For the awards, recognized as a landmark event in the Indian jewellery industry, the jury this year was tasked with evaluating a plethora of exceptional designs competing for awards across 24 categories
Mumbai: A grand jury of elite jewellery connoisseurs congregated in Mumbai this week to evaluate entries and pick winners for the 20th Retail Jeweller India Awards, reputed as a benchmark for design advancements and innovation in the Indian jewellery industry.
This year’s jury meet brought together a dynamic mix of first-time jurors and seasoned experts, a gathering that sparked several conversations around the showcase of exceptional designs, that were competing for awards across 24 categories. Returning jury members noted how the judging process and the calibre of designs have been evolving steadily, reflecting the changing face of the industry.
For seasoned jury member celebrity chef Ananya Banerjee, every edition of the Retail Jeweller India Awards jury meet seems to get sharper in its curation and creative offerings. “I think things are getting better. Every time I come, something extraordinary catches my eye,” Banerjee said. This year, it was the statement jewellery that stood out for her – bold, unconventional pieces that broke away from standard designs. She added that such fresh perspectives were the highlight of her engagement with the event.
For first-time juror Avni Patel, Founder and Design Principal, Arth Architecture, the jury meet was “not just a visual treat but an overall sensory experience” as described by her. She was most intrigued by how designers were blending creativity with technology, especially in the use of 3D modelling and precision engineering in diamond jewellery. “As an architect and interior designer, I understand that the marriage of design and tech is what is taking it to another level,” she observed.
For juror Kanika Tekriwal, Founder, JetSetGo what set the 20th Retail Jeweller India Awards jury meet apart was the fairness and transparency of the judging process. She also appreciated the anonymous evaluation, with no brand names or external influence. As for the jewellery, she remarked, “The designs are exceptional; the way colours are being used is very unique and the workmanship is amazing.”
Renowed designer and returning juror Pria Kataaria Puri described the jury meet as a well-organized platform that gives a true showcase of India’s creative jewellery talent. “Everything is very organized and all the pieces are beautifully displayed. It’s amazing to come here and look at the most beautiful, creative pieces from designers across India,” she said. Appreciating the noticeable shift towards modernity in the designs, especially the blend of Art Nouveau influences and European classics in bridal jewellery that made it more relatable for younger people, she added, “Some pieces were less traditional, more modern; there were a lot of interesting new designs which are different and unusual.”
Another jury member, Supriya Mody, Founder & CEO, FurtureMe, was impressed by the originality in use of gemstones among the ornaments on display. She praised the jewellery designs for their creativity and bold colour choices, calling the experience “really enjoyable”. Among the entries, the bridal diamond sets and polki captured her interest.
At the jury meet, celebrated fashion curator Tanaz Doshi, a returning jury member, appreciated the vibrant and lively energy in the room. Commenting on the jewellery designs, she said, “Among all the jewellery, what stood out for me were the neckpieces that I found really exquisite.”
Seasoned jury member Vaishali Shadangule, Designer and Founder, Vaishali S saw this year’s jury meet as a clear step forward from the previous editions, observing a greater depth of craftsmanship and creativity. “If I compare with last year, it’s much more evolved and more intricate. I see more craftsmanship,” Shadangule said. She appreciated how designers seemed more willing to experiment, moving beyond the conventional market-safe designs. The fusion of traditional elements with contemporary design, especially in couture and coloured gemstone pieces, stood out for her as positive evolution.
In its 20th year, the Retail Jeweller India Awards continue to lead in celebrating excellence in jewellery design and encouraging fresh ideas. The winners will be honoured at a grand ceremony on August 1, 2025, at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai.
Ahead of the on-ground jury meet, the following jurors participated in the online judging round:
Ananya Banerjee, Celebrity chef
Akriti Ahuja Khurana, Founder and CEO, LaFeria Events
Avarna Jain, Chairperson, RPSG Media
Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil, Founder Bhavnagar Heritage
Kanika Tekriwal, Founder, JetSetGo
Namrata Shroff, Founder, Powna Sake & NVS Design
Pria Kataaria Puri, Fashion Designer – Pria Kataaria Puri
Schauna Chauhan, CEO, Parle Agro
JURY MOMENTS
Supriya Mody adorns herself with an elaborately designed earring at the jury meet
Ananya Banerjee dons a gold necklace and earring set
Pria Kataaria Puri poses for the camera with a ruby and pearl set
Vaishali Shadangule carefully examines a design before trying it on
Kanika Tekriwal tries on a gemstone-studded bracelet
Retail Jeweller India News
