Sourcing

GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice Chairman

SourcingFeb 20, 2025

GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice Chairman

Kirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.

Kirit Bhansali
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council has named Kirit Bhansali as its new chairman.
Mumbai, India—The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has named a new chairman as well as other elected officials.

Kirit Bhansali was appointed as chairman after former chairman Vipul Shah reached the end of his term.

Bhansali, who previously was the vice chairman of GJEPC, is a partner in Smital Gems, a diamond manufacturing company based in Mumbai. He is also chairman of India Jewellery Park in Mumbai.

Previously, he served as chairman of the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery.

In a release from GJEPC, Bhansali outlined his goals as he takes the reigns of the organization.

“Our vision is to drive transformative growth for India’s gem and jewellery industry through strategic initiatives, innovative projects, and collaborative efforts,” said Bhansali.

The goal is to position India as a leader in technology, design, and manufacturing, he said, highlighting the need to advance projects like the India Jewellery Park in Mumbai and the Gem Bourse in Jaipur.

“Together, we will strive to achieve the ambitious export target of $100 billion by 2047, aligning with our Honorable Prime Minister [Narendra Modi]’s vision of a Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Viksit Bharat refers to a nationwide campaign by the Indian government to transform India into a “developed nation” by 2047, the centennial of its independence.

"We aim to sustain India’s global leadership, capitalize on domestic market potential, and advocate for favorable policies while continuing to support our artisans,” he said.

To bolster exports from the sector and support the country’s economic growth, GJEPC has identified 17 key clusters, based on size, potential, and location, that could be developed into “thriving export hubs,” said Bhansali.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Shaunak Jitendra Parikh has been appointed as vice chairman of GJEPC.

The third-generation entrepreneur is one of the directors of Mahendra Brothers Group of Companies, which manufacture and market diamonds and diamond jewelry.

Shaunak Jitendra Parikh
GJEPC has named Shaunak Jitendra Parikh, a director at Mahendra Brothers Group of Companies, as its new vice chairman.


Parikh, who has more than 30 years of industry experience, has previously held several key positions in GJEPC, including serving as the convener of the banking, insurance, and taxation committee, as well as the convener of international exhibitions.

He also laid out his plans for the GJEPC.

“This is a crucial time for the industry, and the challenges before us demand bold vision and decisive action,” said Parikh.

“It is imperative to focus on category promotion across all verticals, infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and adopting global standards to ensure our industry remains competitive on the world stage.”

Parikh said GJEPC will continue to work with the Indian government to shape policies that drive growth and address the concerns of its exporters.

The organization also announced the members of its Committee of Administration, with a list available on its website.

The Latest

F.P. Journe FFC prototype
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8M

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

Rolex Miami store
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in Miami

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Stock image of consumers shopping in the winter
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Silas Smith and his Responsible Design Challenge Winning Pendant
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge Winner

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Sothebys orangy pink The Desert Rose diamond
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu Dhabi

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

National Jeweler columnist and Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’t

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Guzema Once Upon a Time Collection Campaign
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday Collection

The collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.

Gemvision by Stuller MatrixGold 3.11
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGold

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

Sign at the JA New York jewelry trade show
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Juell Kadet, former executive vice president of Rogers & Hollands
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Lumia 2 smart earrings
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart Earrings

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Lionheart Wildflower Double Cocktail Ring
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s Birthstones

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings in Blaze
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ Earrings

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … White

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

Stuller holiday 2025
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ Campaign

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.

Fabergé x 007 Octopussy egg and pendant
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg Pendant

The man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.

Exterior of renovated and expanded J.R. Dunn Jewelers
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store

The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.

DD-Email-Image-1872x1052 (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural Diamonds

Sponsored by De Beers Group

G-Shock DWN5600 Ring
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock Watch

The classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.

Accredited Gemologists Association logo
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker Lineup

The association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.

 CBG logo
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event

The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.

Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement Ring

Fellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.

Costco store
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds

The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Shoppers in a mall
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving Weekend

Black Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.

Faberge The Winter Egg
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30M

The historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy