Golubhai Badalia, Director of Badalia Diamonds, asserts that there’s nothing no other country in the world bigger or better than India when it comes to sales of natural diamonds. The mined gems, being a limited and precious resource, hold unparalleled value. Their supply is finite, and as reserves diminish, their worth will only increase, much like oil or gold, he remarked during the IIJS Signature 2025 show which was held in JWCC and Nesco, Mumbai in early January.
“The IIJS show exemplifies India’s position as the most welcoming nation in the jewellery world. People from across the globe—Dubai, Australia, Israel, and even Europe—are attending, reaffirming India as the ultimate hub for diamonds.
“In the current market, larger diamonds are in high demand. I launched a heart-shaped pair of diamonds weighing 31 carats, and I’m confident this pair will find a buyer before the show ends. It’s simple—big diamonds make a big impression, especially in grand events. Solitaires, too, have universal appeal; when people see them, they remember the person wearing them. This reflects India’s unmatched buying capacity, with millionaires in every street across the country.”
If given a choice between catering to the domestic market or solely focusing on international shows, Badalia was emphatic that he would choose India. “The opportunities here are immense, with the wealth and taste for diamonds unparalleled globally. This is why India continues to shine as the world leader in diamonds, and our legacy will only grow stronger.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Devansh Shah, Partner at Venus Jewel, emphasised the evolving consumer experience. “We are working towards formalising the process of showcasing matching diamond pairs to give customers a better experience. By providing wireframes of both diamonds, one in red and one in blue, overlapped facet-to-facet, we can visually demonstrate to the consumer how precisely every facet matches. This meticulous documentation builds trust, making it easier for jewellers and buyers alike.”
Shah notes that India’s market for solitaires has grown significantly in recent years, with sales nearly doubling over the past 3-4 years. “While we were once seen as an export-oriented company, the domestic market has now become a significant portion of our business. Although we aren’t entering retail, we’re enhancing the customer’s journey by offering value-added services—guidance on setting solitaires into jewellery and offering design support, creating a complete and seamless experience.
“Our focus remains on larger diamonds, primarily 30 cents and above, with increasing demand for 4-carat-plus stones. This segment reflects remarkable growth, both in India and abroad, as unique pieces gain greater acceptance and value. In the end, no two diamonds in this range are ever truly identical, adding to their appeal.
“As we look to 2025, it’s clear that consumers increasingly appreciate the intrinsic value of natural diamonds. History has shown us that real, timeless products always outshine imitations. Whether it’s diamonds, pearls, or gemstones, consumers differentiate between authenticity and replicas. This is why we remain committed to being a 100% natural diamond company, confident that this unparalleled product will continue to shine brightly into the future.”