Indian Crafts Reimagined: A Dazzling Display of Heritage and Innovation at JCK Las Vegas 2025

With the influencers and Dolly Chowdhury, Marketing and Promotion Director at GJEPC

At this year’s JCK Las Vegas, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC) unveiled a visual and emotional triumph with the India Design Gallery, located at L1 105 in the Venetian Sands Expo. Titled “Indian Crafts Reimagined,” the exhibit brought together the finest examples of wearable artistry as part of the 8th edition of the prestigious Artisan Awards—a celebration of craftsmanship, storytelling, and design without borders.

Out of a staggering 630 entries from across the globe, only 20 visionary pieces were selected as finalists, with 5 emerging as winners. These jewels were not just adornments—they were cultural narratives, art objects, and bold statements on the future of global jewellery design.

Crafts Reimagined: From Ancient Roots to Contemporary Forms

The 2025 design theme, Indian Crafts Reimagined, focused on reinterpreting time-honoured Indian jewellery techniques—repoussé, meenakari, filigree, and stone inlay—through a modern lens. The result? Pieces that transcend time, seamlessly blending the old with the new. These jewellery works speak directly to a global audience while remaining rooted in India’s rich heritage.

Today’s designers are not only reviving these classical methods—they are innovating within them. The pieces on display reflect a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression, redefining what it means to wear cultural identity in an ever-evolving design world. The gallery also illustrated how symbolic elements of traditional Indian jewellery are being adapted to resonate with modern sensibilities, especially among younger women seeking meaningful, yet fashion-forward, adornment.

A Conversation with Dolly Chowdhury: The Philosophy Behind the Showcase

During the showcase, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dolly Chowdhury, Marketing and Promotion Director at GJEPC, who shared deeper insights into the initiative. “The Artisan Awards were conceived to ignite creativity in jewellery design while preserving our rich artisanal legacy,” she explained. “This platform enables designers to explore Indian techniques with fresh perspectives, and to tell their stories through materials and forms.”

Dolly emphasised the importance of storytelling, innovation, and individuality—core values reflected in every piece displayed at the India Design Gallery.

Dolly Chowdhury, Marketing and Promotion Director at GJEPC, shared deeper insights into the initiative. “The Artisan Awards”

The Artisan Awards: A Platform for Global Design Dialogue

Spearheaded by GJEPC, the Artisan Awards have quickly become a respected platform in the international jewellery scene. With its thematic focus and open invitation to global talent, the awards encourage creative professionals to experiment, innovate, and push boundaries. Every season of The Artisan has offered a unique opportunity for designers to rethink what jewellery can be—from functional art to cultural expression.

With inclusivity and originality at its core, The Artisan Awards are not only propelling careers but also reshaping the conversation around jewellery as a form of wearable art.

Beyond the Gallery: The India Experience Lounge

Complementing the Design Gallery was the India Experience Lounge (L2 4067 & 4069), which gave visitors a deeper look into India’s multifaceted gem and jewellery journey. From heritage craftsmanship to cutting-edge innovation, the lounge served as an immersive hub showcasing GJEPC’s diverse initiatives, design excellence, and commitment to global collaboration.

Highlights from the gem and jewellery pavilion

India Pavilion: Where Tradition Meets Trade

Spread across JCK’s Passport, Diamond Plaza, Lab-Grown Diamond, Gemstone, and Currents sections, the India Pavilion brought together a wide array of Indian exhibitors representing the best of the country’s gem and jewellery trade. This included high-end artisans, diamond houses, gemstone specialists, and more, solidifying India’s position as a world leader in jewellery.

Documenting Indian Pavilion, Diamond Plaza, Lab-Grown Diamond, Gemstone

Celebrating Creativity, Culture, and Craft

The India Design Gallery at JCK 2025 didn’t just present jewellery—it sparked conversations about identity, innovation, and sustainability. The artisans behind these masterpieces remind us that jewellery is more than adornment; it is a story told in gold, enamel, and gemstones.

To all the finalists, winners, and visionaries who took part, congratulations. Your work not only preserves the soul of Indian heritage but also paves the way for the future of jewellery on a global stage.

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🪷 By Shohista Turdiyeva, the founder of Jewellery Pursuer.

Thank you, GJEPC, for sponsoring this article

Follow along on Instagram @jewellery_pursuer for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes interviews, and more from JCK 2025.

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