How to Source Gems and Jewelry from India

Sourcing Gems and Jewelry from India

If you’re a product-based business owner looking to offer high-quality, beautifully designed jewelry, India is one of the best places to source from. The country has a long tradition of jewelry-making and offers everything from precious diamond pieces to affordable fashion accessories — all with excellent craftsmanship and competitive prices.

This blog breaks down what you need to know about sourcing gems and jewelry from India, step by step.

Key Facts about India’s Gems and Jewelry Industry

• Gems and Jewelry sector accounts for 15.71% of India’s total merchandise exports, making it the third-largest commodity export segment, contributing to approximately 7% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

• In FY25 (until July 2024), gems and jewelry exports stood at US$ 8.58 billion.

•The industry provides employment to over five million skilled and semi-skilled workers across the country.

•India holds a leading position globally, ranking:

• First in cut and polished diamonds, with a 26.5% share of global exports.

• First in silver jewelry, with 29.8% of global exports.

• First in synthetic diamonds/stones, holding 29% of global share.

• Fourth in coloured gemstones, with a 5.1% share of global exports.

•The Western Region of India, particularly Surat in Gujarat, plays a central role, contributing 74.66% of the country’s total jewelry exports in 2022–23. Surat is home to more than 450 organised jewelry manufacturers, importers, and exporters, making it a global hub for jewelry manufacturing.

(Source: India Brand Equity Foundation, 2024)

Why Source Jewelry from India

One of the key advantages of sourcing from India is the skilled craftsmanship found in regions like Jaipur and Surat, where artisans use traditional handcrafting techniques passed down through generations. This expertise results in finely detailed jewellery, including filigree work, gemstone settings, and meenakari enamel, all crafted with exceptional attention to detail. India also offers a wide range of jewelry products, from high-end certified diamond pieces to more affordable silver, gemstone, and fashion jewellery. This variety allows businesses to cater to different customer segments, whether the brand focuses on minimal elegance, cultural richness, or bold statement designs.

Another significant benefit is affordable pricing. Lower labour costs and access to local raw materials help reduce production expenses without compromising on quality. In recent years, many Indian manufacturers have embraced ethical and sustainable practices, ensuring fair wages, safer working environments, and environmentally conscious production methods—ideal for businesses that value responsible sourcing. Additionally, Indian jewelry often enjoys lower import duties in markets like the United States and parts of Europe compared to jewelry from other countries, such as China, making India a more economical and attractive sourcing destination overall.

Types of Gems and Jewelry you can Source from India

India is a major hub for almost all types of jewelry. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories:

• Diamond Jewelry:

India is the world’s leading centre for diamond cutting and polishing — with Surat, Gujarat, at the core of this industry. The city handles about 75% of the world’s polished diamonds. If you’re looking to source engagement rings, pendants, bracelets, or earrings, you’ll find certified, high-quality diamond jewellery at competitive rates.

• Gold Jewelry:

Gold jewellery has cultural and religious importance in India. The designs range from traditional temple jewellery to sleek modern styles. Most exports are in 22K or 18K gold, with strong markets in the Middle East, U.S., and Europe. You’ll find bangles, chains, earrings, and statement necklaces in various designs and finishes.

• Silver Jewelry:

Silver jewellery is a fast-growing export category. Jaipur, in particular, is famous for creating stylish silver pieces — such as earrings, anklets, cuffs, and nose pins. India is currently the largest exporter of silver jewelry, making it a great choice if you’re targeting customers who prefer more affordable, wearable items.

• Gemstone Jewelry:

India is rich in natural gemstones — including rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and semi-precious stones like amethyst, garnet, and citrine. Local artisans combine these stones with silver, gold, or brass to create colourful, ornate, and stylish designs. Jaipur again is a key hub for gemstone jewelry.

• Lab-grown Gemstone Jewelry:

Lab-grown gemstone jewelry from India offers a modern, ethical, and affordable alternative to natural stones, without compromising on beauty or quality. These gemstones are created in controlled environments using advanced technology, resulting in stones that are chemically and visually identical to mined gems. Indian manufacturers, especially in cities like Jaipur and Surat, are becoming global leaders in producing and setting lab-grown diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and other popular gems. Lab-grown jewelry is ideal for brands focused on sustainability and transparency, as it avoids the environmental damage and ethical concerns often linked with traditional mining.

• Pearl Jewelry:

Indian artisans work with freshwater and cultured pearls, creating beautiful pieces such as necklaces, earrings, bangles, and bridal sets. Cities like Hyderabad are especially famous for pearl jewellery, often referred to as the “City of Pearls” due to its long history of pearl trading and jewellery making. Designs range from classic strands to ornate, gem-studded pieces combining pearls with gold, silver, or kundan settings.

• Fashion and Costume Jewelry:

This includes trendy, affordable pieces made from base metals, synthetic stones, resin, wood, and beads. Fashion jewellery is great for businesses targeting a younger or budget-conscious audience. The designs are bold, playful, and keep up with global fashion trends — all while being budget-friendly to produce and ship.

• Indian Ethnic Jewelry:

Indian ethnic jewelry is known for its rich heritage, intricate craftsmanship, and strong cultural roots. Each region of India has its own signature styles—such as Kundan and Polki jewelry from Rajasthan, Temple jewelry from Tamil Nadu, Meenakari work from Jaipur and Varanasi, and Tribal jewelry from states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Nagaland. These pieces are often made using traditional techniques with materials like gold, silver, glass, beads, and natural stones. Ethnic jewelry is especially popular for weddings, festivals, and cultural events, and has growing demand among ever growing Indian diaspora globally.

• Handmade Jewelry:

Handmade jewellery in India is a reflection of the country’s deep-rooted craft traditions and artisanal skills passed down through generations. Crafted entirely by hand, these pieces often involve time-intensive techniques like hand-hammering, wire work, stone setting, engraving, and bead weaving. Artisans across regions—such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, and the Northeast—create unique jewellery using materials like silver, brass, copper, beads, shells, threads, and natural stones. Each piece carries the distinct touch of the maker, offering character and craftsmanship that mass-produced jewellery cannot match.

• Sustainable and Eco-friendly Jewelry:

Sustainable jewellery sourcing from India is gaining momentum as more buyers look for eco-friendly and ethically made products. Many artisans and manufacturers are now using recycled metals, natural dyes, and locally sourced materials like bamboo, jute, wood, terracotta, and organic cotton threads to create beautiful, low-impact jewellery. Techniques such as handcrafting and small-batch production reduce energy use and waste, while also supporting rural artisan communities. Regions like West Bengal, Odisha, Rajasthan, and parts of the Northeast are known for producing handcrafted sustainable jewellery that blends tradition with conscious design.

Production Centres of Gems and Jewelry in India

India is home to several major jewelry manufacturing hubs, each specializing in distinct types of jewelry and craftsmanship. when looking to source gems and jewelry from India, here are four of the most prominent jewelry production hubs in India that you must be aware of:

1. Surat – The Diamond Capital of India

Surat, located in Gujarat, is one of the world’s leading centers for diamond cutting and polishing, handling over 90% of the world’s diamonds. The city is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a skilled workforce, making it a global hub for both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Many manufacturers in Surat also offer finished diamond jewelry, catering to high-end retail and export markets. Its strong infrastructure and technology-driven processes make Surat a go-to destination for sourcing certified, precision-cut diamonds and diamond-studded jewelry.

2. Jaipur – The Gemstone and Meenakari Hub

Jaipur, in Rajasthan, is famous for its colored gemstone cutting, handcrafted jewelry, and traditional techniques like meenakari, kundan, and polki. Known as the ‘Pink City,’ Jaipur is a center for artisanal craftsmanship and is especially valued for its work with precious and semi-precious stones such as emeralds, rubies, and amethysts. Many small workshops and larger units produce high-quality ethnic and contemporary pieces, making it ideal for buyers seeking jewelry with a cultural and handmade touch.

3. Mumbai – The Commercial Powerhouse

Mumbai is a major hub for fine gold and diamond jewelry, serving as the backbone of India’s export and wholesale markets. It is home to several large jewelry brands, export houses, and design studios that cater to both premium and mass markets. Mumbai offers access to a wide range of jewelry styles—from luxury bridal collections to lightweight fashion pieces—backed by reliable supply chains and logistics. It also plays a central role in international trade shows and sourcing expos, making it a key stop for global buyers.

4. Kolkata – The Centre for Intricate Gold Work

Kolkata, in West Bengal, is renowned for its filigree gold jewelry, also known as ‘Calcutta work’, which features detailed handcrafting and delicate designs. The city specializes in traditional Bengali jewelry styles, including pieces for weddings and religious occasions. Many artisans in Kolkata work with high-purity gold, often combining old-world charm with modern design elements. It’s a significant center for both handcrafted and machine-made gold jewelry, making it an important hub for sourcing intricate, high-quality gold pieces.

5. Hyderabad – The City of Pearls

Hyderabad, often called the “City of Pearls,” has a long history of pearl trading and is one of India’s top destinations for sourcing pearl jewelry. The city is known for its elegant combinations of pearls with gold, diamonds, and other precious stones, creating timeless pieces for both traditional and modern markets. Hyderabad also produces high-quality kundan and polki jewelry, especially for bridal collections

Certifications You Should Know About when Sourcing Jewelry from India

When sourcing jewelry from India, in order to ensure that it is authentic, safe, and ethically made, it’s important to look for certain certifications. These documents help build trust with your customers and meet import regulations in many countries.

1. Social & Ethical Production Certifications

These show that the manufacturer is following fair labour practices.

•BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative): Ensures safe, legal, and fair working conditions.

•Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange): Used widely in global supply chains to manage and improve ethical standards.

2. Quality Management Certification

•ISO 9001:2015: Confirms the supplier has consistent quality control processes in place. Good for businesses wanting a professional and organised manufacturer.

3. Diamond and Gemstone Certifications

If you’re sourcing diamonds or gemstones, you’ll want proof that the stones are genuine:

•GIA (Gemological Institute of America): Highly respected. Their certification guarantees the authenticity and quality of the stone.

•IGI (International Gemological Institute): Also widely accepted and commonly used in India.

•AGS (American Gem Society): Known for strict grading standards.

Indian labs like Gemological Institute of India or the Indian Diamond Institute can also offer certifications if you’re working with local stones.

4. Gold and Silver Certifications

•BIS Hallmark (Bureau of Indian Standards): This is India’s official stamp for gold and silver purity. Look for 22K or 24K for gold, and “925” for sterling silver.

•Common Control Mark: Required in some European countries for importing precious metals.

Testing Requirements you should know when Sourcing Jewelry from India

If you’re importing fashion or costume jewelry from India, especially for kids or general use in the U.S. or Europe, you’ll need to follow safety guidelines.

Key Testing Areas:

•Durability Tests: Ensures the jewelry won’t easily break under normal use (torque, tension, compression tests).

•Safety Tests: Includes checks for flammability and corrosion (especially if near skin).

•Toxicity Tests: Confirms that the items are free of lead, cadmium, and nickel — which are restricted under REACH (EU) and CPSIA (U.S.) regulations.

Work with third-party testing companies like Intertek, SGS, Bureau Veritas, HQTS or QIMA. Most established Indian suppliers already work with them and can provide test reports.

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Finding and Choosing the right suppliers of jewelry in India

The quality of your final product depends heavily on your supplier. Here’s how to find the right one when sourcing jewelry from India:

1. Verify Certifications – Always ask for a copy of their certifications.

2. Visit Trade Shows to find legit suppliers and connect with them personally.

3.Request Product Samples – This helps you judge quality before committing to a large order.

4.Visit the Factory (if possible) – It gives you a clear picture of their production environment and ethical standards.

An Ultimate Guide to Product Sourcing from India

Get the Entire product sourcing framework to Source products from India!

Sourcing Jewelry from India: Best Practices

To avoid surprises and delays, follow these simple tips:

•Be Specific: Provide exact details like design, weight, metal type, gemstone cut, and packaging instructions.

•Stay in Touch: Communicate regularly with the supplier during production to check progress and solve any issues early.

•Test Reports: Ensure you organize testing of your products through a 3rd party testing agency.

•Schedule Inspections: Book a third-party inspection before shipping to check product quality.

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Kirti Sehrawat

I help E-commerce Entrepreneurs Source Products from India effectively and efficiently, so they can bring their brilliant Product ideas to life and Build an Online Business of their dreams.

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