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
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist StackMovado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report SaysThe two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your ThingsThe “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell ClarkFourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.
FinancialsOct 14, 2026
LVMH’s Jewelry Brands Turn in ‘Very Good’ Performance in Q3 Tiffany & Co. continued its full-scale store renovation project while Bulgari’s high jewelry collection generated “record-breaking revenue.”
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2026
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Releases 2026 ProgramThis year’s sessions feature leading voices from human rights, legal, and conservation organizations.
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano JewelryThe high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection WholesaleThe jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean DunnDunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.
AuctionsOct 13, 2026
Christie's Geneva To Auction 'Bulgari Pink' DiamondThe 24-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring could fetch up to $18 million at the November sale.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like HomeThe “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.
TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday SeasonStores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ CharmThe charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.
