Continuing last year's scintillating performance, Indian gem and jewellery exports have grown steadily and emerged as a front runner in the country's export sector+, The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said in a release here today.

The cut and polished diamond segment registered a 10.43 per cent growth, with exports reaching to the tune of $3,169.7 million as against to $2,870.12 million in the corresponding period, last year.

Export earnings in gold jewellery have also increased by 18.32 per cent from $212.29 million to $251.2 million.

While for coloured mstones, the value of total export was $81.17 million as compared to $64.4 million, it said.

The council is in talks with De Beers, Argyle and MIBA, in order to expand its focus on to newer markets and increase supply of rough diamonds to India, GJEPC chairman, Sanjay Kothari said.

The council had been talking to prospective mining countries like Canada and Russia, to open their offices in Mumbai, for stock or supply of rough diamonds, the release added.

(PTI)