NJA’26 will recognise excellence across jewellery design, craftsmanship, manufacturing, retail, branding and innovation, with entries open until 22 August.
Key Highlights
- GJC has opened entries for the 15th National Jewellery Awards (NJA’26).
- Entries are open to jewellers, designers, women entrepreneurs and students across India.
- 12 categories and 28 sub-categories will recognise talent across the jewellery value chain.
- Ernst & Young (EY) will serve as the Independent Process Advisor.
- Entries close on 22 August 2026.
- Winners will be announced on 3 October 2026 at JWCC, Mumbai.
- NJA’26 will recognise excellence in design, craftsmanship, manufacturing, retail, branding and innovation.
The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) has opened entries for the 15th edition of the National Jewellery Awards (NJA’26), inviting jewellers, designers, women entrepreneurs and students from across India to participate in one of the industry’s most established platforms for recognising excellence.
Entries for NJA 2026 will remain open until 22 August 2026 through the official GJC portal. The winners will be announced on 3 October 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, during the India Gem and Jewellery Show (GJS) Diwali Edition.
NJA’26 Covers the Entire Jewellery Value Chain
The 15th edition will feature five award segments, 12 categories and 28 sub-categories, covering key areas of the gem and jewellery business.
The awards will recognise achievements across jewellery design, craftsmanship, manufacturing, retailing, branding, innovation and business excellence. The structure reflects the changing priorities of India’s jewellery industry while continuing to recognise artistic skill, precision, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Beyond recognition, GJC positions NJA as a platform through which industry participants can showcase their work, gain national visibility, connect with peers and stay informed about evolving jewellery trends.
Ernst & Young to Support the Evaluation Process
GJC said the awards will follow a multi-tier evaluation process designed to maintain credibility, fairness and transparency.
Entries will first be evaluated by a Grand Jury comprising industry veterans, entrepreneurs, advisers and financiers. The assessment will consider parameters including design aesthetics, originality, craftsmanship, finishing, innovation, quality and market impact.
The process will then move to a Screening Jury review, with GJC stating that the process is designed to ensure that winning creations and brands are evaluated with attention to detail and consistency.
Ernst & Young (EY) has been appointed as the Independent Process Advisor for NJA’26.
GJC Highlights the Role of NJA in Showcasing Indian Talent
Announcing the opening of entries, Mr Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), said:
“The 15th edition of the National Jewellery Awards reflects the remarkable journey and growing stature of India’s jewellery industry. NJA has emerged as a platform that provides nationwide recognition to exceptional talent while helping businesses expand their reach and reputation. By celebrating excellence in design, craftsmanship and innovation, the awards not only inspire the industry but also strengthen the vision of ‘Make in India’ and showcase the extraordinary capabilities of Indian jewellers to the nation. Importantly, NJA also serves to connect with the national gems and jewellery communities, supporting upcoming talent across India and motivating the traditional essence of Indian culture through jewellery.”
Mr. Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC, said:
“The 15th edition of the National Jewellery Awards reflects the remarkable journey and growing stature of India’s jewellery industry. NJA has emerged as a platform that provides nationwide recognition to exceptional talent while helping businesses expand their reach and reputation. By celebrating excellence in design, craftsmanship and innovation, the awards not only inspire the industry but also strengthen the vision of ‘Make in India’ and showcase the extraordinary capabilities of Indian jewellers to the nation. Importantly, NJA also serves to connect with the national gems and jewellery communities, supporting upcoming talent across India and motivating the traditional essence of Indian culture through jewellery.”
Mr. Sunil Poddar, Convenor, NJA, said:
“As we celebrate the 15th edition of the National Jewellery Awards, our commitment to recognising exceptional talent remains stronger than ever. NJA continues to spotlight artisans, designers and visionaries whose dedication and innovation shape the future of the jewellery industry. Over the years, the awards have evolved into the industry’s most respected and inclusive platform, honouring creativity, passion and excellence while setting new benchmarks for success.”
Mr. Rupesh Tambi, Joint Convenor, NJA, added:
“The National Jewellery Awards have consistently celebrated excellence, craftsmanship and innovation across every segment of the industry. The 15th edition further reinforces our commitment to nurturing talent through a fair, transparent and process-driven selection mechanism validated by Ernst & Young (EY). This credibility has made NJA one of the most trusted and respected awards in the Indian jewellery industry.”
Mr. Sumeet Anand, Joint Convenor, NJA, said:
“The NJA has grown into a benchmark of credibility and prestige over the years. As we celebrate the 15th edition, it is not just an award ceremony—it is a recognition of the relentless passion, creativity, and integrity that drive our industry forward.”
Winners to Be Announced in Mumbai
The winners of NJA’26 will be announced on 3 October 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre during the GJS Diwali Edition – A Grand Business to Business Expo, giving winners a national platform for recognition and visibility.
With the 15th edition, GJC continues its effort to recognise the designers, artisans, manufacturers, retailers, entrepreneurs and other professionals contributing to the evolution of India’s gem and jewellery sector.
For eligible participants, the immediate deadline is 22 August 2026.
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