Consumers seem to be giving a miss to their traditional jewellers. With a penchant for new designs and varieties in jewellery, an increasing number number of consumers are now turning to branded jewellery companies.

According to a report by apex industry body ASSOCHAM, branded jewellery now constitutes 20% of the total demand, which was around 10% in 2003. This is further expected to go up to 30% by the end of 2020.

The study titled 'Gems & Jewellery Industry: Contributing to Make in India' by Assocham and Thought Arbitrage Research Institute (TARI) further said that the branded jewelers are able to fulfil the changing demands of consumers better than unorganised players.

On gold being an investment option, the study says, "About 76% of people consider gold a safe investment. After the recent economic slowdown, investors have shifted their preference from interest bearing securities and shares towards gold. The demand for gold coins and bars reached 27% of total demand compared to only 13% in 2006. This demand is expected to grow further in future."

The study also says that during 2005-12, investment demand for gold bars and coins increased by a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43% and that of jewellery by 22%. Consumption demand in the same period increased by a CAGR of 23%.

Overall exports from gems and jewellery sector in India during the first six months of fiscal 2015-16 stood at $19.22 billion and registered a decline of 5.59 per cent over the $20.3 billion exported in the same period last year.

"Gems and jewellery sector might register a decline of about 15 per cent in wake of severe economic downturn in major export markets of China and the Eurozone," said DS Rawat, national secretary general of ASSOCHAM while releasing the study in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

"Granting industry status can give a fillip to investments and bring down costs of operation in gems and jewellery sector, besides it will help build trust and faith in Indian brands in the global markets," added Rawat.

The 4-day India International Jewellery Week 2015 powered by GIA saw the best in the business.

The India International Jewellery Week 2015 powered by GIA came to a glorious end with the dual grand finales, which featured the fabulous collection at the 'Best of the Best Show'. GJEPC welcomed chief guests Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Government of India, Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, DeBeers and Siddharth, Director General, GDS & D to the grand affair.

The 'Best of the Best Show' saw some melodious crooning by Benny Dayal and models display stunning jewellery. Sonam looked sensational in Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas jewellery, wearing a gorgeous lilac lehenga. The outfit was created especially for the show by designers Shyamal and Bhumika, who also designed the clothes for the 'Best of the Best Show'.

The India International Jewellery Week 2016 is now all set to get bigger and move to other cites of India and abroad in the future.

The Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association presented a fashion show that included 13 collections created by KGK India, Jewels with Thai coloured stones. Zaverchand Bhurabhai Jewellery, also from India, showed uncut diamond jewellery with coloured stones from Thailand. Thai Jewellery was also displayed by Shilpa Jogani and AG Design.

The show opened with a lacy necklace edged with pearls worn with earrings with ruby drops and ending the show was Kanishtha Dhankar (Miss India World 2011) wearing a breathtaking choker with cascades of diamonds and shoulder dusters. Taking a bow at the end were Isha Jogani and Kasem Nitasnajarukul, Secretary General, Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.

Jewellery firm Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri (TBZ) has announced an online marketplace venture with Snapdeal to sell its range of diamond jewellery and gold coins.

"With digital and e-commerce wave sweeping India, our iconic brand 'TBZ -- The Original' ties up with e-commerce major Snapdeal to showcase its diamond jewellery range in a first-ever e-tailing initiative for the brand," TBZ chairman and managing director Shrikant Zaveri said in a statement.

"With this partnership, gen-next can now access the latest TBZ -- The Original's diamond collections on their web-enabled devices anytime anywhere," he said.

TBZ -- The Original offers convenience to its customers and to a whole new class of buyers going beyond its existing retail network.

Snapdeal SVP (partnerships & strategic initiatives) Tony Navin said, "Jewellery is one of the fastest growing categories on Snapdeal. With the launch of TBZ's exclusive collection on Snapdeal, we are excited to bring our customers a vast array of choices from a certified and reputed jewellery design brand and expand our designer jewellery and accessory portfolio."

"We are working closely with the TBZ team and with this partnership, TBZ can now reach newer markets through Snapdeal's pan-India reach," Navin added.

The festival of lights means religious events and meals with family.

"To dazzle this Diwali, try something you haven't tried before. Display a perfect juxtaposition of beautiful and bizarre," says Jewellery designer Aakash Barmecha of Yoube Jewellery. He gives his top five tips:

1) Look festive without dressing too heavy. Keep it modern with simple accessories or wear just one statement piece. Cult favourite jewellery like diamond or jaded jhumkis, chaand balis, balas, kadas or pendants are great options.

2) If your outfit is inclined more towards an Indo-western look, fusion jewellery works well, a mix and match of diamond, polki and jadau jewellery with bright colourful gemstones in innovative ways and eclectic styles add appeal to any outfit.

3) Wear print. A digital print dupatta with a plain dress or digital print kurti teamed with pretty hoops, balas, kadas or a pretty pair of bangles lend a completely modern, trendy look.

4) Palazzo pants are seen frequently and can also add a bit of style teamed with the right top, add a single earring or wrist cuff to create a unique distinct look this Diwali.

5) Go for bold statement pieces. Illusion setting lends a big look to jewellery pieces while keeping the budget in check. Floral motifs are really in and look both gorgeous and feminine.

6) Keep in mind your outfit. It is not necessary to match everything perfectly, so try something unique and distinctive. Rose gold looks lovely with most ensembles, though you could also pick up a dual tone. Most of all, make sure you let your personality shine through.

Jewellery has been as integral part of our culture since time immemorial.

Trendy designs and deeper pockets have resulted in rise in jewellery demand The best way to make a man feel like a king, or a woman, a queen, is by way of precious gems and jewels. An adornment beyond ages and boundaries, it has reached new heights with innovations and realisations. The amalgamation of skill and design over the years has resulted in con temporary pieces that leave one awestruck. From sparkling stones to solitaires, all of us have our personal favourites. Speaking more on it, Kunal Narula, an entrepreneur, said, "Jewellery caters a variety of demand today. India proudly boasts of a large number of legacy workers mastering jewellery making and that of various intricacies including polki, kundan, cut work and others. The modern age sees an emergence of simple and elegant designs as well as recycled and junk jewellery, which have become a part of the run."

Adding on, he said, "Today, gems or other precious stones are not only the definition of primness, but it is the way they are carried and that makes the difference. Junk jewellery has reached the pinnacle of its curves and is widely worn and appreciated." Other jewellery that is gaining popularity is the one made of silver. It is affordable and is seen having wide options. The jewellery industry has also given rise to many new professions due to its increasing demand, such as designers, gemmologist, enterprising e-jewellery stores and many others.

Gold, silver and diamond have always been an attraction for all, but the catching trends of various other genres of jewellery in the market has allured a lot of locals as well as tourist crowding for everything Indian. The economical affordability is crucial for its liking. A lot of markets in the city showcase only jewellery and have ladies on the hunt for the most appealing pieces.

Jewellery plays an important role in not only representing one's own self, but also expressing their liking and personality as it has its own language beyond words. India is a country, where jewellery is a symbol of riches and power. Hence, India is a hub of different and intricately-patterned jewellery that is appreciated and known worldwide. Jewellery is no more restricted to a domain of females only; males have taken on the adornment to show a to tally new dimension. Collar jewellery seems to have gained popularity with in the affluent class and is normally worn with kurtas and sherwanis.

Polish authorities have started excavating the area which allegedly hides a Nazi train full of stolen gold and priceless artefacts.

The army deployed chemical, radiation and explosive experts to the site outside the south-western town of Walbrzych, Poland, on Monday.

But the two men who originally claimed to have found the "gold train" missing since the end of World War Two say the army's actions are "pointless" as authorities will not dig deeply enough to uncover the loot.

Andreas Richter and Piotr Koper's announcement provoked huge international interest, with hordes of amateur treasure-hunters descending on the small Polish town despite there being little evidence the train ever existed.

On Monday police and soldiers from the 1st Regiment of Engineers arrived and erected metal barricades and posts to warn off curious onlookers.
Military spokesperson Artur Talika told the Mail Online troops would search the area for mines and radiation leaks, digging just a metre below the surface.


Mr Talika said the army would present its findings to local authorities, who could then decide how to proceed.

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The Polish should take the help of our own experts in such hunting for buried treasure. Do you remember that, in Oct..,... Read Moreparama49

But Mr Koper - who along with Mr Richter is demanding 10 per cent of value of the find - has dismissed the army's actions, claiming they would find nothing as the "train is about eight metres down."


"We have spent much time examining the logistical problems and worked out a solution for getting the train out. We should be allowed to do this."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched three schemes to lure tonnes of gold from households into the banking system and said that India is poor because gold is lying idle.

The Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS), 2015 will offer option to resident Indians to deposit their precious metal and earn an interest of up to 2.5 per cent; while under the Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme, investors can earn an interest rate of 2.75 per cent per annum by buying paper bonds.

Modi also unveiled the first ever Indian gold coin and bullion, bearing national emblem Ashok Chakra on one side and Mahatma Gandhi's image engraved on the other side.

Initially the coins will be available in denominations of 5 and 10 grams. A 20 gram bullion will also be available through 125 MMTC outlets.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said India has surpassed China as the world's largest gold consumer, buying 562 tonnes of yellow metal so far this year, against china's 548 tonnes.

"People should take advantage of the golden opportunity to help India march to a golden period," he said.

Observing that there is no reason for the country, which has 20,000 tonnes of gold lying idle with households and institutions, to remain poor, he said, with some efforts and right policies India can get rid of this tag of (poor nation).

Recalling India's tradition of savings and culture of empowering women with gold, he said in a lighter vein, even the RBI governor Raghuram Rajan will have to recognise the difference between "arthashastra (economics) and grahshastra (home economics)."

Various schemes launched on Thursday will increase the availability of gold and bring down its import.

India currently imports around 1,000 tonnes of gold every year, leading to outflow of forex reserves.

Speaking at the occasion, finance minister Arun Jaitley said that "it's essential to discourage gold imports."

"Gold is a security, it gives you earning and now on it is going to be a part of our nation-building," the FM added.

Previous attempts at mobilising this gold have been unsuccessful, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hoping higher interest rates paid will help it to succeed this time.

"The government wants to reduce the reliance on gold imports over time," a finance ministry official said.

Banks will collect gold for up to 15 years to auction them off or lend to jewellers from time to time. They will pay 2.25-2.50 percent interest a year, higher than previous rates of around 1 percent.

But industry experts and bankers said many prospective depositors will not take up the scheme due to concerns that the tax department could question the source of gold, while others may find conventional bank deposit rates of 8 percent more attractive.