The New Nation - Internet Edition

PTI, New Delhi

Christmas sales have brought sheen back to Indian gems and jewellery units with exports growing by about 55 per cent at USD 2.1 billion in November 2009 compared with the same period last year.

"We have got good orders for the festive season from Western markets like the US and the EU," Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Chairman Basant Mehta said.

However, in April-November 2009, exports fell 1.02 per cent to USD 17.62 billion compared to the same period last fiscal, according to GJEPC data.

Segments like coloured gemstones and gold jewellery fell 20 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively.

However, cut and polished diamonds registered healthy growth of 122 per cent.

The exporters hoped the positive trend would continue as there are signs of recovery in various economies resulting in improvement in inventories.

The UAE is the main destination for India's gems and jewellery, accounting for 31 per cent of the total exports, followed by Hong Kong and the US.