Gem and jewellery exports increased 3 per cent in August to $2.30 billion against $2.23 billion logged in the same period last year, on the back of the rise in value-added gold jewellery export.
In rupee terms, exports increased 13 per cent to ₹21,946 crore (₹19,504 crore) due to rupee depreciation, according to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council data.
While cut and polished diamond exports remained under pressure in value terms, the volume of cut and polished diamonds exported increased from 12.94 lakh carats in August 2025 to 13.36 lakh carats in August 2026. At the same time, studded gold jewellery exports surged 52 per cent in US dollar terms, indicating growing demand for finished and value-added jewellery from international markets.
As more diamonds are being incorporated into finished jewellery in the country, creating greater value across the manufacturing chain and supporting employment and economic activity.
Plain gold jewellery exports declined 24 per cent to $357 million amid elevated gold prices and the limited availability of duty-free gold for exporters, which has increased input costs and put pressure on the competitiveness of plain gold jewellery exports.
Gold prices increased by 8 per cent month-on-month to $4,074 per troy ounce in July to $4,411 per troy ounce in August.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC said the increase in diamond export volumes, along with the sharp growth in studded gold jewellery exports, highlights India’s growing ability to create greater value by transforming precious materials into finished jewellery.
This marks an important step in India’s evolution from a major processing centre to a global hub for design, manufacturing and value addition, he said.
Cut & Polished Diamonds exports declined 5 per cent to $925 million
Silver jewellery exports declined 40 per cent to $87 million.
Polished Lab-Grown Diamonds exports grew 28 per cent to $125 million.
April-August trend
Gem and jewellery exports were up 3 per cent at $11.47 billion and in rupee terms it increased 13 per cent to Rs 109,024 crore despite continued global economic uncertainties and elevated precious metal prices.
Gold Jewellery exports increased 7 per cent to $5 billion ($4.70 billion) year-on-year.
Cut & Polished Diamonds exports declined 7 per cent $4.52 billion between April–August.
Silver Jewellery exports grew 36 per cent to $595 million ($439 million).
Polished Lab-Grown Diamonds exports increased 12 per cent to $534 million ($478 million).
Coloured Gemstones exports declined 2 per cent to $153 million ($156 million).