The morning of 17th July 2014 saw crowds converging at ‘Bombay Exhibition Centre’ Goregaon in Mumbai for the annual Gala event - IIJS 2014 - despite the Mumbai sky opening up with a burst of heavy monsoon showers.
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s Show, IIJS 2014 (17th to 21st July) was inaugurated at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Karna Bahadur Thapa, Honorable Minister of Industry, Government of Nepal, Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, and Mr. Pankaj Parekh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, by lighting the ceremonial lamp, followed by a guided tour of the exhibition area. The event was also attended by distinguished members of the gem and jewellery industry, GJEPC officials and other VIPs and dignitaries.
The 5-day show, which featured over 850 plus exhibitors and 1800 booths fr om India and overseas, witnessed footfalls of more than 35,000 visitors. As in the past, IIJS 2014, too, saw a congregation of delegations across India, besides delegations fr om the UK, Hungary, China, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, Russia, UAE, Nepal, Myanmar, Iran, Thailand and Bangladesh.
The IIJS, touted as Asia’s premier jewellery show, had on display the widest range of gems and jewels under the categories of Studded Jewellery, Diamonds & Gemstones, Gold & Silver Jewellery, Couture, Allied, Machinery besides International Pavilions this year, too, as it was in all its previous editions.
Welcoming guests at the inauguration function, Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “As we embark on the 31st edition of IIJS, our constant endeavour is to promote trade within the gem and jewellery industry by creating a world class platform wh ere traders and manufacturers come together to build their network. The industry is also going through a transitional phase with the new government and the demands shared with them. IIJS 2014 will create more opportunities thereby promoting trade at a global level. As we see an increase in participation from various international companies, our aim is to position IIJS as one of the world’s most sought after trade fairs.”
Expressing his pleasure to be present at the Show, the Guest of Honour, Mr. Karna Bahadur Thapa, Honorable Minister of Industry, Government of Nepal said, “It is my great pleasure to be a part of this important event as a guest of honor. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the organizers, Gems and Jewellery Export promotion Council, India and the federation of Nepal Gold Silver Gems and Jewellery Association for providing me this opportunity. I am happy to acknowledge this impressive development of gems and jewellery sector in India and its contribution to the national economy. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Government of India and its people for its generous support for the economic development of Nepal and also expect the same level of cooperation and collaboration even in the future.”
Presenting a vote of thanks, Nirav Bhansali, Convener, Exhibitions, GJEPC said that, “IIJS is not only the most important date in the calendar for Indian jewellery industry. The IIJS is a culmination of all the efforts that the industry puts in and we as GJEPC endeavor to bring to the international audience through this very prestigious platform. From here on we along with the members of the Gem and Jewellery industry collectively look forward to heightening the glory of our achievements and forge ahead with a single most important purpose, to establish India as the world’s gem and jewellery hub.”
In terms of business deals concluded, IIJS 2014 was as good as any of the past shows in the last few years, specifically for the domestic industry. In fact, some of the exhibitors claimed it to be better than last year as it was better organised. The jewellery designs, in particular, were far above the standard of earlier years, with some exotic and innovative designs showing up. Serious buyers making enquiries as well as concluding deals were far more than the previous years, according to an exhibitor.
Lesser footfalls are not a criterion for assessing the success of a show and it could be well said of this year’s show. Most exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the quality of buyers and felt that an ample number of business deals will come through for the ensuing festival season.
Loose diamond section reported slow business and fewer visitors, but it has been the case for the past few years. Most polished buyers or jewellery manufacturers claimed that they have already made the purchases before the show and that they were more interested in the finished jewellery at the show.
As is always the case, the gold jewellery section and other gold jewellery exhibitors attracted maximum crowd with buyers making a bee line for the most attractive and latest designs in gold jewellery. Light weight gold jewellery was again the most sought after, especially by buyers from South India. Many feel that the IIJS is the best show wh ere they can source many varieties of gold jewellery from across India.
It should be noted here that the jewellery manufacturers/wholesalers from all over India participate in the show, thus providing a wide range of designs and style for the jewellery retailers to purchase. On the whole, gold jewellery received very good response as against diamond studded jewellery.... an indication that gold jewellery will be the first love for the Indian jewellery buyers whatever maybe the price! While most exhibitors expressed satisfaction, some felt that this year the show did not attract as many buyers like last year. The timing of the show was blamed by some, but the overall sentiment was of hope for better days in the coming months.
Again this year, exhibitors felt that there were very few overseas buyers. Could it be that the overseas buyers have already made their deals with the Indian companies who participated recently in shows overseas? Possible, as most Indian exporters of diamond, colour gems, studded jewellery, loose polished diamonds, etc. also participate in almost all the fairs across the globe. Exhibitors were, however, were happy with the buyers who made it to IIJS 2014 from China, Thailand and other Far East countries, as they were serious buyers looking for diamond studded jewellery, in particular.
Incidentally, the IIJS is a B2B show meant exclusively for business visitors, jewellery manufacturers, importers, traders, retailers and students from the Gem & Jewellery Institute from India and overseas. The show provided the finest range of jewels designed by well known designers. IIJS, the ultimate platform for the jewellery sector, was conducive for exhibitors to network and close deals with suppliers and buyers. Over the years, IIJS has been the most visited jewellery show by the gem and jewellery members in the country.
In keeping with the tradition, IIJS 2014, too, continued its legacy of bringing together the most sought after calendar event in the jewellery industry. Since its inception, GJEPC has been striving to grow the Indian gem and jewellery from a fragmented cottage industry to its present stature. Today, India boasts of the largest diamond cutting and polishing sector in the world and is looked upon as the preferred hub for sourcing jewellery by world markets.
The much awaited India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) - the glamour quotient - preceded the IIJS 2014 and ran through 13th – 17th July at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “The IIJW has seen 4 very successful editions held here in Mumbai, India’s premier city for style, fashion and luxury. Each year the event has been growing bigger and getting better with the best creative designers presenting their enthralling line of jewellery.
The IIJW has proved to the world that India is one of the prime destinations for jewellery with design talents, which are indeed world class. The Jewellery Week showcased design direction in categories namely Pret, Couture and Bridal. Some exquisite masterpieces created by ace designers were revealed at the floors of IIJW this year. Participants were all geared up to present style statement jewellery that not only captivated the audience but turned out to become a trend for the season.”
The industry on the whole showed tremendous support for this year's show. Renowned jewellery brands are participating including Nazraana by Rio Tinto, PCJ, Gitanjali, Farah Khan, Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas, and Swaroski to name a few. Vikram Merchant, Manager Indian Representative Office, Rio Tinto said, “Rio Tinto, one of the world's leading diamond producers is proud of its partnership with the Indian gems and jewellery industry. We are reinforcing this collaboration by taking a leading role at IIJW – an event that gives Indian jewellery international exposure while engaging the Indian consumer with this category. Nazraana, our flagship Indian marketing initiative, promotes affordable diamond jewellery for gifting and every day wear. It gives consumers new occasions to enter jewellery stores.”
IIJW 2014 saw many international buyers and media attending in full force. The event showcased established design houses and designers and also gave an opportunity to new talented and budding designers from NID and IIGJ (National Institute of Design & Indian Institute of Gem & Jewellery). The show also featured renowned jewellery houses of international repute besides leading designers. This year, the participants showcased the finest in design, innovation and presented the latest trends and styles.
But it was not all business and glamour for the Indian gem and jewellery industry, which is known for its CSR activities. On the sidelines of the Show, GJEPC organized the “Jewellers for Hope” charity dinner in association with Gemological Science International and offered the single largest donation of INR One Crore to Make A Wish India at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. Through this initiative, GJEPC would like to spread the message that for businesses to be successful, society around it cannot fail. An industry built on trust and involved in numerous social activities came together to create awareness about the gems and jewellery industry's philanthropic initiatives in India. About 33 leading manufacturers and 260+ leading Indian retailers who were present at the gala dinner pledged their support to the society for commitment to good causes.
Speaking on the occasion, Vipul Shah said, “We are delighted to host this prestigious charity dinner. In doing so we will, hopefully, raise awareness with our first of many charity events and hope to raise as much funds for worthwhile causes; and also create awareness about the gems and jewellery industry's philanthropic initiatives. This dinner provides an opportunity for all of us to talk business and also work together for the enhancement of the society. I am confident that the support for this effort will grow in the years to come and this annual CSR will enrich the society”.
Colin Shah, Convener – Jewellery Panel, GJEPC said, “GJEPC has put together an outstanding evening. We are very grateful that the funds raised were donated to the foundation to enable us to continue the good work. At GJEPC, we know that most of our trade members are extremely generous and have been associated with various CSR activities at an individual and at a company levels. Although the reasons and recipients of their generosity may vary, we applaud the ‘act of giving’. Our association with ‘Make-A-Wish’ Foundation of India is a step in that direction and the objective is to brighten a few moments in the life of terminally ill children in India.”
Mark Gershburg, CEO, Gemological Science International, said, “We have a long tradition of social responsibility and it is reflected by its long-term commitment with “Jewelers For Children”. We believe that we require little time and effort to make a big difference. There is a need for corporations, individual donors and all like-minded people to come forth with generous contributions for such noble causes and I am grateful and glad to be a part of this.”
Aruna Gaitonde, Rough&Polished, India
