The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai, marked a major milestone on 6 October 2026, honouring 79 students at its Graduation and Award Ceremony 2026 held at the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC Auditorium in SEEPZ, Mumbai. The cohort comprised 33 graduates from the B.A. in Gems & Jewellery Design programme and 46 from the Post Graduate Diploma in Jewellery Management programme.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, highlighted growth opportunities for young professionals, while Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, shared his vision for the industry’s future. Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai, spoke about the industry’s resilience, and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, emphasised the importance of technology. Debasish Biswas, CEO, IIGJ India, encouraged graduates to embrace creativity, adaptability and continuous learning.
The ceremony also recognised 22 finalists of Hackathon 2026, sponsored by the World Gold Council, on the theme “Wearable Tech-Enabled Jewellery”. Sachin Jain, Regional CEO – India, World Gold Council, addressed the finalists and highlighted the importance of innovation in shaping the future of the jewellery industry.
A certification ceremony recognised participants in the Shringar House of Mangalsutra Design Competition, which challenged students to reinterpret the traditional mangalsutra for contemporary consumers. Chetan N. Thadeshwar, Chairman & Managing Director, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, shared his views on evolving jewellery design and consumer expectations.