The move strengthens collaboration between the Natural Diamond Council and India’s apex gem and jewellery trade body, reinforcing industry efforts to promote natural diamonds globally.
Key Highlights
- GJEPC becomes the first industry body to move towards NDC membership under the Luanda Accord.
- Membership follows the Luanda Accord signing in June 2025.
- India processes nearly 90% of the world’s diamonds by volume.
- The move strengthens industry-wide collaboration on natural diamond promotion.
- Focus areas include consumer education, category marketing and demand generation.
- NDC and GJEPC aim to enhance global awareness of natural diamonds.
- Development reinforces India’s strategic role in the global diamond value chain.
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has become the first industry body to progress towards membership of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) under the Luanda Accord framework, marking a significant step in strengthening global collaboration across the natural diamond value chain.
The development follows GJEPC’s signing of the Luanda Accord in June 2025 and the Memorandum of Understanding signed during the second Luanda Accord High-Level Meeting held in Cape Town in February 2026.
The move reflects a growing commitment among industry stakeholders to work collectively in support of the natural diamond sector through category marketing, consumer education and coordinated industry engagement.
India occupies a strategic position in the global natural diamond ecosystem. The country processes an estimated 90 percent of the world’s diamonds by volume, with Surat serving as the primary hub for cutting and polishing activities.
As the apex body representing India’s gem and jewellery trade, GJEPC has played a key role in promoting exports, industry development and international trade relations. Its move towards NDC membership further aligns India’s diamond industry with broader global initiatives aimed at strengthening consumer confidence and long-term demand for natural diamonds.
Commenting on the development, Amber Pepper, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome GJEPC as a Member of the NDC, marking an exciting new chapter in our longstanding partnership and a powerful step forward for industry collaboration. India plays a vital role in the global natural diamond value chain, and GJEPC’s membership reflects our shared commitment to driving sustained category marketing, elevating consumer education, and championing the long-term growth and differentiation of natural diamonds. Together, we are strengthening our collective voice to celebrate the rarity, authenticity, and emotional significance of natural diamonds, inspiring consumers around the world and reinforcing the enduring value of our category.”
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, added:
“The Natural Diamond Council represents the voice of our industry to consumers globally, and it is important that we collectively support its efforts in the category marketing of natural diamonds, the world’s most coveted gemstone. As a new generation of modern consumers emerges, it is increasingly important that we continue to engage them through meaningful storytelling, inspiration, and education.
This shared vision is what led us to become Members of the NDC and to contribute both strategically and financially to its long-term mission and growth.”
Industry leaders believe the development will strengthen cooperation across the natural diamond value chain while supporting future initiatives focused on consumer awareness, responsible sourcing and category growth.
The membership milestone also reinforces the broader objectives of the Luanda Accord, which seeks greater alignment among stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness for the natural diamond industry.
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