JD Institute Bengaluru Wins Three National Jewellery Awards 2026
Three winning entries showcase creative talent across Student and Designer categories
JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, has secured three wins at the National Jewellery Awards (NJA) 2026. The awards recognised Ms. Gunavanti, B.Sc. JD 2024 batch, and Ms. Hunar Jain, B.Sc. JD 2025 batch, in the Student of the Year category. Ms. Mithra M. won the Designer of the Year category.
The winners received their awards at the NJA’26 ceremony at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Mithra’s design also reached the final five from more than 1,000 entries submitted across India.
NJA 2026 Recognises Jewellery Design Talent
The National Jewellery Awards (NJA) 2026, organised by the All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), celebrates creativity, innovation and excellence in India’s jewellery sector.
Now in its 15th edition, the awards recognise both emerging and established talent. The Student and Designer categories focus on design concepts and execution, with emphasis on aesthetics, uniqueness and wearability.
Three Designs, Three Creative Concepts
The three winning entries from JD Institute Bengaluru reflect distinct approaches to jewellery design.
Gunavanti explored the concept of Agni and translated its symbolism into a jewellery design. Her work earned recognition in the Student of the Year category.
Meanwhile, Hunar Jain drew inspiration from the Shruva spoon, which forms part of the Vedic ritual of Agni Ahuti. Her design expresses the ritual through three connected elements.
The arm cuff takes inspiration from the Shruva spoon. Cascading chains represent the offering of ghee, while the bracelet reflects the rising flames.
In the Designer of the Year category, Mithra M. explored the intelligence of nature through a space-age design approach. She translated the concept into a wearable jewellery form using organic gold shapes and fine gradient-paved details.
Mentorship Supports Award-Winning Designs
The three designs developed under the guidance of Ms. Rupali Sarkar, HOD, JD Institute Bengaluru. Her mentorship supported the students through concept development, refinement and final execution.
Speaking about the students’ participation at NJA 2026, Ms. Rupali Sarkar, HOD, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, said, “Participating in NJA 2026 gave our students the opportunity to present their work on a national industry platform. Seeing their concepts and efforts receive this recognition is a proud moment, and a testament to the work they put into developing their designs.”
JD Institute Highlights Industry Exposure
The institute also highlighted the importance of industry platforms in helping young designers move beyond academic projects.
Speaking on the recognition, Nealesh Dalal, Founder & Managing Trustee, JD Institute of Fashion Technology and Founder, JD School of Design, said, “Industry platforms such as the National Jewellery Awards allow emerging designers to take their work beyond the academic environment and engage with the larger design community. These recognitions reflect the creativity, research and craftsmanship that our students bring to their work. At JD Institute, we remain committed to providing the exposure and opportunities that help designers take their ideas forward.”
Yogesh Dalal, Trustee, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, also highlighted the importance of the achievement for students and alumni.
Commenting on the achievement, Yogesh Dalal, Trustee, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, said, “Recognition at a platform like the National Jewellery Awards is an important milestone for our students and alumni, as it places their work before the wider jewellery industry. Gunavanti, Hunar and Mithra have approached design from a different perspective, but what connects their work is the thought behind the concept and the effort to translate an idea into a considered jewellery form. At JD Institute, we encourage students to research, question and experiment, while creating an environment that enables them to push creative boundaries and translate their ideas into work that reflects their individual design vision.”
The three NJA 2026 wins highlight JD Institute Bengaluru’s approach to design education and industry exposure. The recognition also gives students and alumni a platform to present their work beyond the classroom while showcasing diverse creative thinking in jewellery design.
