Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

About Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

• It is an apex body of the Gem and Jewellery industry in India, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
• Primary Function:
  • It is primarily involved in introducing Indian gem and jewellery products to the international market and promotes their exports.
  • To achieve this, the Council provides market information to its members regarding foreign trade inquiries, trade and tariff regulations, rates of import duties, and information about Jewellery fairs and exhibitions.
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• It has regional offices across the country and with a strength of over 7,500 members.
• Other Functions:
  • Organising joint participation in international jewellery shows.
  • Inviting countries to explore areas of cooperation in the supply of rough diamonds, coloured gemstones and sourcing of finished jewellery.
  • Identifying potential partners and buyers in international markets through buyer-seller meets.
  • Executing the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme in the country, as the Nodal Agency appointed by the Government of India.
  • Taking up relevant export-related issues with the Government, Ministries, Regulatory Authorities and Agencies.
  • Undertaking image-building exercises through international advertisements, publications and audio-visuals
  • Running training institutes that impart manufacturing skills, technical and design excellence in six cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Surat, Jaipur, Varanasi and Udupi.
  • Setting up Jewellery Parks across the country.

What are Rough Diamonds?

• Rough Diamonds refer to diamonds which are still in their natural state after being removed from the belly of the earth.
• This is the stage before they are actually cut or polished in order to create the marvelous diamonds found in all of our unique jewellery.

Key Facts about Kimberly Process (KP):

• KP is a multilateral trade regime established in 2003 with the goal of preventing the flow of conflict diamonds.
• The core of this regime is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), under which States implement safeguards on shipments of rough diamonds and certify them as “conflict-free”.
• KP defines conflict diamonds as: ‘rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments’ – around the world.
• The participants include all major rough diamond-producing, exporting and importing countries. The diamond industry, through the World Diamond Council, and civil society groups are also integral parts of the KP.

Q1) What is a Diamond?

A diamond is a precious gemstone known for its exceptional hardness, brilliance, and beauty. It is a form of carbon in which carbon atoms are arranged in a crystal lattice structure. Diamonds are prized for their use in jewelry, particularly as gemstones in engagement rings and other high-end jewelry items, due to their rarity and aesthetic qualities. Diamonds are the hardest known natural material.

Source: GJEPC appeals to industries to stop import of rough diamonds