Mumbai: The IIJS Legends Awards were conferred upon the industry stalwarts by India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) on the opening day of the IIJS Bharat Premiere show. The are tribute to extraordinary visionaries whose leadership, courage and commitment have transformed businesses into institutions, inspired generations, and left an enduring legacy on the global gem and jewellery industry.

These are the icons who have not only witnessed the industry’s evolution but have played a defining role in shaping its future. A tribute was paid to their remarkable journey, their enduring legacy, and the profound impact they have made in shaping the global gem and jewellery industry.

The recipients of the Legends Awards were Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group, Ronnie VanderLinden is the founder and President of Diamex Inc., New York & President of the World Diamond Council, Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO — The World Jewellery Confederation, Tawhid Abdulla, Chief Executive Officer of Jawhara Jewellery, Pritesh Patel, President and Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC Chief Executive Officer of the Gemological Institute of America Anoop Mehta is President of the Bharat Diamond Bourse & Vice President of the World Diamond Council , Mehul Shah, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses , Ahmed Bin Sulayem is Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC , David J. Bonaparte, President and CEO of Jewelers of America