Strong order bookings at the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Premiere and a recovery in the Hong Kong market pushed India’s gem and jewellery exports up 15.98% year-on-year to $2,178.24 million (Rs 18,756.28 crore) in July, according to data from the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).Exports in July 2024 stood at $1,878.09 million (Rs 15,700 crore), PTI reported. “The July exports are good and an encouraging sign for our industry. It mainly got a boost from successful substantial order bookings during the IIJS Premiere and a strong bounce back of the Hong Kong market. This performance is heartening, especially as it comes amid global challenges, such as the ongoing impact of the US tariffs,” GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali said.The recently concluded IIJS Premiere 2025 generated estimated orders worth Rs 70,000–90,000 crore, lifting industry sentiment ahead of the festive season, the council said. Bhansali added that the industry is gearing up for SAJEX 2025 in Saudi Arabia this September, expected to open new trade and investment avenues in the Gulf.Within the broader exports basket, cut and polished diamond shipments rose 17.76% to $1,071.73 million (Rs 9,230.66 crore) in July from $910.13 million (Rs 7,608.79 crore) a year earlier. Polished lab-grown diamond exports increased 27.61% to $122.43 million (Rs 1,054.65 crore) from $95.94 million (Rs 802.16 crore). Gold jewellery exports climbed 16.39% to $813.77 million (Rs 7,005.96 crore) against $699.17 million (Rs 5,844.28 crore) in July 2024, the data showed.