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.
SourcingMar 22, 2019
Construction of a 21-Acre ‘Jewelry Park’ in Mumbai Is Underway
The industrial park will feature manufacturing and training facilities as well as residential housing for workers in the gem and jewelry industry.
India’s gem and jewelry sector employs 5 million workers, according to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council.
Mumbai, India—The foundation stone has been laid for a 21-acre “jewelry park” in Mumbai, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council announced earlier this month.
The industrial park, located in the Maharashtra state, will feature design and technology centers, training facilities, common areas, manufacturing units and other commercial support services.
India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu attended the recent stone-laying ceremony for the new facility, along with several members of the GJEPC, including Chairman Pramod Kumar Agrawal and Vice Chairman Colin Shah.
Maharashtra, which spans across west-central India, is home to the Bollywood film industry and historic sights, including Aga Khan Palace.
The jewelry center will boast state-of-the-art machinery, including a suction and drainage system that collects gold dust that is expected to reduce the gold loss ratio from 10 percent to 3 percent.
Residential housing, ranging from 500 to more than 1,000 square feet, will also be available, taking a page from the book of jewelry manufacturing centers in China and Turkey.
The compound’s infrastructure will include its own system of roads, telecommunication lines, solar energy, a water treatment plant and rainwater harvesting.
The project is expected to generate 100,000 jobs and boost overall economic development in Maharashtra.
The industrial park, located in the Maharashtra state, will feature design and technology centers, training facilities, common areas, manufacturing units and other commercial support services.
India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu attended the recent stone-laying ceremony for the new facility, along with several members of the GJEPC, including Chairman Pramod Kumar Agrawal and Vice Chairman Colin Shah.
Maharashtra, which spans across west-central India, is home to the Bollywood film industry and historic sights, including Aga Khan Palace.
The jewelry center will boast state-of-the-art machinery, including a suction and drainage system that collects gold dust that is expected to reduce the gold loss ratio from 10 percent to 3 percent.
Residential housing, ranging from 500 to more than 1,000 square feet, will also be available, taking a page from the book of jewelry manufacturing centers in China and Turkey.
The compound’s infrastructure will include its own system of roads, telecommunication lines, solar energy, a water treatment plant and rainwater harvesting.
The project is expected to generate 100,000 jobs and boost overall economic development in Maharashtra.
Suresh Prabhu, India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, attended the foundation laying ceremony alongside other government officials and GJEPC committee members.
GJEPC did not respond to inquiries about when it expects the park to be completed.
A mix of government subsidies, including special incentives by the cabinet sub-committee for industry, and investments from the gems and jewelry industry, are being used to fund the project’s construction.
Minister Prabhu said the park was “symbolic of the direction of the future economic march” of India.
“We have to inject new energy into enterprise and business in order to generate more jobs and prosperity for the common man,” he said.
The state’s goal is to double its merchandise exports from $500 billion to $1 trillion, which GJEPC Chairman Agrawal expects Maharashtra to reach by 2025.
The gem and jewelry sector is expected to play a significant role in that journey; the process is underway to create a Domestic Gem & Jewelry Council to work toward the goal of doubling exports in the sector to $80 billion.
India’s gem and jewelry exports currently account for $40 billion, contributing 14 percent to the country’s total merchandise exports and employing 5 million workers, according to GJEPC.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
