On 24 July 2025, at Chequers — the British Prime Minister’s historic country residence — a ceremonial pen stroke changed the course of jewellery trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer formally signed the UK–India Free Trade Agreement, unlocking zero-duty access for nearly all Indian exports, including jewellery.

The scene was far more than political protocol. At its centre: design, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange — with jewellery taking on the role of diplomatic ambassador, representing India’s creative strength on a global stage.

Senior representatives from India’s gem and jewellery industry stand beside winning pieces from the 2025 Artisan Awards and curated collections on display at Chequers during the UK–India FTA signing — showcasing the creativity, heritage and export potential of “Design in India”

The Chequers Moment: Trade Meets Tradition

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), led the Indian jewellery delegation. On display at the event: six winning pieces from the 2025 Artisan Awards, curated to reflect India’s design strength, alongside select jewels from British Indian retailer PureJewels — a nod to diaspora creativity and cross-border collaboration.

For a sector that exported $941 million worth of gems and jewellery to the UK in 2024, this agreement promises far more than margin gains. With tariffs eliminated, projections point to $2.5 billion in Indian exports and $7 billion in bilateral trade within just two years.

“This landmark accord unlocks exciting new opportunities for the gem and jewellery sector,” said Bhansali.

“It was an honour to witness the signing and showcase India’s design leadership on the world stage.”

Kirit Bhansali

Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, presents Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sir Keir Starmer with “Gem of a Partnership” — a publication celebrating the India–UK jewellery trade and marking the historic signing of the Free Trade Agreement at Chequers

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, reflects on the significance of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement — calling it a proud milestone for the gem and jewellery industry and a gateway to a new era of export growth and global leadership

Emirates First: India Leads with Confidence

Weeks before the formal agreement, India had already set the tone. On 8–9 July 2025, the GJEPC staged the India–UK Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) at Emirates Stadium in London — an ambitious display of business readiness and cultural poise.

Set in the executive suites overlooking Arsenal FC’s pitch, the event gathered 20 Indian jewellery houses and 100 of the UK’s most influential buyers, including Gemporia, Asprey, Wedds & Co, Gecko Jewellery, and Astrid & Miyu.

The showcases paired heritage with innovation: filigree gold, lab-grown diamonds, meenakari, gemstone suites, silver reinterpretations. Buyers praised India’s ethical manufacturing, rapid lead times, and creative agility.

“We met some incredibly aligned suppliers. A brilliant event,” 

Amanda Hough of Gecko

“India delivered on quality and narrative,”

Howard Levine of Diamnet

GJEPC hosts UK buyers and trade leaders at the India–UK Jewellery Buyer-Seller Meet at Emirates Stadium, London

The Book, the Vision, and the Soft Power of Craft

Presented formally at Chequers was a special GJEPC publication — “Gem of a Partnership” — offered to both Prime Ministers. The book detailed the scale and future promise of UK–India jewellery trade, reinforcing jewellery as a powerful cultural and economic connector.

Accompanying the Artisan Award winners was ‘Indian Crafts Reimagined’, a curated jewellery showcase celebrating filigree, Warli, meenakari, Kashmiri architecture and sacred motifs — expressions of heritage imagined for a modern world.

This was India’s jewellery diplomacy in action — not just export economics, but soft power expressed in gold and stone.

Jewellery on show at Chequers during the signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement — part of a curated exhibition highlighting India’s design excellence and export potential

A closer look at “Gem of a Partnership” — the official GJEPC coffee table book commemorating the India–UK Free Trade Agreement, launched at the UK–India Reception

What the FTA Delivers for Jewellery

The new agreement eliminates import duties on:

• Plain and studded gold jewellery

• Silver and platinum pieces

• Coloured gemstones

• Cut and polished diamonds

• Lab-grown and imitation jewellery

For Indian exporters — especially MSMEs, ateliers, and artisan-led businesses — this means faster UK entry, better pricing, and a platform to build longer-term retail relationships.

The GJEPC has since launched a suite of webinars and advisory support to help members capitalise on the deal.

Beyond Export: A New Narrative for Indian Jewellery

India already manufactures over 90% of the world’s polished diamonds — but this agreement pivots the conversation. India isn’t just a trusted source. It’s a design origin.

From Romil’s clean-lined gold to Zillionaire’s pop-culture edge, showcased at Emirates, Indian design is modernising its image abroad. No longer boxed into bridal or diaspora stereotypes, it’s now a global contender — one that speaks to spirituality, sustainability, and story.

“The world is ready for the depth and diversity of Indian aesthetics, This FTA helps the industry show just how refined and responsive Indian jewellery can be.”

Alice Cicolini

The Jewels Club Take

At Chequers, a deal was signed. But more than trade terms were exchanged. The UK opened its gates — and India arrived not just with gemstones, but with ideas, identity and intention. The world will buy more Indian jewellery now. But more importantly, it will understand what makes it exceptional.

A powerful message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the India–UK Free Trade Agreement is signed — opening new doors for Indian gem and jewellery exports and deepening global trade ties