The 21st edition of the awards reflected the strength of design talent across India, bringing the industry together around the creativity and commitment continuing to raise the standards of Indian jewellery
Mumbai: The grand stage of the Retail Jeweller India Awards 2026 brought the spotlight on outstanding design advancements, innovation, craftsmanship and creativity in Indian jewellery design this year, as the industry turned up in full force to witness the presentation of the awards and celebration of winners in Mumbai.
Presented by the Indian Natural Diamond Retailers Alliance (INDRA), Gemological Institute of America (GIA)-India and World Gold Council, in association with Eyora Jewels, Jewellers Samiti Bikaner and Inverness India, the event drew leading retailers and industry leaders from across the country. The Rationale Market Research And Brand Consultants LLP served as the official process auditors, while BVC Logistics was the logistics partner.
This year’s awards received 220 nominations across 24 categories. The top five shortlisted pieces in each category were displayed in the Nomination Gallery at the awards ceremony, giving guests a closer look at the detailing and distinctive character of the entries. Nomination films introduced the finalists on screen before the winners were announced. Jury members Nawaz Modi Singhania,Parizad Kolah Marshall, Schauna Chauhan, Ananya Banerjee, Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, Namrata Shroff and Tanaz Doshi– who were part of a high-level jury that evaluated the entries and picked winners –were present at the event and joined industry leaders in presenting the honours to winners.
Reflecting on the commitment behind the entries, Soma Bhatta, Founder and Editor, The Retail Jeweller, said, “This has been a challenging period for the industry, which makes the commitment of our participants even more significant. Jewellers continued to invest their time, resources and creativity in developing pieces specifically for the awards. That passion and determination to keep pushing design forward deserves to be celebrated.”
Speaking about the journey of the platform, Samit Bhatta, Co-Founder, The Retail Jeweller, said, “Over 21 years, the Retail Jeweller India Awards has grown with the industry and, in many ways, because of it. We are grateful to every jeweller who continues to bring their finest work to the platform, to our partners for their continued support, and to everyone who joined us this year. Their belief in the awards, year after year, is what has shaped its legacy and kept it meaningful to the industry.”
Beyond the winning designs, the event opened up conversations around some of the forces shaping jewellery retail today, with the event partners bringing perspectives on category growth, consumer trust, heritage craftsmanship and customer experience.
INDRA brought the focus to growing consumer engagement with natural diamond jewellery. Toranj Mehta, Country Head, Category Marketing, De Beers Group, India, said, “INDRA gives retailers access to De Beers campaigns, certified training for their staff and AI marketing tools that support their digital and social outreach.” Recent consumer activations across participating stores through the INDRA platform generated around 9,000 walk-ins, she added.
GIA India drew attention to the trust that underpins a significant jewellery purchase. Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, GIA India, said consumers are not simply buying “a diamond set in gold”, but jewellery that represents “emotion, memory and commitment”, highlighting the importance of knowledge and independent certification for gems and jewellery.
Sachin Jain, Regional CEO India, World Gold Council, used the occasion to speak about the larger ambition for Indian jewellery businesses. “Every time you come here, you get inspired. The bar gets raised,” he said, encouraging jewellers to build brands with global stature.
Another key moment was the launch of Eyora Jewels, introducing a retailer-focused proposition in natural diamond solitaires. Ankit Shah, Director, Ankit Gems, said the brand was created to make natural diamond retailing “easier, safer and more profitable” through inventory flexibility, technology, product depth and business support.
Meanwhile,Jewellers Samiti Bikaner unveiled its app and the Bikaner Jadau Jewellery Certificate of Authenticity in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery(IIGJ) at the event, strengthening documentation, verification and traceability for eligible Bikaneri Jadau jewellery while supporting the continuity of its traditional craftsmanship.
Representing Inverness India, Ramesh Iyer, Vice President of Inverness India, highlighted the company’s focus on sterile products for safe ear piercing and its long-standing presence in the Indian market.
Finally, the night belonged to the winners across 24 categories, who were honoured on the awards stage, amid much glamour and grandeur.
Winners of the Retail Jeweller India Awards 2026
- Bridal Diamond Jewellery of the Year – Sona Chandi’s and Kirtilal Kalidas Jewellers
- Bridal Gold (Plain) Jewellery of the Year – Khurana Jewellery House
- Bridal Gold Antique (Studded) Jewellery of the Year – Khurana Jewellery House
- Bridal Statement Jewellery of the Year – Hazoorilal Legacy
- Bridal Polki Jewellery of the Year – Punjabi Saraf Jewellers
- Bridal Precious Coloured Gemstone Jewellery of the Year – Symetree by Haritsons Designs and Sumeet Jewellers
- Bridal Ensemble Jewellery of the Year – Indriya by Aditya Birla Group and HarsahaimalShiamlal Jewellers
- Coloured Gemstone Earrings of the Year – Kalavarmi Jewels
- Coloured Gemstone Ring of the Year – Glow by Kirtilals
- Coloured Gemstone Bangle, Bracelet of the Year – Jet Gems Fine Jewellery
- Couture Jewellery of the Year – Farah Khan Fine Jewellery
- Groom’s Accessory of the Year – Kisna Diamond & Gold Jewellery and Verma Jewellers
- Natural Diamond Ring of the Year – Charu Jewels
- Natural Diamond Earrings of the Year – Dhirsons Jewellers
- Natural Diamond Bangle, Bracelet of the Year – Ranka Jewellers
- Polki Earrings of the Year – Frontier Jewellers
- Plain Gold Bangle, Bracelet of the Year – Sumeet Jewellers
- Plain Gold Earring of the Year – Mehta Emporium Jewellers
- Precious Coloured Gemstone Ring of the Year – Symetree by Haritsons Designs
- Precious Coloured Gemstone Earrings of the Year – Khurana Jewellery House
- Precious Coloured Gemstone Bangle, Bracelet of the Year – Neelkanth Jewellers
- Studded Gold Earrings of the Year – Khurana Jewellery House and C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons
- Studded Gold Bangle, Bracelet of the Year – AJB Fine Jewels and SS Jewellers
- Stylish Trend-Setting Youth Jewellery of the Year – Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers
With joint winners recognized in select categories, established jewellery houses, regional retailers and newer names shared the honours. The 21st edition of the awards reflected the strength of design talent across India, bringing the industry together around the creativity and commitment continuing to raise the standards of Indian jewellery.
Retail Jeweller India News
