India’s gem and jewellery exports continued their positive momentum in August 2026, with gross exports increasing 3.14% in US dollar terms and 12.52% in rupee terms year-on-year to US$ 2.30 billion (Rs. 21,945.87 crore), compared to US$ 2.23 billion (Rs. 19,503.52 crore) in August 2025.

A notable trend during the month was the strong performance of value-added jewellery exports. While cut and polished diamond exports remained under pressure in value terms, the volume of cut and polished diamonds exported increased from 12.94 lakh carats in August 2025 to 13.36 lakh carats in August 2026. At the same time, studded gold jewellery exports surged 51.22% in US dollar terms, indicating growing demand for finished and value-added jewellery from international markets.

This shift towards value addition is significant for India’s gem and jewellery ecosystem, as more diamonds are being incorporated into finished jewellery within the country, creating greater value across the manufacturing chain and supporting employment and economic activity.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said “August’s export performance reflects the resilience and adaptability of India’s gem and jewellery industry. The increase in diamond export volumes, along with the sharp growth in studded gold jewellery exports, highlights India’s growing ability to create greater value by transforming precious materials into finished jewellery.

This marks an important step in India’s evolution from a major processing centre to a global hub for design, manufacturing and value addition. With continued policy support, innovation and access to international markets, India is well positioned to capture a larger share of value across the global jewellery supply chain.”

Plain Gold Jewellery exports declined -23.90% in US dollar terms and -17.00% in rupee terms year-on-year to US$356.97 million (₹3408.32 crore). The decline comes amid elevated gold prices and the limited availability of duty-free gold for exporters, which has increased input costs and put pressure on the competitiveness of plain gold jewellery exports.

Gold prices increased by (+)8.27% month-on-month, rising from US$ 4,073.92 per troy ounce in July 2026 to US$ 4,410.89 per troy ounce in August 2026.

For the April–August 2026 period, India's overall gross gem and jewellery exports stood at US$ 11.47 billion (Rs. 109,023.88 crore), registering a 2.58% growth in US dollar terms and a 13.36% growth in rupee terms over the corresponding period last year, demonstrating the sector's resilience amid continued global economic uncertainties and elevated precious metal prices.

April–August 2026: Product-wise Export Performance

Gold Jewellery (Plain & Studded) exports increased 7.00% in US dollar terms and 18.33% in rupee terms to US$ 5.03 billion (Rs. 47,853.03 crore) during April–August 2026, compared to US$ 4.70 billion in the corresponding period last year.

Plain Gold Jewellery exports declined 11.44% in US dollar terms and -2.04% in rupee terms to US$ 2.15 billion (Rs. 20,489.39 crore) during April–August 2026, compared to US$ 2.43 billion in the corresponding period last year.

Studded Gold Jewellery exports grew 26.73% in US dollar terms and 40.16% in rupee terms to US$ 2.88 billion (Rs. 27,363.63 crore) during April–August 2026, compared to US$ 2.27 billion in the corresponding period last year.

Cut & Polished Diamonds exports declined 7.38% in US dollar terms and a +2.35% growth in rupee terms to US$ 4.52 billion (Rs. 43,000.37 crore) during April–August 2026, compared to US$ 4.88 billion in the corresponding period last year.

Silver Jewellery exports grew 35.57% in US dollar terms and 48.57% in rupee terms to US$ 594.86 million (Rs. 5,623.89 crore) during April–August 2026, compared to US$ 438.79 million in the corresponding period last year.

Platinum Jewellery exports increased 19.67% in US dollar terms and 32.08% in rupee terms to US$ 100.32 million (Rs. 953.36 crore) during April–August 2026, compared to US$ 83.83 million in the corresponding period last year.

Polished Lab-Grown Diamonds exports increased 11.76% in US dollar terms and 23.49% in rupee terms to US$ 533.67 million (Rs. 5,076.61 crore) during April–August 2026, compared to US$ 477.53 million in the corresponding period last year.

Coloured Gemstones exports declined 1.92% in US dollar terms and a +8.45% growth in rupee terms to US$ 152.61 million (Rs. 1,451.49 crore) during April–August 2026, compared to US$ 155.59 million in the corresponding period last year.

Courtesy: AOJ DESK NEWS