The much-anticipated Artisan Awards 2025 concluded on a high note, with Princess Gauravi Kumari serving as the distinguished keynote guest. Princess Gauravi Kumari, known for her support of art and culture, handed the awards to the winners, praising their creativity and commitment to maintaining Indian workmanship and design.
The 8th edition of The Artisan Awards was hosted by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), powered by GIA India, in collaboration with the World Gold Council.
The presence of Princess Gauravi Kumari lent a regal touch to the festivities, making it a night to remember for the performers, industry veterans, and dignitaries in attendance.
The Artisan Jewellery Design Awards continue to highlight the best of Indian craftsmanship, and this year’s finale set a new standard for inventiveness, elegance, and royal patronage. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director, GIA India; Sachin Jain, Regional CEO, India, World Gold Council; Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotions & Marketing, GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, also appeared on stage.
The event honored the best examples of Indian craftsmanship under this year’s subject, “Indian Crafts Reimagined,” which garnered over 630 entries.
The 2025 Artisan Awards emphasized the linked nature of regional craftsmanship across India’s numerous crafts. Each participant drew inspiration from India’s rich cultural legacy, combining traditional techniques with creative interpretations. This deliberate integration guaranteed that age-old crafts kept cultural relevance while also finding a home in modern design narratives.
The viewing gallery for the 20 finalists of the 8th Artisan Awards, entitled Indian Crafts Reimagined, was open at JWCC. The featured designs combined heritage crafts with innovation, honoring ancient traditions while maintaining their present relevance.
A clearly thrilled Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur stated, “All of the winning jewelry pieces presented at GJEPC‘s Artisan Awards innovatively integrated traditional art and craft. I feel that traditional crafts will always be relevant to today’s youth as long as designers add new perspectives and twists while using current silhouettes that appeal to a worldwide audience. The new-age young customer is transitioning from rapid fashion to leisurely luxury. If we transfer the narrative from the brand or product to the karigar (artisan), Gen-Next will become fascinated – the storytelling of their creative vision and interpretation is always captivating.”
When asked about jewelry creation and workmanship as a legacy carried down from generation to generation, Princess Gauravi stated, “Global connoisseurs know that Indian craft techniques have been passed down from one generation to another, exactly like the heritage legacy brands of Europe. Some of the world’s top designers have learned and educated themselves on Indian craftsmanship before applying their creativity to provide innovation and relevance. My great-grandfather, Maharaja Man Singh II, envisioned Jaipur as a global center of design, art, and crafts. I wish to carry on this legacy by empowering craftspeople who overcome obstacles and create with a good mentality.”
Vipul Shah, Chairman of GJEPC, stated, “The Artisan Awards aim to highlight India’s unmatched jewellery artistry. This year’s subject, ‘Indian Crafts, Reimagined,’ compelled competitors to use traditional crafts and create them through a contemporary lens, resulting in pieces that traverse cultural barriers around the world.
“Designing is one of the most in-demand skill sets in the industry, and it is critical for generating value. To progress beyond retail, the industry must improve and develop its design capabilities. The Artisan Awards provide a venue for harnessing design talent at the grassroots level, fostering India’s raw potential while pushing innovation and creativity.
“GJEPC invests in structured skill development through our training institutes to ensure the industry’s long-term prosperity. Furthermore, we work to preserve and promote indigenous crafts such as the ageless jadau and meenakari of Jaipur and Benares, the delicate filigree of the East, and the temple jewelry of the south.
“I invite industry stakeholders such as the World Gold Council, PGI, and De Beers to collaborate with GJEPC in marketing and popularising India’s unique jewellery crafts on the global stage.”
Sachin Jain, Regional CEO, India, World Gold Council: “The GJEPC Artisan Awards are a remarkable monument to innovation and royalty in design capital. We, at the World Gold Council, are working with GJEPC to establish India as the world’s jewellery hub. It is time for us to spread Indian innovation and designs over the world. We value India’s kalakaari (artistry) and will collaborate with GJEPC to elevate the pristine status and impeccable standards of our handicraft. The Artisan Awards are an excellent showcase of Indian creativity. Every item of gold jewellery created by these artisans exemplifies their passion, expertise, and artistic vision. The Awards serve as a forum to honor their achievements and inspire future generations to value and continue the legacy of gold jewellery artistry.”
Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotion & Marketing, GJEPC, adds, “The subject ‘Indian Crafts, Reimagined’ successfully motivated participants to use their creativity to create jewelry that perfectly merges global aesthetics with the soul of Indian workmanship. Throughout our tour, we came across amazing works that not only preserved ancient crafts but also reinvented their relevance for today’s discerning audience. The unique interpretations emphasized the rich heritage of Indian traditions, illustrating how our ancient craftsmanship is still relevant and captivates new generations in today’s dynamic world.”
A distinguished jury comprised of Dr. Usha Balakrishnan, Eminent Jewellery Historian; Jay Sagar, Jewellery Specialist at AstaGuru Auction House; Apurva Kothari, Founding Partner of SAVAAB; Ms. Priya Tanna, President, @trscreativeconsulting; Apoorva Deshingkar, Sr. Director – Market Outreach and Education, GIA India; and Ms. Shachee Shah, Founder & Creative Head, Shachee Fine Jewellery, thoroughly reviewed the entries.
Devinder Layal, a jewellery artist and educator, was on the technical jury, as was Ms. Meenal Choksi, Head of Design at Moksh Fine Unseen Jewellery, and Ms. Sushama Kalzunkar Sawant, PD and Merchandising Head at KP Sanghvi.
At the celebration, GJEPC also recognized industry veterans whose outstanding efforts have had a long-term impact on both domestic and global fronts.
Sajil Shah, Creative Director and Founder of Sajjante, received the Design Excellence Award, while Ankit Mehta, Founder and Diamond and Jewelry Business Entrepreneur of the high-end brand Aneka (formerly Her Story), received the prestigious Global Indian Jewellery Designer award.
Biren Vaidya, Managing Director of The House of Rose, received the Retail Excellence Award for the company’s remarkable designs, high standards, and excellent customer service.
The House of BNM was selected for the Manufacturing Excellence Award, demonstrating its dedication to quality and innovation. Binoy Shah, the company’s co-founder, earned the prize.
Here’s what the judges said about the Artisan finalists:
Apoorva Deshingkar, Sr. Director – Market Outreach and Education, GIA India: “It is an honor to be able to witness the design talent and their creations at The Artisan Awards.” Not only does the theme ‘Indian Craft, Reimagined’ present a challenge to the designers, but it also allows them to creatively highlight the rich culture and tradition of Indian jewels and artisanship. More than 630 entries demonstrate the recognition that comes with a platform like The Artisan Awards, and I commend GJEPC for successfully organising it year after year while raising the bar in the process. GIA India continues to support this industry effort that empowers outstanding jewelry designers.
Dr. Usha Balakrishnan, Eminent Historian: “Every Artisan piece has layers of story, from the designers who make it to the materials and designs that reflect our heritage. Crafts like Thewa, with their exquisite beauty and promise for modern appeal, deserve more global attention.”
Jay Sagar, Jewellery Specialist at AstaGuru Auction House, stated, “The designs elegantly mixed heritage with contemporary appeal, and exquisite works that demonstrated impeccable attention to detail and lightweight charm. Indian workmanship is improving, and with the next generation of designers pushing the envelope, we are witnessing a revolutionary era.”
SAVAAB’s Founding Partner, Apurva Kothari, stated, “The participants demonstrated exceptional creativity, blending India’s rich heritage with modern craftsmanship.” The enamel work mixed with gold is simply stunning, exhibiting a refinement in design and execution that brings each item to life.”
Priya Tanna, President of @trscreativeconsulting: “I’m pleasantly pleased this year to see a true transformation in the pieces being judged. The combination of traditional Indian crafts such as Meenakari and hammered gold with modern motifs is stunning. What’s even more amazing is how these pieces are crafted for everyday elegance, making them both wearable and ageless.”
Shachee Shah, Founder and Creative Head of Shachee Fine Jewellery, says, “Jewellery is emotion brought to life, and when infused with Indian craftsmanship, it carries a deeper connection to our roots.” This emotional resonance increases its worth, whether through meaningful stories, spiritual components, or customized touches such as birthstones.
The winners of The Artisan Awards 2025
| 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 |