Mumbai: JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, has registered a notable triple success at the National Jewellery Awards (NJA) 2026, with three of its emerging designers receiving top honours for their creative jewellery concepts.
Gunavanti, from the B.Sc. JD 2024 batch, and Hunar Jain, from the B.Sc. JD 2025 batch, won in the Student of the Year category, while Mithra M. emerged winner in the Designer of the Year category. Mithra’s creation was also among the final five shortlisted from more than 1,000 entries received from across India.
The winners were felicitated at the NJA 2026 awards ceremony at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
Organised by the All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), the 15th edition of the National Jewellery Awards recognises creativity, innovation and design excellence across India’s jewellery industry. The awards include categories for both emerging students and established designers.
Three Designs, Three Distinct Ideas
The three winning entries showcased distinctly different approaches to jewellery design.
Gunavanti’s award-winning creation explored the theme of Agni, translating the symbolism and visual character of fire into a jewellery concept.
Hunar Jain drew inspiration from the traditional Shruva spoon, used during the Vedic ritual of Agni Ahuti. Her design incorporated three interconnected elements—a Shruva-inspired arm cuff, cascading chains representing the offering of ghee and a bracelet symbolising rising flames.
Mithra M.’s winning Designer of the Year creation took inspiration from nature’s intelligence, interpreting the concept through a futuristic, space-age design language. The wearable piece combined organic gold forms with intricate gradient-paved detailing.
Mentorship Behind the Winning Designs
The three entries were developed under the guidance of Rupali Sarkar, HOD, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, who mentored the participants through concept development, refinement and final execution.
Sarkar said participation in NJA 2026 gave students an opportunity to take their work beyond the academic environment and present their concepts on a national industry platform.
Nealesh Dalal, Founder and Managing Trustee of JD Institute of Fashion Technology and Founder of JD School of Design, said industry platforms such as NJA provide emerging designers with opportunities to engage with the wider design community and take their ideas beyond the classroom.
Yogesh Dalal, Trustee, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, said the recognition places the work of students and alumni before the wider jewellery industry and reflects the institute’s emphasis on research, experimentation and individual design thinking.
The three awards mark a significant showcase of the jewellery design talent emerging from JD Institute Bengaluru, while highlighting the institute’s focus on combining design education, creative experimentation and industry exposure.
