The Graduation and Award Ceremony 2026 recognised academic achievement while highlighting technology-enabled jewellery innovation and contemporary interpretations of traditional design.
Key Highlights
- 79 students graduate: IIGJ Mumbai celebrated 79 graduates at its Graduation and Award Ceremony 2026, held at the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC Auditorium, SEEPZ, Mumbai, on 6 October 2026.
- Two graduating programmes: The cohort included 33 students from the B.A. in Gems & Jewellery Design (2023–2026) and 46 from the Post Graduate Diploma in Jewellery Management (2025–2026).
- Industry leaders address graduates: Representatives from IIGJ, GJEPC India and the World Gold Council highlighted industry opportunities, adaptability, technology and innovation.
- Wearable technology innovation: The World Gold Council-sponsored Hackathon 2026 explored the theme “Wearable Tech-Enabled Jewellery,” with 22 finalists receiving certificates across IIGJ’s Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur campuses.
- Traditional design meets contemporary needs: The Shringar House of Mangalsutra Design Competition encouraged students to reinterpret the traditional mangalsutra while preserving its cultural symbolism and emotional significance.
The next generation of India’s gems and jewellery professionals took an important step forward as the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai, celebrated the graduation of 79 students at its Graduation and Award Ceremony 2026. Held at the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC Auditorium, SEEPZ, Mumbai, the ceremony brought together graduating students, their families, faculty members and leading representatives from the Indian gems and jewellery industry.
The graduating cohort comprised 33 students from the B.A. in Gems & Jewellery Design (2023–2026) and 46 students from the Post Graduate Diploma in Jewellery Management (2025–2026).
Preparing Young Professionals for a Changing Industry
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Debasish Biswas, CEO, IIGJ India, who encouraged graduates to embrace creativity, adaptability and continuous learning.
Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC India, spoke about the growth and opportunities emerging for young professionals in the sector. Shri Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC India, shared his vision for the industry’s future, while Shri Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai, highlighted the resilience and collective strength of the Indian gems and jewellery industry.
Addressing the growing importance of technology, Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC India, emphasised its expanding role and encouraged graduates to embrace new technologies as they begin their professional journeys.
Innovation Takes Centre Stage
Innovation was a key focus of the ceremony, which featured the awards presentation for Hackathon 2026, sponsored by the World Gold Council under the theme “Wearable Tech-Enabled Jewellery.”
Students from IIGJ’s Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur campuses explored how technology could be integrated with jewellery to create innovative and functional products that respond to future consumer needs.
Shri Sachin Jain, Regional CEO – India, World Gold Council, addressed the finalists, highlighting the importance of innovation in shaping the future of the jewellery industry. Certificates were presented to 22 finalists from the three campuses.
Contemporary Design Meets Tradition
The ceremony also featured a Certification Ceremony in association with Shringar House of Mangalsutra, recognising students who participated in the Shringar House of Mangalsutra Design Competition.
The initiative challenged students to reinterpret the traditional mangalsutra for the contemporary consumer while retaining its cultural symbolism and emotional significance.
Shri Chetan N. Thadeshwar, Chairman & Managing Director, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, addressed the gathering and shared his perspectives on contemporary jewellery design and evolving consumer expectations.
A Milestone for the Next Generation
The Graduation and Award Ceremony 2026 reflected IIGJ Mumbai’s focus on academic excellence, industry engagement and innovation. For the 79 graduates, the occasion marked an important milestone as they begin their professional journeys in India’s evolving gems and jewellery sector.
By bringing together academic achievement, technology-led experimentation and contemporary design, the ceremony highlighted the role of education in preparing young professionals for the opportunities and changing demands of the jewellery industry.
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