Exports of jewelry from India, the world’s largest producer, climbed 32 percent in the two months ended in May as overseas sales of diamonds rose.

Exports reached $3.18 billion, compared with $2.4 billion a year earlier, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council said.

Diamond exports climbed 7.6 percent to $1.74 billion, while jewelry sales gained 10 percent to $674 million. Exports from special economic zones surged sevenfold to $704 million. Sales of gemstones rose 3.4 percent to $39.5 million, while shipments of rough diamonds gained 3 percent to $82.2 million.

India’s exports of gems and jewelry rose 2.7 per cent to $17.1 billion in the year ended March 31 from $16.6 billion a year earlier, GJEPC said.

JCK