Princess Gauravi Kumari was the distinguished chief guest, and the highly anticipated Artisan Awards 2025 came to a spectacular close. Princess Gauravi Kumari, who is well-known for her support of art and culture, gave the recipients their prizes while praising their inventiveness and commitment to conserving Indian design and craftsmanship.
The 8th edition of The Artisan Awards was hosted by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) powered by GIA India, in association with the World Gold Council.
For the musicians, business titans, and dignitaries present, Princess Gauravi Kumari’s presence gave the event a royal air and made it an unforgettable evening.
This year’s conclusion of the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards, which continue to showcase the finest in Indian craftsmanship, set a new standard for originality, style, and royal support. The following individuals joined her on stage: Mr. Vipul Shah, GJEPC Chairman; Mr. Kirit Bhansali, GJEPC Vice Chairman; Mr. Sriram Natarajan, GIA India Managing Director; Mr. Sachin Jain, World Gold Council Regional CEO, India; Mr. Milan Chokshi, GJEPC Convener, Promotions & Marketing; and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, GJEPC Executive Director.
The event celebrated the finest expressions of Indian craftsmanship under this year’s theme, “Indian Crafts Reimagined,”which received over 630 entries.
The 2025 Artisan Awards brought to light the interdependence of regional artistry across India in the varied field of crafts. Every participant combined traditional methods with creative interpretations, drawing inspiration from India’s rich legacy. This careful blending made sure that traditional crafts find a place in contemporary design narratives while still retaining their cultural importance.
The 20 finalists from the 8th Artisan Awards, which had as its theme Indian Crafts Reimagined, were on display at JWCC. The designs on display combined innovation with legacy crafts to honor long-standing customs while maintaining their applicability today.
“All of the winning jewelry designs displayed at GJEPC’s Artisan Awards creatively incorporated traditional art and craft,” said a clearly satisfied Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur. As long as designers use contemporary silhouettes that appeal to a worldwide audience and offer new perspectives and twists, I think traditional crafts will always be relevant to today’s generation. Young consumers of the modern era are shifting from rapid fashion to gradual luxury. If we change the focus from the brand or product to the karigar (artisan), Gen-Next will become interested since their creative perspective and interpretation are always appealing to hear.
“International connoisseurs recognize that Indian craft techniques have been passed on from one generation to another, just like the heritage legacy brands of Europe,” Princess Gauravi mentioned when discussing jewelry manufacturing and craftsmanship as a legacy passed down from generation to generation. After educating themselves about Indian workmanship, some of the world’s top designers have applied their talents to add innovation and relevance. Maharaja Man Singh II, my great-grandfather, envisioned Jaipur as a world hub for crafts, art, and design. I wish to continue this tradition by empowering artisans who overcome obstacles and produce with a positive outlook.
“The Artisan Awards aim to showcase India’s unparalleled jewelry craftsmanship,” said Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman of GJEPC. The ‘Indian Crafts, Reimagined’ topic this year forced competitors to use traditional crafts and reimagine them from a modern perspective, creating works that cut across cultural barriers worldwide.
One of the most in-demand skill sets in the field is design, which is essential for creating value addition. Enhancing and expanding design talents is crucial if the industry is to progress beyond retail. The Artisan Awards provide a forum for identifying and developing design talent at the local level, fostering India’s untapped potential and promoting creativity and innovation.
In order to guarantee the industry’s continued advancement, GJEPC also makes investments in organized skill development through our training facilities. We also work to preserve and develop regional crafts such as the delicate filigree of the East, the temple jewelry of the South, and the classic jadau and meenakari of Jaipur and Benares.
“I extend an invitation to industry players like the World Gold Council, PGI, and De Beers to work with GJEPC in order to promote and popularize India’s distinctive jewelry crafts on a worldwide scale.”
Mr. Sachin Jain, Regional CEO, India, World Gold Council: “GJEPC’s Artisan Awards is a true testament of creativity and royalty in design capital. We at the World Gold Council are partnering with GJEPC to crown India as the jewellery hub of the world. It’s time for us to take Indian creativity and designs to the world. We appreciate the kalakaari (artistry) of India and will work with GJEPC to uplift the pristine status and impeccable standards of our craftsmanship. The Artisan Awards are a great celebration of Indian artistry. Every piece of gold jewellery crafted by these artisans is a testament to their dedication, skill, and artistic vision. The Awards serve as a platform to recognise their achievements and inspire future generations to appreciate and continue the legacy of gold jewellery artistry.”
Mr. Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotion & Marketing, GJEPC adds, “The theme ‘Indian Crafts, Reimagined’ successfully inspired participants to leverage their creativity and design jewellery that seamlessly integrates global aesthetics with the essence of Indian craftsmanship. Through this journey, we witnessed exceptional pieces that not only preserved ancient crafts but also redefined their relevance for today’s discerning audience. The innovative interpretations highlighted the rich heritage of Indian techniques, demonstrating how our traditional craftsmanship remains relevant and continues to captivate younger generations in today’s dynamic world.”
The entries underwent a thorough scrutiny by a distinguished jury comprising Dr. Usha Balakrishnan, Eminent Jewellery Historian; Mr. Jay Sagar, Jewellery Specialist at AstaGuru Auction House; Mr. Apurva Kothari, Founding Partner of SAVAAB; Ms. Priya Tanna President, @trscreativeconsulting; Mr. Apoorva Deshingkar, Sr. Director – Market Outreach and Education, GIA India; and Ms. Shachee Shah, Founder & Creative Head, Shachee Fine Jewellery.
The technical jury included Mr. Devinder Layal, Jewellery Artiste and Educationist; Ms. Meenal Choksi, Head of Design, Moksh Fine Unseen Jewellery; and Ms. Sushama Kalzunkar Sawant, PD & Merchandising Head, KP Sanghvi.
At the celebratory event, GJEPC also honoured industry stalwarts whose remarkable contributions have made a lasting impact on both domestic and global fronts.
Mr. Sajil Shah, Creative Head and Founder of Sajjante, was honoured with the Design Excellence Award, while Mr. Ankit Mehta, Founder and diamond and jewellery business entrepreneur of the high-end brand Aneka, (previously Her Story),was bestowed with the prestigious Global Indian Jewellery Designer award.
Mr. Biren Vaidya, Managing Director of The House of Rose, was presented the Retail Excellence Award for its exceptional designs, high standards and excellent customer service.
The House of BNM was chosen for the Manufacturing Excellence Award, underscoring its commitment to quality and innovation. The award was received by its Co-Founder Mr. Binoy Shah.
Here’s what the judges had to say about The Artisan finalists:
Mr. Apoorva Deshingkar, Sr. Director – Market Outreach and Education, GIA India: “It is a privilege to be able to witness the design talent and their creations at The Artisan Awards. Not only does the theme – ‘Indian Craft, Reimagined’ – pose a challenge for the designers, but it also offers them a chance to creatively showcase the rich culture and heritage of Indianjewellery and artisanry. More than 630 entries are a testimony to the recognition that comes with a platform such as The Artisan Awards, and I extend my compliments to GJEPC for organising it successfully year on year and raising the bar in the process. GIA India continues to support this industry initiative thathelps empower talented jewellery designers.”
Dr. Usha Balakrishnan, Eminent Historian: “Every Artisan piece has layers of narrative, from the designers who create it to the materials and designs that reflect our heritage. Crafts like Thewa, with their delicate artistry and potential for contemporary appeal, deserve greater global recognition.”
Mr. Jay Sagar, Jewellery Specialist at AstaGuru Auction House – “The designs beautifully blended tradition with contemporary appeal, and intricate creations that showcased impeccable attention to detail and lightweight charm. Indian craftsmanship is evolving, and with the younger generation of designers pushing boundaries, we are witnessing a transformative era.”
Mr. Apurva Kothari, Founding Partner of SAVAAB: “The participants have showcased exceptional creativity, blending India’s rich heritage with modern craftsmanship. The enamel work combined with gold truly stands out, reflecting a finesse in design and execution that brings every piece to life.”
Ms. Priya Tanna, President, @trscreativeconsulting: “I’m pleasantly surprised this year to witness a true revolution in the pieces being judged. The blend of traditional Indian crafts like Meenakari and beaten gold with contemporary designs is remarkable. What’s even more impressive is how these creations are designed for everyday elegance, making them both wearable and timeless.”
Ms. Shachee Shah, Founder & Creative Head, Shachee Fine Jewellery: “Jewellery is emotion brought to life, and when infused with Indian craftsmanship, it carries a deeper connection to our roots. This emotional resonance enhances its value, whether through meaningful storytelling, spiritual elements, or personalised touches like using birthstones.”
The winners of The Artisan Awards 2025 are:
| Name | Pieces Manufactured By | Category |
| Malvika Vadsak | Walking Tree Ventures | Winner |
| Anvinda RP | Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers | First Runner-Up |
| Priyanshi Gagnani | Mani Jewels | Second Runner-Up |
| Vijay Indulkar | Walking Tree Ventures | Jury Choice Award |
| Bhavesh Soni | Manoj Ornaments Pvt. Ltd. | Jury Choice Award |
