The Indian jewellery sector is seeing a wave of consolidation as established players race to expand geographically, strengthen digital channels and add new product categories.
On Monday, Chennai-based GRT Jewellers India Pvt. Ltd decided to acquire a 74.12% stake in listed jewellery retailer Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Ltd, known as TBZ The Original, from its promoters for ₹1,033.71 crore. The deal reflects a broader shift towards a more organized, competitive sector.
What is driving this consolidation? Mint explains.
What is triggering the M&A activity in jewellery retailers?
Jewellers are using acquisitions to plug strategic gaps. GRT, for instance, has historically been concentrated in southern India. Acquiring TBZ gives it access to 37 showrooms, most in western India, expanding beyond its core market.
Senco Gold Ltd approved an investment of ₹68 crore to acquire a 68% stake in August Jewellery Pvt. Ltd in January, strengthening its digital and omnichannel presence. P N Gadgil Jewellers approved the acquisition of Silvostyle Jewellers for ₹27.96 crore in August, adding to its silver jewellery offering.
In July 2025, Titan Co. acquired a 67% stake in Dubai-based Damas Jewellery for its international expansion.
Is the jewellery market formalizing?
Yes. The organized segment's share has nearly doubled to 40-45% of the roughly ₹8.5 trillion jewellery market in FY26, from 20-25% in FY19, according to an 11 August report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
Organized jewellers have largely grown by taking customers from the unorganized market. Compulsory BIS hallmarking of gold jewellery became mandatory in July 2021, giving consumers greater assurance about purity and supporting the shift towards organized players.
The shift towards formalization is also reflected in the growing number of jewellery companies tapping the stock markets. Lalitha Jewellery and B2B player Augmont Enterprises listed on the exchanges in August, while Priority Jewels is eyeing a 4 September debut. Deepa Jewellers' initial public offering opened on 1 September.
Where is the sector expanding?
Organized jewellers are moving deeper into smaller cities. Retailers increased their store count to nearly 2,800 in June this year from around 2,050 in June 2024, up about 17% annually, according to Motilal Oswal. Smaller cities accounted for about 68% of the new stores added.
The top 10 states still account for about 75% of organized jewellery stores, but retailers are targeting under-penetrated markets such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
How are retailers premiumizing?
Jewellers are moving customers towards higher-value products, particularly studded jewellery, which typically carries higher making charges and margins.
Kalyan Jewellers increased its studded jewellery mix to 29% in Q1FY27 from 20% in Q1FY22. Titan has kept the mix in the mid-20s, while it is 10-11% for Senco Gold and P N Gadgil Jewellers.
Lightweight jewellery is another growth area as younger consumers increasingly buy jewellery for daily and office wear rather than primarily for weddings.
CaratLane posted about 40% revenue CAGR between FY22 and FY26, while Candere recorded about 30%.
What policy changes are accelerating formalization?
Regulation is pushing the sector towards greater transparency and consumer protection.
Hallmarking of silver jewellery is set to become mandatory from October, Mint reported on 31 August. The government had also raised gold and silver import tariffs to 15% in May.
Higher tariffs, however, have not reduced gold imports and may instead be encouraging illegal trade, according to industry experts. Reports indicate that the government may be considering rolling the rates back to 6%.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged Indians to avoid leisure trips abroad, weddings overseas and unnecessary gold purchases.