Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur presents GJEPC’s Artisan Awards 2025, celebrates Indian craftsmanship

The eighth edition of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s Artisan Awards celebrated India’s up and coming jewellery design talent who mix innovation with the preservation of heritage crafts. The event was led by chief guest Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur and with the theme ‘Indian Crafts Reimagined.’ 

“All the winning jewellery designs showcased at GJEPC’s Artisan Awards innovatively incorporated traditional art and craft,” said Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur in a press release. “I believe that traditional crafts will always be relevant to today’s generation as long as designers introduce fresh perspective and new twists, while utilising modern silhouettes that appeal to global audiences. The new-age young consumer is moving from fast fashion to slow luxury. Gen-Next will get interested if we shift the narrative from the brand or product to the karigar (artisan)– the storytelling of their creative vision and interpretation is always compelling.”    

The awards took place powered by the Gemological Institute of America India in association with the World Gold Council. The 2025 Artisan Awards received over 630 entries from which 20 finalists were chosen to have their work displayed. The awards’ jury included jewellery historian Usha Balakrishnan, Shachee Fine Jewellery’s founder and creative head Shachee Shah, and AstaGuru Auction House’s jewellery specialist Jay Sagar among others. 

“The Artisan Awards aims to spotlight India’s unparalleled jewellery craftsmanship,” said GJEPC chairman Vipul Shah. “This year’s theme, ‘Indian Crafts, Reimagined’, compelled participants to employ age-old crafts and design them through a contemporary lens, producing pieces that transcend cultural boundaries across the globe. Designing is one of the most sought-after skill sets in the industry and plays a pivotal role in generating value addition. For the sector to advance beyond retail, it is essential to enhance and expand design capabilities. The Artisan Awards serves as a platform to harness design talent at the grassroots level, nurturing India’s raw potential while driving innovation and creativity.”

The awards’ winner Malvika Vadsak’s jewellery design was manufactured by Walking Tree Ventures and first runner up Anvinda RP’s design was crafted by Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers. The awards’ second runner up was Priyanshi Gagnani and the jury choice award was presented to Vijay Indulkar and Bhavesh Soni. 

“GJEPC’s Artisan Awards is a true testament of creativity and royalty in design capital,” said the World Gold Council’s regional CEO for India Sachin Jain. “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.”