Don’t miss a gem
Founder & CEO
Founder of The Jewels Club, Andrew creates platforms that connect the world of jewellery through community, content and access.
When India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) announced it would host a trade event in London, expectations were high. When they said it would take place at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, intrigue quickly followed. Could a football ground deliver a meaningful setting for international jewellery trade?
The answer, after two days of closed-door meetings, fortified lanyards, and uncut conversations between some of India’s best manufacturers and over 100 invited UK buyers, was a resounding yes.
Guests arrive at the Emirates Stadium for the GJEPC India–UK Buyer‑Seller Meet, ready for two days of focused trade, conversation and connection
This wasn’t an exhibition. It was structured matchmaking—26 Indian exporters flown in from Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur and Delhi, each with their own secure booth, ready for 30-minute face-to-face conversations. Buyers were pre-vetted. Appointments were precise. It felt more like a private summit than a trade fair.
What stood out? The speed. The clarity. And the mutual respect. In an era of glitzy booths and vague conversations, this was focused, direct and quietly effective.
Lisa Barrow and Amanda Hough of Gecko Jewellery take in the view at Emirates Stadium during the GJEPC India–UK Buyer‑Seller Meet
As the Emirates Stadium played host to focused trade conversations, the event also welcomed a select group of speakers who addressed the UK audience in attendance. While their remarks were brief, their presence underscored the significance of the moment—from trade diplomacy to sustainable futures.
Among the key voices were representatives from the Indian High Commission and GJEPC, joined by UK-based industry leaders. Each offered perspective on the evolving relationship between India and the UK jewellery sectors, highlighting shared goals and the commercial opportunities on the horizon.
Pictured during the event: Sarah North, Howard Levine, Mr Nilesh Kothari (GJEPC), Minister Economic Nidhi Mani Tripathi (High Commission of India), Olivia Tasker (Positive Luxury), and Jake Thompson (Gemporia).
An image that captured more than just a moment — it reflected the future of collaboration, where diplomacy, trade and sustainability stand side by side.
Industry minds meet at the Emirates: Sarah North, Howard Levine, Nilesh Kothari (GJEPC), Minister Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Olivia Tasker (Positive Luxury) and Jake Thompson (Gemporia) gather during the India–UK Buyer‑Seller Meet
The industry gathers at Emirates Stadium to hear key voices speak on trade, storytelling, and sustainability during the GJEPC India–UK Buyer‑Seller Meet
Indian manufacturing muscle was on full display. Diamond-set jewellery from Mumbai met gemstone-intensive design from Jaipur. Surat’s lab-grown diamond specialists came armed with tech-led offerings, while several exhibitors debuted new silver lines geared toward younger UK consumers and export-friendly pricing.
A strong undercurrent was flexibility—many of the brands we met were open to bespoke sizing, short-run production and white-label partnerships. In other words, they weren’t just selling—they were ready to co-create.
Nathaniel takes a closer look at standout pieces from India’s top manufacturers during the GJEPC Buyer‑Seller Meet at the Emirates Stadium
Paul Platnauer takes a moment to admire the craftsmanship on display during the India–UK Buyer‑Seller Meet at the Emirates Stadium
Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Economic Minister at the High Commission of India in London, made a keynote appearance, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the event. GJEPC Convener Nilesh Kothari was also in attendance, alongside industry figures from both sides of the table.
Everyone was talking about the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), now edging closer to being signed. While the jewellery sector’s tariff negotiations are still under wraps, there was a clear message: both countries want a smoother, faster and more collaborative future in gems and jewellery.
Buyers and sellers in deep discussion at the GJEPC Buyer‑Seller Meet, exploring new collections and opportunities for collaboration
Among the speakers at the GJEPC Buyer–Seller Meet, Howard Levine offered a deeply personal perspective on the evolving UK–India trade relationship. Known for his brand Hayes & Lake—named after his IVF-born children—Levine used the platform to introduce his new collection, Seed of Life, developed in close collaboration with Indian manufacturers.
The collection, which debuted earlier this year at CMJ and has already sold through to the public, reflects Levine’s core belief: that lab-grown diamonds are just as ‘real’ as their mined counterparts. “My children are real, and so are these stones,” he shared—drawing a powerful parallel between personal narrative and product story.
Seed of Life blends symbolism with sustainability, and its roots in India make it a fitting celebration of a trade partnership built on trust, technology, and evolving values.
Howard Levine shares the story behind his new Seed of Life collection on stage at the GJEPC Buyer‑Seller Meet, highlighting the emotional power of lab-grown jewellery and his personal connection to India
One of the key figures behind the success of the event was Jayne Bond, who oversaw the coordination of the entire two-day summit. From guest curation to venue logistics, Bond brought together a selective but diverse group of industry leaders — bridging the gap between Indian manufacturing power and UK retail insight. Her experience in global jewellery events made her the ideal person to deliver this debut edition on British soil.
“When GJEPC asked me to coordinate their first UK Buyer Seller Meet, it was a bold move — choosing Emirates Stadium turned heads. I’ve spent 15 years inviting people to global shows, but I’ve never seen demand like this. From a brief of 20 buyers and 20 exhibitors, we exceeded expectations. The buzz created real FOMO — people who always declined my invites showed up, thanked me, and said their eyes had been opened.
Bringing together such a high-calibre group of manufacturers and UK buyers under one roof was no small task, but the energy in the room made it all worthwhile. This event was about more than business — it was about building trust, sparking ideas, and laying the foundation for future collaboration between India and the UK.”
— Jayne Bond, Event Organiser, GJEPC India–UK Buyer–Seller Meet
Jayne Bond (centre), the driving force behind the GJEPC Buyer‑Seller Meet at Emirates Stadium, pictured with guests during the two-day trade event
What we saw at the Emirates wasn’t just a well-organised business event—it was a confident flex of India’s jewellery sector on UK soil. At The Jewels Club, we’ve always championed global connection, and this event aligned perfectly with our values: no fluff, just real conversations and meaningful commercial outcomes.
A special mention goes to Jayne Bond, whose meticulous planning and insight brought the event to life. From speaker curation to guest experience, the execution was seamless.
The Jewels Club was proud to be there — and we’ll be watching closely to see how these new connections evolve.
Expect to see many of these names return for IJL, Vicenza and even The Jewels Club Live later this year.
The Jewels Club founder Andrew Martyniuk & Emile Heskey
The Jewels Club was proud to attend the GJEPC India–UK Buyer-Seller Meet in July 2025.
To explore more about the exhibitors, visit gjepc.org, and follow @gjepcindia on Instagram for updates.
Want to talk about what we saw? Drop us a line or join the conversation in our members’ circle.
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium set the stage for the GJEPC India–UK Buyer‑Seller Meet — where jewellery trade took centre field in a world-class setting
The GJEPC-branded entrance welcomed guests to Emirates Stadium for a landmark India–UK Buyer‑Seller Meet, blending global trade with a world-class setting
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