New Delhi: India’s annual gems and jewellery exports are likely to touch the $100-billion mark by 2040 from $27.72 billion recorded in FY 2025-26, boosted by higher gold production from domestic mines and greater value…

New Delhi: India’s annual gems and jewellery exports are likely to touch the $100-billion mark by 2040 from $27.72 billion recorded in FY 2025-26, boosted by higher gold production from domestic mines and greater value addition, industry bodies said.According to Sachin Jain, Regional CEO, India, World Gold Council, over the next 5 to 7 years, nearly 20 to 25 per cent of India’s gold consumption could come from domestic mines.“With nearly 31,000 tonnes of gold held by Indian households and a median age of 28 years, financialisation, innovation and evolving consumer demand can unlock greater economic value,” Jain told reporters at the Delhi Jewellery & Gem Fair (DJGF).India’s gem & jewellery exports surge 26.5% in June“India is already the world’s leading gold jewellery market, and the Swarnim Udaan 2047 roadmap outlines the industry’s growth potential,” he said.Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, said India enjoys nearly Rs 1 lakh crore of trade surplus in gems and jewellery sector.“India’s gems and jewellery sector exports approximately Rs 2.5 lakh crore worth of goods against imports of around Rs 1.65 lakh crore, reflecting its strong export orientation and contribution to the country’s trade,” said Khandelwal, who is also the national secretary general of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).Khandelwal said upskilling artisans is key to boosting India’s global competitiveness in the gems and jewellery sector.“In the second quarter of 2026, India accounted for 27 per cent of global gold jewellery demand, even as high gold prices continued to influence purchasing patterns and encouraged consumers and retailers to explore lighter-weight and value-conscious formats,” said Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India.Over 650 exhibitors are participating in the 14th edition of the Delhi Jewellery & Gem Fair (DJGF), organised by Informa Markets at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from September 26-28.“With its focus on sourcing, retail, innovation and knowledge exchange, the exhibition provides a platform for the industry to respond to changing demand while identifying new avenues for business growth and collaboration,” Mudras said.Referring to India’s growing role in the global jewellery market, David Lynn, CEO, inD, said, “India combines strong consumer demand, manufacturing depth and craftsmanship with an increasingly global outlook.”Malabar Gold & Diamonds, MG Road Showroom unveils Nayraa Collection, a new expression of natural gemstone jewellery.“The country exported $27.7 billion of gems and jewellery in 2025-26, with the UAE alone accounting for $8.7 billion, while studded gold jewellery exports grew 60 per cent and silver jewellery exports by more than 50 per cent,” Lynn said.“As high gold prices shift demand towards lightweight, studded and design-led jewellery, the opportunity lies in creating greater value through design, technology, craftsmanship and stronger brands,” he added.Commenting on changing consumer preferences amid sustained high gold prices, Atul Jain, General Secretary, Delhi Jewellers Association, said, “Consumers have largely absorbed the higher gold prices, but buying behaviour has clearly evolved, with more than 50 per cent of retail business now coming through old gold jewellery exchange.”“Demand is shifting towards lightweight designs with lower gold weight or caratage, while coloured gemstones are seeing wider acceptance and design remains central to purchase decisions,” Jain added.

Source: Deccan Herald