As India raises gold import duty from 6% to 15% amid economic pressure and a weakening rupee, the jewellery industry is preparing for higher prices, evolving demand, and possible market disruption, discovers Khursheed Mistry.

The Finance Ministry has increased customs duty across multiple precious metal and jewellery categories, impacting gold, silver, platinum findings and recycled precious metal imports effective from May 13, 2026.

India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement on April 27, 2026, in New Delhi, enabling zero-duty access for Indian jewellery exports and phased tariff concessions on select imports.

Italian Exhibition Group’s Oroarezzo 2026 will bring together jewellery manufacturers, technology suppliers and international buyers in Arezzo from May 9–12, with expanded focus on export diversification and emerging markets.

Instamart partners with Kalyan Jewellers to introduce gold rate protection between April 10–16, 2026, allowing consumers to lock prices and complete purchases on Akshaya Tritiya at lower prevailing rates.

India’s gem and jewellery exports increased 3.86% year-on-year to $ 2,680.79 million in February 2026, according to GJEPC, supported by growth in silver and platinum jewellery shipments.

Gold and silver exchange-traded funds declined up to 4% in India after crude oil prices surged and the US dollar strengthened, dampening bullion sentiment and delaying expectations of global interest-rate cuts.

Angara has enabled silver metal selection across eligible jewellery designs on its India website in January 2026, expanding consumer metal choices as price volatility drives demand for flexible fine jewellery options.

India’s Economic Survey FY25–26 outlines how the gems and jewellery sector shaped exports, gold imports, inflation and lending, highlighting diversification gains and rising macro pressures for policymakers and industry.

Silver surged above $100 per ounce for the first time ever, while gold reached record highs near $5,000, driven by strong safe-haven demand and tight physical supplies amid global economic uncertainties.

JJS 2025, scheduled from December 19–22 at the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, will host 1,227 booths, feature the Coloured Gemstones theme, and welcome top exhibitors, retailers, and global participants.

With over 1,000 global leaders in attendance, DMCC launches FinX — an integrated ecosystem connecting commodities, capital markets and fintech — reinforcing Dubai’s growing influence in physical and digital precious metals trade.

DMCC unveils a record-setting 1,971kg silver bar at DPMC, partnering with Sam Precious Metals, Tokinvest and Brink’s to introduce the world’s first regulated tokenisation of a Guinness-recognised precious metal asset.

The JJS–IJ Design Awards Jury Meet evaluated 135 finalists from 834 entries across 30 cities, unveiling new categories that reflect India’s evolving design landscape.