Stephen Rego

He has been a journalist since the mid-1980s, and has spent close to two decades tracking the gem and jewellery industry while holding different editorial positions in industry specific publications and websites

Latest Articles By Stephen Rego

Bringing Back The Shine

Stephen Rego

Opinion Columns

Gem and jewellery exports were down in 2015-16, with the diamond sector reporting a fall of over 13 per cent. But, rather than simply waiting for better times to return, the industry has been proactive in framing suggestions for policy measures that will ensure a quick turnaround

Subdued Global Diamond Demand A Cause For Concern

Stephen Rego

Economy India

Uncertainties in the macroeconomic environment have impacted diamond demand, which fell by $2 billion in 2015, according to a De Beers study

Gold May Not Sustain Q1 Gains

Stephen Rego

Opinion Columns

The first quarter of 2016 saw a significant firming up of gold prices as economic uncertainties enhanced the safe haven appeal of the yellow metal. Yet, in a market where sentiment plays a key role, patterns could easily change in the short term

Platinum Jewellery: Creating A Niche

Stephen Rego

Companies & Markets Sector Reports Retail

While most retail categories experienced subdued growth, platinum jewellery bucked the trend, registering a strong 24 per cent increase in retail sales in 2015

Serious 'Side-effects' Of Jewellers' Strike

Stephen Rego

Economy India

As the all-India strike of jewellers against the excise duty continues into its second month, it has severely affected the lives of the thousands of highly skilled workers who have been the backbone of the industry for generations

Jewellers' Strike | One Step Forward?

Stephen Rego

Opinion Columns

The constitution of an official sub-committee to study the issue of the 1% excise duty on jewellery will hopefully lead to a healthy and informed discussion on the unique structure of the industry, the nature of its product and the need for a sector-specific framework while implementing general taxes

IGJA Awards: Identifying True Gems

Stephen Rego

Companies & Markets Sector Reports Metals and Mining

Top performers of the gem and jewellery export industry felicitated at a special awards function held in Jaipur

Jewellers' Strike | Is Another Rollback In The Offing?

Stephen Rego

Opinion Columns

The proposal for 1 per cent excise levy on jewellery has evoked strong protests from around the country. Even if the proposal is rolled back, as happened earlier in 2005 and 2012, industry associations need to take the lead in drawing up a sector-specific policy framework that takes into account the needs of the industry and the government

Gold And Jewellery Industry Disappointed At Budget Specifics

Stephen Rego

Not only was no relief forthcoming on either front, but an additional burden in the form of a 1 per cent excise duty on domestic jewellery manufacturers was announced

New Sparkle To India-Russia Diamond Trade

Stephen Rego

Growing co-operation between India and Russia in the diamond sector is a direct outcome of recent initiatives taken both at the industry and the government level. Direct trade between the two has multiplied in the last five years and may grow even further in the next few