Carrying forward its undeniable success over the years, the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) completed 26 years of glorified run as it concluded the five day B2B event that was held at the NSE grounds, Goregaon, Mumbai. Rightly perceived as Asia’s biggest Jewellery Show; IIJS provided various exhibitors & participants a niche platform to showcase their unique and glorious creations and a massive networking, trading and business platform.
The event was inaugurated by Shri Ashok Shankarrao Chavan, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Despite the economic slowdown the participation at IIJS this year was superlative with a turnout of 24,050 domestic visitors, 1750 international visitors and delegates. Spread across 46,000 sqm of space, IIJS’09 hosted 704 exhibitors, 1553 stalls displaying jewellery, loose stones, machinery and allied sections. It also comprised of country pavilions such as Dubai, Israel, Turkey, Thailand, Belgium, Italy & others.
Commenting on the overwhelming response, Mr. Vasant Mehta, Chairman GJEPC said “IIJS helped its participants to showcase their versatility in the trade and provided a unique opportunity to form winning partnerships around the world. We received tremendous response from international and domestic players and this show has provided the much needed boost to the Gem & Jewellery Industry that will bring about remarkable improvement in the sector.”
IIJS is used as a platform to effectively network by leading industry bodies such as World Gold Council, Platinum Guild International and diamond companies Rio Tinto and the Diamond Trading Company. Through this platform, GJEPC motivates more and more buyers from jewellery markets around the world to come to India’s biggest jewellery show and see for themselves why India is the world’s fastest growing jewellery centre. Various overseas delegations from Iran, Hungary, Bangladesh, Thailand, China, Romania, Poland & Russia participated and the over 1050 overseas visitors were from USA, UAE, UK, Australia, Belgium, Egypt, Fiji, Germany, Czech Republic, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan among others.
Business was in full swing at the International pavilions at IIJS. Popular sizes that buyers sought at the Antwerp pavilion were between 1 and 3 carats, and princess cuts were hugely popular followed by the traditional rounds and pears. All the eight exhibitors in the Italian pavilion were happy with the response and had in fact come prepared with designs to suit sensibilities by retaining the fashion element that Italian jewellery. The exhibitors were keen to sell jewellery in India despite the high import duties and IIJS was perceived as an investment and a great marketing opportunity. Even a couple of first time exhibitors in the pavilion expressed satisfaction and indicated that they had received a lot of enquiries.
A series of seminars were conducted by prominent personalities from the industry covering issues such as Successful jewellery retailing in rural India, natural colored diamonds and advantages, lessons from China’s gold jewellery growth, diamond treatments, e-selling, brand valuation, Kaizen and how can it help retail, best business practices etc. Albert Cheng, World Gold Council, Managing Director for the Far-East, provided some interesting insights into the Chinese success story in gold jewellery retailing at the seminar. Account to Mr. Cheng in a short span of time, Chinese consumers had become one of the world’s leading consumers of the yellow metal, thanks to the liberalization of the gold market in 2002 coupled with the country’s booming economic growth. Elaborating on the key jewellery trends in China, Mr. Cheng said that the biggest buyers of 18k carat gold jewellery were individualistic, young, affluent consumers in major urban centers which are being specifically targeted by the WGC’s advertising campaign titled K Gold. He observed that the recent increase in demand for 24 karat gold jewellery after the financial crisis reinforced the role of gold as a “store of wealth”. At IIJS 2009, Donna Baker, Gemological Institute of America (GIA), President and CEO launched a new diamond sealing service; which seals the diamond with its key grading information in a credit card-sized, tamper-resistant package.
IIJS acted as a platform for new launches and showcasing exquisite pieces to initiate enquiries and grab orders. Mumbai based Uzuri Jewels who have been participating in IIJS since several years unveiled “Just Freeze”, Asia’s first Ice jewel bring to forefront the entire issue of global bringing special emphasis on the dwindling population of penguins in Antarctica. Super model Alex Wek’s Rose Waterfalls by Dimexon was one of the show stoppers at IIJS 2009. With 19,196 FOREVERMARK diamonds weighing 168 karats, this yet-to-be launched in India necklace has been specially brought for display at IIJS. Sangam Chains showcased some unusual creations that such as the laser cut collar neckpiece in 22 karat laced with amethyst stones and assorted beads, and a stylized handcuff with suede base with wood and semi precious stones held together with 22 karat gold wires. Union Chains & Jewelers, a leading Gem & Jewellery player in India, in yet another pioneering move launched ‘Fusion Fiesta’, the first time ever collection of apparel and accessories weaved in gold and silver. This line features precious clothing jewelry and accessories for men and women including formal suits, club wear, lingerie, pillow covers, artifacts, bags, shoes and other accessories.
Gala fashion shows and soirees brought the industry together for glamorous star studded evenings. The Solitaire Awards that recognizes the creativity and the craftsmanship of jewellery designers was held on August 8, 2009 at The Renaissance in Powai at a glittering function featuring percussionist Sivamani. Winning in the formal wear category was Ansaa with the first runner-up being BN Jewellers and the third prize went to BR Designs. In the daily wear category, the first place went to Sangam Diamonds; the second prize was bagged by Utsav, while the third was awarded to Sangam Chains. The sketch competition, which was open to non-exhibitors as well, was won by Arnava Chakraborty of Sama Jewellery, the second prize went to Varshita Patil and the third prize went to Kosha Shah of Angel Jewellery. This year’s design awards featured the theme Festivals of the World and the creative response from the designers encompassed every community and religion across the globe.
The Journey so far…The first IIJS was organized in 1985 on a small scale. With only 34 participants, the number of participants has steadily grown over the last 25 years; to nearly … participants this year. From being hosted at the banquet rooms at the TAJ President hotel in Mumbai, IIJS has come a long way, today the entire exhibition space at the NSE grounds in Mumbai seems smaller. From merely a jewellery exhibition in 1985, today the IIJS is also a knowledge center with seminars that give an insight into the jewellery business. International pavilions, participation, visitors and buyers has increased tenfold and now IIJS acts as a platform to enter the high-growth Indian jewellery market and forge new alliances. Apart from manufactures & retailers, IIJS is used as a platform to effectively network by leading industry bodies such as World Gold Council, Platinum Guild International and diamond companies Rio Tinto and the Diamond Trading Company.
Quotes from Minister & Participants
Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Government of India
The Gem & jewellery export sector is one of the foremost sectors in India’s commodity export basket accounting for 11.24% of India’s total exports. The industry also provides employment to millions. I am happy to know that GJEPC has successfully organized the 26th India International Jewellery Show in Mumbai and am confident that the Show will once again establish India as foremost centre of exquisite gem & jewellery product in the world.
H. Sultan Mohiden
Sultan Gems & Fine Jewellery
The IIJS is like a one-stop shop for keeping up with the trends, meeting colleagues and staying abreast of new developments. The show has been good overall and there is a wide range of product to choose from, the pricing is competitive as exhibitors are keeping prices realistic for repeat customers and potential buyers whom they want to build long term relations with.-
Laksh Pahuja
Uzuri Jewels
It is a beautiful platform and the committee has done a fantastic job of engineering a platform such as this. However, if the industry works toward obtaining a convention centre, it would prove very beneficial to the entire Gem & Jewellery sector. In terms of business, the response has been extremely overwhelming.
Kripesh Sanghvi
Union Chains & Jewels
IIJS is undoubtedly one of the best jewellery shows that has over the years succeeded in matching international standards.
Dinesh Lakhani
Kiran Gems
The show has been excellent for us. I have brought in a new concept with 1000 design layouts in loose diamonds in marquise, pears, emeralds, hearts, ovals, princess and round shapes. Independent jewelers are looking for the price band of Rs 10,00,000 and Rs 15,00,000. We are getting tremendous response for our diamond layouts.
Note to the Editor:
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council is an all - India apex body for Gem & Jewellery representing 5,500 members. Set up in 1966, it operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
