New Delhi: According to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, the exports of gems and jewellery from India, the world’s largest supplier, rose 45 per cent over December 2008 to touch US$ 1.89 billion in December 2009.

Exports during the April-December 2009 increased to US$ 19.6 billion from US$ 19.1 billion a year earlier. Exports of cut and polished diamonds in the April-December 2009 period stood at US$ 12.06 billion as compared to US$ 11.5 billion in the corresponding period last year.