India’s gross gem and jewellery exports increased 3.14% in US dollar terms and 12.52% in rupee terms year-on-year to $2.30 billion (₹21,946 crore) in August 2026.
Exports stood at $2.23 billion (₹19,504 crore) in August 2025, according to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
Value-added jewellery gains momentum
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 to 13.36 lakh carats in August 2026 from 12.94 lakh carats a year earlier.
Studded gold jewellery exports surge
Studded gold jewellery exports rose 51.22% in US dollar terms, indicating stronger demand for finished and value-added jewellery from international markets.
The 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.
Industry sees scope for value addition
“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,” GJEPC Chairman, Kirit Bhansali, said.
“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,” he said.
Plain gold jewellery exports decline
Plain gold jewellery exports declined 23.90% in US dollar terms and 17% in rupee terms year-on-year to $357 million (₹3,408 crore).
The decline comes amid elevated gold prices and 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 remain elevated
Gold prices increased 8.27% month-on-month, rising from $4,074 per troy ounce in July 2026 to $4,411 per troy ounce in August 2026.
For April-August 2026, India’s overall gross gem and jewellery exports stood at $11.47 billion (₹1,09,024 crore), registering growth of 2.58% in US dollar terms and 13.36% in rupee terms over the corresponding period last year.
Coloured gemstone exports mixed
Coloured gemstone exports declined 1.92% in US dollar terms but increased 8.45% in rupee terms to $152.61 million (₹1,451 crore) during April-August 2026.
The exports stood at $155.59 million in the corresponding period last year, with the sector continuing to navigate global economic uncertainties and elevated precious metal prices.