Surat: To provide financial relief to diamond industry artisans and units, the Gujarat government today announced a special relief package. As part of this package, the state government will cover the school fees of the children of diamond artisans who have lost their jobs, ensuring these children do not miss out on education. Announcing the package, Minister of State for Industries Harsh Sanghavi said this aid package is a significant move to support diamond artisans and units in the state and...Read More

Surat: With the summer vacation season ongoing, around 10% of diamond factories in Surat have declared a holiday of over 15 days, with major units involved in polishing rough diamonds planning to remain shut until June 6. The Diamond Job Workers Association has also announced a vacation of 10 to 15 days. Notably, this association used to declare holidays only during Diwali. However, due to the ongoing slowdown in the industry over the last two years, summer vacations are now also being observed...Read More

Surat: In a major boost to the diamond manufacturing sector, Botswana’s renowned Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) has announced plans to set up a rough diamond auction centre in Surat. This move is expected to benefit small-scale manufacturers the most, as they will gain direct access to rough diamonds without needing to travel abroad. The company is likely to begin its operations in Surat by August or September this year. The announcement follows a recent visit by a Federation of Indian Chambe...Read More

Surat: With plans to rejuvenate the diamond market, Surat traders are creating jewellery with innovative and attractive designs. At the Sparkle Exhibition organised by the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, rings with new designs are being showcased, ranging from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 10 crore, catering to both genders. However, the ring attracting wide attention is a jasmine ring made of natural pink diamonds, with an international price of Rs 5 crore. With NRI clients increasingly vi...Read More

Surat: The Diwali vacation in diamond units in Surat has been extended for a week. The earlier date of reopening of diamond units was 17 November, which is also the date of reopening of schools after Diwali vacation. However, the diamond unit workers are informed through messages by several companies that the date of reopening is now shifted to 24 November. According to insiders, several units may extend this date further to 30th November. Every year, lakhs of diamond industry workers fr...Read More

Surat: A rare heart-shaped diamond weighing 10.08 carats, valued at Rs 4.55 crore, was stolen from a trader's office on June 24 and found 500 km away from Surat. The diamond was discovered hidden under an earthen stove (Chula) in the village of Sirhoi district, Rajasthan. The theft happened with Chirag Shah owner of Akshat Gems, when the main accused, Hitesh Purohit, swapped the diamond with a lab-grown one valued significantly less than the original on June 24. Mahidharpura police had for...Read More

Surat: A meeting of the management committee of the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) took place on Friday to discuss the opening of over 250 offices scheduled for July 7. Regarding this, 150 office owners have reportedly given their final confirmation about opening their offices in SDB. Lalji Patel, vice-president of the SDB committee, stated that the furniture and infrastructure for 250 offices are complete, and the committee is also following up with other office owners where furniture work is st...Read More

Surat: Three lab-grown diamonds worth Rs 44,400 were stolen from a Dholakia Technology office at the Gujarat Diamond Bourse. Hitesh Lashkari, the manager, reported the theft to Ichhapore police. The former worker responsible for the theft was apprehended with the help of CCTV footage and mobile surveillance. The former worker Jignesh Vasoya, who had left his job three months ago, utilised his familiarity with the premises to carry out the crime. The police traced him using mobile surveillance...Read More

Surat: The newly constituted committee of the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) organized a meeting with traders in the 60-year-old Mahidharpura market as part of its efforts to make the bourse operational. Lalji Patel, the vice-chairman of SDB, mentioned that they are encouraging traders from Mahidharpura and Mini Bazaar to join SDB so that a large number of offices can be set up. He also stated that the committee has conducted meetings in Mumbai as well. The SDB committee aims to initiate 400 o...Read More

Gandhinagar: The State Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai presented the state budget today, announcing significant initiatives to support the Surat Diamond Industry. Under the Industries and Mines department, a provision of ₹7 crore has been allocated for establishing a Center of Excellence to develop synthetic diamonds and provide facilities for Small and Medium Scale Industries. Given Surat's growing prominence as a major global hub for synthetic diamonds, the center is likely to be establis...Read More