChairPolicies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures
For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF) organized large-scale vaccination drives for cutters, polishers, and other diamond industry employees. The World Federation of Diamond Bourses, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, and the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) supported GJNRF’s efforts. Pictured is a drive held at the BDB.
Mumbai, India—In the first few weeks after COVID-19 triggered a nationwide lockdown in March 2020, most industries in India ground to a halt.
The diamond and jewelry industry was no exception.
Yet, even as the polishing wheels stopped turning, the sorting tables remained empty, and work in the casting and setting departments came to a standstill, the industry was soon back “at work,” thanks to the Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF).
Within a short span of time, GJNRF was supporting the daily distribution of thousands of food packets to migrant and daily wage workers in different regions.
In addition, frontline staff in the healthcare sector and other essential services were supplied with masks, sanitizer, and protective gear, while kits of food and other supplies were distributed to diamond and jewelry artisans in and around key manufacturing centers across the country.
A Collective Response to Every Crisis
“GJNRF has always been at the forefront when responding to any national crisis that has occurred during the last 25 years, be it a natural disaster or otherwise,” said GJNRF Chairman Praveen Shankar Pandya.
“The industry has put its best foot forward on numerous occasions.”
The foundation, now in its 25th year, was set up in response to the humanitarian crisis the country experienced following the Kargil War with Pakistan in 1999.
“There were a number of war widows and orphaned children, and we felt that we needed to express solidarity with those who protect our borders by aiding these families,” Pandya recalled.
Responses were formulated after extensive consultations with concerned authorities.
In addition to immediate monetary assistance for widows, plans for longer-term welfare programs were put in place.
"We aim to make sure that our support is well-directed and also yields results.”— Praveen Shankar Pandya, GJNRF chairman
This included establishing computer centers in schools at major regimental centers, the creation of a body to fund scholarships for more than 1,000 students every year since 1999, and construction of the Diamond AWWA Hostel, built in collaboration with the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), for children pursuing studies in Mumbai.
Currently, a proposal is being finalized to add an additional floor to the hostel, this one exclusively for girls.
“Two crucial aspects of every project taken up by GJNRF are evaluation of gaps and identification of proper partners for execution,” Pandya explains. “We aim to make sure that our support is well-directed and also yields results.”
He cited the example of the landmark intervention the organization undertook in Odisha, a state in eastern India that was struck by a devastating cyclone in 1999.
“After immediate relief operations, we were able to identify a unique area critical for longer-term [investment]—restoration of the natural fertility of over 30,000 acres of land that had been rendered unfit for farming by the deluge,” he said.
“This intervention continues to benefit agricultural communities there even decades later.”
Global Support After Gujarat Quake
Another significant milestone for GJNRF was the massive campaign mounted in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the Kutch region of Gujarat, a state in western India, in 2001. The quake measured 7.6 on the moment magnitude scale and 8.1 on the Richter scale.
Over a span of four years, the GJNRF helped coordinate the reconstruction of entire villages with modern, well-planned layouts and earthquake resistant structures; reconstruct a large number of buildings housing educational institutions, hospitals, and other primary health centers; and help entire communities rebuild their shattered lives.
“Many of the workers in the diamond factories of Surat were originally from Kutch,” explained Sanjay Kothari, former GJNRF chairman and current managing trustee, “and so the global diamond industry stepped forward with generous support for these projects.”
The GJNRF’s efforts in Kutch following the earthquake received support from De Beers, Rio Tinto (Argyle), and even the local Antwerp government. Senior diamond industry leaders, including Nicky Oppenheimer, Gary Ralfe, and Gordon Gilchrist, personally attended different inaugural events.
“Other GJNRF initiatives have been supported by the international diamond community,” Kothari noted, “especially those that directly impacted the workers of the diamond industry.”
Recently, GJNRF was one of the two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) selected as a beneficiary at the ninth annual “Jewellers for Hope” charity dinner held alongside IIJS Premiere, India’s largest business-to-business trade show for the gem and jewelry industry, in August.
De Beers, the World Gold Council, and the Gemological Institute of America supported the event.
Related stories will be right here …
Workers’ Welfare Programs
Though GJNRF has responded to all communities affected by calamities and crisis, it has also developed special programs focused on the workers who are the backbone of the diamond and jewelry industry.
“During the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, GJNRF took steps to mitigate the impact on the families of diamond workers,” Pandya said.
“The foundation paid fees for thousands of students so that their educations would not be disrupted, distributed essential supplies, and gave sewing machines to some women so they too could earn an independent livelihood.”
In the later phase of the COVID crisis, GJNRF organized free vaccination drives for workers returning to their factories with support from the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, the International Diamond Manufacturers Association, and other global organizations.
“We are now assessing the impact of the current slowdown in the industry on workers’ lives and plan to formulate an appropriate response soon,” Pandya added.
Underlying this support during times of uncertainty is the flagship Swasthya Kosh fund run by GJNRF, which subsidizes medical insurance premiums for the Swasthya Ratna program focused on workers of the diamond and jewelry industry.
The project has already covered about 840,000 workers and their families since its inception in 2015.
A Unique Approach
Social outreach by the gem and jewelry industry in India was not new when GJNRF was established in 1999. Decades before that, individual companies were giving back to society in multiple ways.
This included running schools and colleges, hospitals and medical camps, and supporting organizations working to improve lives of the underprivileged.
These individual initiatives continue even today.
“What changed in 1999,” Pandya explained, “was that the industry took a step to coordinate major social interventions in a more organized manner, especially during times of crisis and calamities.”
“We want communities that face devastating crises to be able to rebuild their futures.” — Sanjay Kothari, GJNRF managing trustee
Kothari elaborated on the approach adopted by GJNRF.
“We encourage hands-on participation. Members of the industry are personally involved in assessments, formulation of an effective strategy, and execution,” he said.
“Broadly speaking, we have always reached out with immediate relief measures during emergencies, but also followed that up with concrete steps aimed at long-term rehabilitation. We want communities that face devastating crises to be able to rebuild their futures.”
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
