The 19th FURA Retail Jeweller India Awards’ Grand Jury Meet dazzles with innovative designs and expert insights

This pivotal event in the Indian jewellery calendar showcased 375 stunning pieces vying for nominations across 20 categories.

Mumbai: Held at the elegant Grand Salon of Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences, this year’s jury included seasoned experts who have been associated with the awards for many years and first-time jurors who provided fresh perspectives on the evaluation process.

A long-time juror, Pria Kataaria Puri, Fashion Designer, emphasised, “The Retail Jeweller India Awards inspires brands, boosts confidence, and encourages them to compete globally.”  Newcomer Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, Founder and Medical Director of ISAAC Luxe, was particularly impressed by the storytelling of the designs. “Each piece comes with a story about what the creator thought before creating it,” she said.

Ananya Banerjee, Celebrity Chef, drawn to unusual pieces and the intricate workmanship of old temple jewellery, noted, “These awards raise the benchmark for jewellery design, encouraging brands to improve continually. She talked about how the experience of judging for so many years has deepened her appreciation for the art and effort involved in making jewellery.

Having been associated with the awards for many years, Nawaz Modi Singhania, India’s leading Fitness and Lifestyle Icon – Body Art Fitness Centres, a connoisseur of luxury, says, “As a jury member, I get to see the best from all over India, which broadens my horizons as a consumer and designer.” Nina Lekhi, founder of Baggit, participated as a jury member for the first time, saying, “The quality and creativity of the pieces were amazing, as were the variety and creativity of the jewellery pieces.”

Schauna Chauhan, CEO, Parle Agro, another experienced jury member, appreciated the improving design standards while mentioning how the process is so simple that ‘even those from outside the industry can go about judging the designs diligently.’ First-time juror Gayatri Chona, Nutritionist, Founder – Phab & Co-founder – Huber and Holly, emphasised how awards “puts everyone on an equal platform and it is amazing to support the talent across India.”

Soma Bhatta, Editor of The Retail Jeweller, commented on the event’s significance: “This year’s Grand Jury Meet showcased an unprecedented level of innovation and craftsmanship in Indian jewellery design from metros and smaller cities. In tandem with the growing diversity of designs at the awards reflecting consumers’ evolving tastes, we are expanding the representation of jurors from varied backgrounds to bring a more balanced perspective that elevates the selection process and ultimately benefits the jewellery ecosystem.”

As the jewellery industry continues to evolve, the Retail Jeweller India Awards remain at the forefront, recognising excellence and fostering innovation. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on August 10, 2024, at the Sahara Sapphire, Mumbai’s largest pillar-less event hall at Hotel Sahara Star.

Stay tuned for more updates on the 19th Retail Jeweller India Awards 2024!

The jurors below did the online judging by meticulously reviewing the design images and videos.

Jaya Raheja – VP of Designs, K Raheja

Kanika Tekriwal – Founder, JetSetGo

Michelle Poonawalla – Managing Director, Poonawalla Engineering Group

Monica Shah – Co-founder and Creative Lead – JADE

Namrata Shroff – Founder – Powna Sake & NVS Design

Sudha Reddy – Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Tanaz Doshi – Fashion Curator, Walchand Philanthropic Venture’s School

Vaishali Shadangule – Designer and Founder, Vaishali S

JURY MOMENTS

Nawaz Modi Singhania, India’s leading fitness and lifestyle icon from Body Art Fitness Centres, trying out a stylish gold hand glove

Gayatri Chona, a Nutritionist, Founder of Phab and Co-founder of Huber and Holly, admires a stunning earring.

Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, Founder and Medical Director of ISAAC Luxe, is seen trying a magnificent diamond necklace.

Pria Kataaria Puri, Fashion Designer admiring a two finger diamond ring.

Nina Lekhi, Founder of Baggit, wears a stunning polka necklace set

Ananya Banerjee, Celebrity Chef, exploring an innovative bridal headgear  

Schauna Chauhan, CEO of Parle Agro, tries out a traditional

For more information:

Laxmi – 7977381527
Priya – 89769 07876

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