The Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI), in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), organised “Future Facets 2026 – Industry Consultation Workshop” at Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC, SEEPZ, Mumbai. The day-long workshop brought together close to 50 plus stakeholders from across the gem and jewellery sector to identify emerging skilling needs as well as opportunities for the sector at large to strengthen the sector’s future competitiveness.

Quick Summary

Future Facets 2026 was organised by GJSCI in partnership with NSDC in Mumbai.
The workshop focused on emerging skilling needs and the future competitiveness of the gem and jewellery sector.
Discussions covered technology, digital transformation, AI, CAD, craftsmanship, gemstone processing, traceability, compliance and leadership.
“Diamondtronics” explored potential applications of laboratory-grown diamond and advanced materials.
Government-led apprenticeship initiatives including NAPS-2 and PM-SETU were discussed for jewellery MSMEs.
The workshop highlighted the need to reskill karigars and artisans while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Industry leaders discussed global trade, geopolitics and ESG readiness.
Technology, ERP and connected digital systems were identified as key enablers for traceability and supply-chain visibility.
The workshop positioned skilling as an industry imperative for India’s future competitiveness.

Future Facets 2026 GJSCI Drives Future Jewellery Skilling 1

Future of Jewellery Skilling

Industry Consultation and Emerging Skilling Needs

Future Facets is the 1st industry consultation workshop organized by GJSCI for engagement, dialogue and consultation within the gem and jewellery sector. This year’s workshop examined the combined impact of technological advancement, digital transformation, evolving customer expectations, global trade requirements and rising environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations.

Skills Across the Jewellery Value Chain

The discussions underlined that the industry’s future will depend not only on the availability of manpower, but also on the quality, relevance and adaptability of skills across the value chain. Stakeholders discussed current and emerging requirements in manufacturing, traditional craftsmanship, CAD and digital production, retail, wholesale, gemstone processing, quality assurance, traceability, compliance and leadership.

Rajeev Garg Highlights Continuous Workforce Development

In his opening remarks, Rajeev Garg, Executive Director & CEO, GJSCI, highlighted the need to move beyond a manpower-focused approach towards a continuous workforce-development model that supports the long-term sustainability of the sector. He emphasised the importance of professionals who can combine craftsmanship with technology, technical expertise with commercial understanding, and experience with a commitment to continuous learning.

Diamondtronics and Advanced Materials

The opening session on Future Trends and Emerging Skills featured Prof. M.S. Ramachandra Rao, Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics, IIT Madras, and Head of the India Centre for Lab Grown Diamonds (InCent-LGD). He introduced the concept of “Diamondtronics”, exploring the potential of laboratory-grown diamond and advanced materials in thermal management, advanced electronics, sensing, photonics, quantum technologies and future telecommunications.

Indigenous Technology, Authentication and Traceability

Prof. Rao also discussed indigenous technology development, material characterisation, engineered defects and diamond-marking technologies that can support authentication and traceability. His presentation expanded the industry’s understanding of diamond—from a material valued primarily for adornment to one with potential applications across India’s emerging technology ecosystem.

Digital and AI Adaptation in the Gem and Jewellery Sector

The workshop also examined Digital and AI Adaptation in the Gem and Jewellery Sector, presented by Dhirendra Srivastava, Senior Data Scientist and Technical Lead. The session highlighted opportunities for artificial intelligence in retail customer experiences, demand forecasting, future design development and the mitigation of material loss in manufacturing.

Government-Led Skilling and Apprenticeship Initiatives

Government-led skilling and apprenticeship initiatives for jewellery MSMEs formed another important part of the programme. Hemant D. Ganjare, Regional Director/HoD, Regional Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Maharashtra, outlined the potential of structured apprenticeship, NAPS-2 and PM-SETU to strengthen the connection between vocational education and workplace requirements.

Apprenticeship as a Strategic Talent Pipeline

The discussion emphasised that apprenticeship can become a strategic talent pipeline for jewellery businesses, particularly in production assistance, jewellery manufacturing, CAD/CAM operations, casting, polishing, quality control and machine operations. Formal workplace learning, supported by government mechanisms, can help MSMEs develop production-ready talent within their own processes, equipment and quality systems.

MSME Support and WorldSkills Competitions

Ms. I.K. Mathuriya, Assistant Director, MSME, provided insights into government schemes, including PM Vishwakarma, aimed at empowering the sector through wider access to skilling and support. The discussion also highlighted the GJSCI–NSDC partnership in preparing and sending participants to WorldSkills competitions, with GJSCI participants achieving podium finishes each year.

Workforce Skilling Need Gaps

In the post-lunch session, Rajeev Garg presented workforce skilling need gaps identified through interactions with industry stakeholders. The discussion covered shortages and capability requirements relating to setters, casters, CAD professionals, gemstone specialists, retail associates and digitally enabled business-development roles.

Reskilling Karigars and Artisans

The session also emphasised the need to reskill karigars and artisans in digital-design interpretation, technical-sheet reading, weight and wastage control, quality consistency and modern production tools—without diluting the judgement, creativity and craftsmanship that define Indian jewellery. Participants further highlighted the need for training in customs-related processes and documentation to support faster dispatch of consignments and the secure movement of valuable raw materials.

Global Trade, Geopolitics and ESG Readiness

The workshop concluded with a panel discussion on “Impact of Global Trade, Geopolitics & ESG Readiness: Is the Jewellery Industry Ready?” The panel comprised:

Ashish Shah, Managing Director, GoldStar Jewellery.
Sanjay Dhakan, Founder & Managing Director, Bansi Jewellers.
Mittal Purani, Chief Operating Officer, Diatrends Jewellery.
Nasar Damani, DGM – Production, Renaissance Global.
Nitin Pandya, Managing Partner, Padmakala Management Services LLP.

The discussion was hosted by Amit Sharma, COO, SVAR Media.

ESG Implementation and Global Market Readiness

The panel observed that international buyers are increasingly moving from asking whether a company has an ESG policy to seeking measurable evidence of its implementation. Traceability, employee welfare, community engagement, responsible sourcing and credible reporting are therefore becoming central to global market readiness. In response to the question on the impact of trade policy shocks (US Tariffs) on the sector, the panel was of the opinion that these disruptions have become the new normal in the sector. The sector has demonstrated resilience of its own to deal with these issues while further being supported by the various Free Trade Agreements being signed by the Government of India.

Technology, ERP and Supply-Chain Visibility

Technology was identified as a key enabler of this transition. ERP and connected digital systems can strengthen traceability from the source of a gold purchase to the final customer while improving compliance, documentation and supply-chain visibility. The panel stressed that ESG credibility will increasingly depend on evidence, process discipline and verification rather than broad claims or declarations.

Skilling as an Industry Imperative

Future Facets 2026 positioned skilling not merely as a training function, but as an industry imperative. The consultation provided a platform for stakeholders to identify present requirements, anticipate future capability needs and strengthen collaboration among industry, government, academia and skill-development institutions.

India’s Next Competitive Advantage

The workshop reinforced a clear message: India’s next competitive advantage in gem and jewellery will come from a workforce that preserves the intelligence of traditional craftsmanship while confidently adopting new technologies, business models and global standards.

About GJSCI

The Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI) works with industry and the wider skilling ecosystem to support the development, recognition and continuous advancement of skills across the gem and jewellery value chain.

FAQs

What is Future Facets 2026?

Future Facets 2026 is an industry consultation workshop organised by GJSCI for engagement, dialogue and consultation within the gem and jewellery sector.

Who organised Future Facets 2026?

The Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI), in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), organised the workshop.

Where was Future Facets 2026 held?

The workshop was held at Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC, SEEPZ, Mumbai.

What were the key topics discussed at Future Facets 2026?

The workshop covered emerging skilling needs, technological advancement, digital transformation, AI, global trade requirements, ESG expectations, apprenticeships, traceability, compliance and workforce development.

What is Diamondtronics?

“Diamondtronics” explored the potential of laboratory-grown diamond and advanced materials in thermal management, advanced electronics, sensing, photonics, quantum technologies and future telecommunications.

How can apprenticeships support jewellery businesses?

The discussion highlighted apprenticeship as a strategic talent pipeline for areas including production assistance, jewellery manufacturing, CAD/CAM operations, casting, polishing, quality control and machine operations.

What did the panel discuss about ESG?

The panel highlighted that international buyers are increasingly seeking measurable evidence of ESG implementation, including traceability, employee welfare, community engagement, responsible sourcing and credible reporting.

What role can technology play in jewellery-sector competitiveness?

ERP and connected digital systems can strengthen traceability while improving compliance, documentation and supply-chain visibility.

Source: SVAR Media Network

About SVAR Media Network – India’s Best Source for Jewellery News, Magazines, Newsletters and Media

SVAR Media Network is India’s No. 1 Destination for Jewellery News, setting the gold standard in timely, trusted, & trend-driven coverage across the Gems & Jewellery industry. As the Most Followed Jewellery Magazine & Media House in India, SVAR delivers Daily Jewellery News India Updates, market insights, & global developments through its platforms like Jewellery Magazine, Newsletters, AI Powered News Bulletins, Website, Social Media, Podcasts, & much more.

Recognized as Asia’s one of the Best Media in Jewellery & one of the World’s Best Jewellery Media, SVAR Media Network sets Unparalleled Standards in the Gems & Jewellery industry. SVAR is the Most Trusted & Widely Read Voice in the Gems & Jewellery Community.

Renowned as India’s Best Jewellery Magazine & Leading Jewellery Media, SVAR blends legacy with cutting-edge innovation by delivering:

Best in class Jewellery Magazine for the Gems & Jewellery Industry & Jewellery Enthusiasts
Real-time AI-Powered Jewellery News via SVARA AI, the World’s First AI Anchor in Fashion, Gems & Jewellery Industry
India’s One of the First Gems & Jewellery Podcasts
Digital Jewellery Newsletters for professionals and enthusiasts
ISO 9001:2015 Certification, the first in the jewellery-media sector, proving our commitment to excellence
Asia’s First & World’s Second Meta Verified Jewellery Media Brand

Ranked #1 among the Top 5 Gems & Jewellery News Websites, Top 10 Jewellery Magazines in India, & Most Influential Jewellery Media Brands, SVAR Media Network is your Trusted Source for Accurate, Fast, & Future-Focused Jewellery News.

SVAR Media Network is India’s No 1 Digital Media in Jewellery Industry & continues to be the Leading Jewellery Magazine & a Global Leader in Jewellery Media. SVAR Media Network offers a diverse range of services, including: Monthly Magazines, Digital Newsletters, Al-Driven News Bulletins, Social Media Promotions, Website Blogs & Articles, WhatsApp Updates, Podcasts & more…

Whether you seek updates on New Launches, Trade Shows, Celebrity Campaigns, Trends or Market Movements, SVAR is the Authority in Jewellery News India & beyond.

Explore the World of Gems & Jewellery with SVAR Media Network — Your Best Source for Trusted, Trend-Setting Jewellery News & Media, Updates, Podcasts & more…