Semi‑Precious Gems & Stone Exports from India — Spotlight on Rajasthan & Gujarat
India’s Semi‑Precious Gemstone Trade
India’s semi‑precious gemstone trade is rich in legacy and bustling with opportunity.
While India exports all categories of gems and jewelry, semi‑precious stones (such as agate, moonstone, garnet, citrine, rose quartz, onyx, etc.) form a vital and high‑growth segment—driven predominantly by SMEs and artisanal hubs in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Export Overview: India Leading the Charge
- In fiscal 2022–23, India’s gems & jewellery exports reached around US $37.95 billion, contributing roughly 9 % of national merchandise exports and employing over 4 million people.
- April 2023–Feb 2024 exports: US $29.6 billion, including semi‑precious stones.
- Exports of pearls, precious & semi‑precious stones (HS 71): US $33 billion in 2023. Key markets: USA (30 %), UAE (22 %), Hong Kong (21 %), Belgium, Israel, Singapore, UK, Switzerland.
- Semi‑precious & colored gems (HS 7103): US $195 million to Hong Kong (37 %), US $125 million to US (24 %), US $74 million to Thailand (14 %), others: Italy, Switzerland, UAE, Japan, Germany, France, Belgium.
Rajasthan: The Gem & Jewelry Heritage Hub
Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings,” is equally the Land of Gems. Cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur are global centers for gem cutting, polishing, and jewelry making. Jaipur, the “Pink City,” is renowned for:
- Amethyst
- Citrine
- Garnet
- Moonstone
- Rose Quartz
17.5 % of India's gems & jewellery exports come from Rajasthan; Jaipur processes 300+ varieties of gemstones. Major output: Kundan, meenakari jewellery, cut‑and‑polished stones. SEZs and quality testing centers support infrastructure.
Gujarat: Agate, Onyx & Diamond Powerhouse
Khambhat in Gujarat has been exporting agate for 500+ years. Gujarat is celebrated for:
- Agate (beads, slabs, décor)
- Onyx
- Carnelian
- Jasper
Gujarat contributes 30.7 % of India’s total gem & jewellery exports. Surat is a leading diamond-cutting center supporting semi‑precious stone clusters. UK FTA expected to boost exports from US $941 million to US $2.5 billion in two years.
Why Rajasthan & Gujarat Matter
- Skilled craftsmanship meets rich geology: Rajasthan for precision-cut stones, Gujarat for beads/decorative stones and diamond polishing.
- SME & artisan-driven infrastructure fuels scale.
- Trade agreements amplify global reach.
Opportunities & Global Footprint
The global demand for semi-precious stones is expanding rapidly. Rajasthan leads in cut and polished gemstones, Gujarat in beads, carvings, and slabs. SMEs use platforms like Alibaba.com to reach 190+ countries. Digital trade enablers like iTech Ecommerce Pvt. Ltd. are modernizing India’s centuries-old heritage.
- Significant global exports, strong footholds in Rajasthan & Gujarat.
- SMEs & artisan clusters central to exports of agate, onyx, garnet, rose quartz, etc.
- Trade deals and expanding markets offer immediate opportunities.
- Future focus: new destinations, digital channels, certifications, design innovation.