GJ Town India

  Shoplifting or theft events also increased 17% YoY: NRF Study   The retail industry continues to grapple with increasing levels of theft and violence, according to a new study released by the National Retail Federation [NRF] and the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions.    The Impact of Theft & Violence 2025 found that retailers reported an 18% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2024 versus 2023 and threats or acts of violence during shoplifting or theft events increased 17% during that same time period, indicating that criminal enterprises are becoming more brazen and dangerous.    “Retailers are contending with rising levels of theft, fraud and violence, while continuing to refine security measures, utilize technologies and partner with law enforcement in efforts to curtail loss across the retail landscape.  “While some progress is apparent, organized theft groups h...

  Government’s blitz on business bureaucracy    Recently, Business Secretary-UK, Peter Kyle, has announced that the British Hallmarking Council (BHC) will be abolished and its functions consolidated alongside wider product regulation functions, as part of the government’s blitz on business bureaucracy.    Kyle said, “Where we identify regulators that are doubling up, stepping on each other’s toes, or out of touch with the realities of the modern economy, we will streamline them. Where their role is redundant, we will end them. Not ‘one-in, one-out’ but ‘no role, no regulator’. It’s as simple as that. As proof of my commitment, today I am announcing the abolition of the British Hallmarking Council, with its functions transferring into my department.”    It is understood there is no immediate impact to the Council’s operations. Commenting on the announcement, Will Evans, Director of the London Assay Office, one of the four UK Assay Offices responsible fo...

DMCC publishes, Special LGDs Report to advanced technology!    Recently DMCC published, the future of trade-Special lab-grown diamonds Edition , Beyond Jewellery: growth frontiers in LGD from luxury and fashion to advanced technology!    By introducing the report said, this report serves as the second in-depth thought leadership report from DMCC on the lab-grown diamond (LGD) industry. It has been prepared at a pivotal moment in the evolution of the industry. Lab-grown diamonds are no longer peripheral to the jewellery sector; they have entered the mainstream of consumer markets, redefined the economics of supply, and opened entirely new technological frontiers.    The purpose of this report is not only to document the growth of the LGD industry but also to examine its strategic implications for stakeholders across the value chain — from producers and traders, to retailers, technology companies, investors, and policymakers.  It comes fol...

  Production fostered 38%, 5.7 mn cts rough diamonds sold in 3Q 2025     In Q3 2025 production increased by 38% to 7.7 million carats, primarily driven by higher production from Jwaneng in Botswana, in anticipation of the extended plant maintenance downtime in the fourth quarter of 2025.   In Botswana, production increased by 51% to 6.0 million carats. In the comparative period there was one month of plant maintenance at Jwaneng, whereas the plant was fully operational in Q3 2025. In addition, given that extended plant maintenance is planned for the entirety of Q4 2025, higher grade ore was processed at Jwaneng in the third quarter. Orapa resumed operations after a planned extended plant maintenance shut in Q2 2025.   The 3Q report said, production in Namibia was flat at 0.5 million carats. In South Africa, production increased by 28% to 0.7 million carats, reflecting the processing of increased volumes of higher-grade underground ore.  Production in Cana...

  AI is neither good nor bad; its success depends on how it is used   Prepared by the CIBJO Technology Committee, chaired by Stéphane Fischler, the report focuses exclusively on artificial intelligence [AI], looking at ways in which the greater jewellery industry will be impacted, considering both the potential benefits and pitfalls, while dispelling some of the dystopian myths that have come to be associated with AI.    “AI is neither inherently good nor bad,” writes Fischler. “Its success depends on how it is used. The simplest and the most advanced tools can create value or do harm depending on their accuracy, intent, context and governance. In the jewellery industry, the organisations that succeed in integrating AI creatively, strategically and ethically will see productivity soar while remaining firmly in charge of the decision-making process.”    Just as AI is likely to change the way that the jewellery industry thinks and operates, the i...

  Quality, Research & Global Testing Standards endorsed   The Gemmological Institute of India (GII) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to excellence and quality by acquiring accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) in accordance with ISO/IEC/17025:2017 in the field of Testing. This recognition is a testament to GII’s high standards, reliable grading processes, and consistent pursuit of scientific precision in gem testing and certification.   GII has always strived for quality in all its activities; be it testing and certification, human resource development through its acclaimed training programs, or high-end research and development in the field of gemmology. The NABL accreditation further strengthens GII’s reputation as a trusted authority in the gem and jewellery industry, both nationally and globally. Speaking on the occasion, Mehul Shah, Chairman of GII, said, “On behalf of GII, I assure all...