GJC’s National Jewellery Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence, Empowering Innovation

The 14th edition spotlighted the best of India's design, craftsmanship, and retail brilliance.

The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) hosted the 14th edition of the World Gold Council (WGC) Presents National Jewellery Awards 2025 (NJA'25), powered by IDT Gemological Laboratories Worldwide, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, in conjunction with the India Gem & Jewellery Show (GJS). The evening transformed Jasmine Hall into a glittering tribute to artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation — a celebration of the creative spirit that defines India's jewellery industry.

Graced by Smt. Chitra Kishor Wagh, Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, and actress Mrunal Thakur, the night blended glamour with authenticity. The ceremony honoured excellence across the jewellery value chain — from artisans and designers to retailers and innovators — acknowledging the people who turn metal and stone into timeless stories.

Prima Art (Trophy Partner), Gemological Institute of America (GIA) (Designed Category Partner), Platinum Guild India (PGI) (Platinum Partner), Godrej (Security Partner), De Beers Group and Swarnshilp (Supporting Partners), Ambe Express Logistics Pvt Ltd (Logistics Partner), and the International Institute of Gemology (IIG) (Education Partner) — the event reflected the industry's united pursuit of excellence.

A Night of Stars and Sentiments

When Mrunal Thakur made her elegant entrance, the atmosphere shimmered with anticipation. Known for her understated grace, she brought a touch of warmth to the grandeur. Taking the stage, she shared a personal reflection that charmed the audience:

"I like different jewellery at different times — heavy pieces during festive moods and lighter ones with western wear. But my all-time favourite is the nosepin — a gift from my grandfather, something very close to my heart."

Her words captured the emotional essence of jewellery — that it isn't merely adornment but memory cast in metal. As she congratulated the winners, she added,

"It's inspiring to see such incredible talent being recognized. Congratulations to all the winners — you truly deserve this spotlight."

India's Oscars of Jewellery Design

Now in its 14th edition, NJA'25 brought together the length and breadth of India's jewellery fraternity — from small-town jewellers to global brands, from design students to master craftsmen. With five segments and 31 sub-categories, the awards spanned every dimension of jewellery excellence — design, retail, innovation, craftsmanship, and education.

Often likened to the Oscars of the Indian jewellery industry, NJA stood as a symbol of integrity and aspiration. Each entry was evaluated by Ernst & Young, ensuring an impartial and meticulous process. Submissions were judged on creativity, technical finesse, innovation, wearability, and commercial potential. The winners, therefore, represented not just brilliance in design but the discipline of true artistry.

The judging process, transparent and rigorous, reinforced NJA's credibility as one of the most coveted honours in the Indian gem and jewellery landscape.

Crafting Stories in Gold, Platinum, Silver and Diamonds

The evening unfolded like a living gallery — a parade of imagination where every ornament carried its own soul. Designs narrated tales of heritage and modernity: temple-inspired motifs intertwined with contemporary silhouettes; polki and kundan pieces stood beside minimalist diamond ensembles, reflecting the evolving taste of Indian consumers.

The air was electric with applause as winners took the stage — each name a reflection of India's creative spirit. Every trophy symbolized not just victory, but validation of years of perseverance, experimentation, and craftsmanship.

As one participant observed, "Jewellery is where tradition meets transformation — every piece we create is a fragment of our culture reimagined for the world."

A Celebration Beyond Glitter

Beyond glamour, NJA 2025 celebrated the human stories behind every creation — the artisan hunched over his bench perfecting a curve, the designer sketching dreams into metal, the retailer bridging legacy and innovation. It was a tribute to the invisible hands and visible brilliance that define Indian jewellery.

Under the dazzling lights of Jio World Convention Centre, the event reminded the industry that success in jewellery is not only measured in carats, but in creativity, credibility, and collaboration.

Conclusion: A Golden Chapter in GJC's Legacy

As the curtains fell, the National Jewellery Awards 2025 stood as a radiant reflection of an industry that continues to blend heritage with modern expression. With every applause and shimmering creation unveiled, the evening reaffirmed India's position as the world's creative heart of jewellery design.

In the words of a senior GJC official, "Each award tonight celebrates not just a masterpiece, but a movement — a movement that keeps India's jewellery industry alive with passion, innovation, and purpose."

Underneath the glitter and applause, NJA'25 was a reminder that the true sparkle of jewellery lies not in gold or diamonds, but in the dreams that shape them.