The 2nd edition of IIJS Tritiya 2024 and the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from 5th to 8th April 2024 in Bengaluru, saw a good number of buyers booking orders across various jewellery categories.
IIJS Tritiya 2024 showcased new trends and evolution of jewellery for this season, redefining utility; multiple wearability; while embracing modernity and tradition. The focus, however, was design-oriented lightweight jewellery produced by participating manufacturers at the show. Innovative means were adopted through the use of technology and handmade crafts to develop alluring lines.
This year’s IIJS Tritiya was bigger, ‘smarter’ and better than last year, featuring over 900 exhibitors and 1,900 stalls across 40,000 square metres. It served as a vast marketplace, providing invaluable opportunities for industry players to connect, collaborate, and thrive. It had over 15,000 pre-registered visitors from over 500 cities in India and 60 countries, underscoring the event’s global significance.
Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “Karnataka has the potential of gem & jewellery exports of over $1 billion and the trade is already expanding manufacturing and designing capabilities. GJEPC is working closely with all trade associations to empower South India’s exporters, especially MSMEs with various initiatives such as the Jewellery Parks, Mega Common Facility Centres (CFCs). With the emphasis on Make in India and Design in India, GJEPC will leverage e-commerce via the ONDC network to ensure that the South Indian designer jewellery is showcased to international buyers.”
Along with showcasing an extensive range of gold jewellery collections that reflect the rich heritage and craftsmanship of India’s jewellery industry, a notable addition to this year’s exhibition is the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME), showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in machinery from both national and international realms.
Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, unveiled the IIJS Prime Assure initiative at the opening day of IIJS Tritiya at BIEC. He said, “We’re proud to introduce our Prime Assure program, offering guaranteed booth space and size for all six IIJS shows. The initiative offers a multitude of benefits to exhibitors who will enrol for six IIJS shows.”
GJEPC unveiled the “Brilliant Bharat” theme for next six India International Jewellery Shows (IIJS). The theme is aimed at rediscovering and celebrating India’s traditions, cultural diversity, and innovative technology to create something truly extraordinary. It also helps to explore the magic of India’s rich heritage, the beauty of our craftsmanship, and the warmth of our people.
Exhibitor Impressions
Darshan Chauhan, Whole Time Director, Sky Gold Ltd, noted, “We presented our lightweight collections ranging from plain gold to studded jewellery in 18- and 22-karat – all weighing below 10 grams. The sudden rise in gold, breaching the Rs. 70000 mark, has impacted sales. However, we are confident that once the price stabilises, buying will resume as their will be a renewed confidence among today’s consumer to invest in gold. Our jewellery is a combination of casting and handwork, and we use coloured gemstones, pearls, cubic zirconia, natural diamonds etc. We have 18 sub brands, including collections for kids and teens. Our clients span across India, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia and Africa, among others. The CEPA pact has revitalised the market for Indian jewellery exporters, and our company has witnessed a 50% rise in exports. Undoubtedly, our Government policies are helping us grow our businesses worldwide.”
Mahavir Kothari, Partner at SR Gold, specializes in crafting handmade temple and antique jewellery featuring intricate rawa work, textures, and mother-of-pearl set in kundan settings. He said, “Our clientele spans across India, with a significant presence in the southern regions, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The initial response during the first and second days of the show was promising, with a notable 70% of our temple jewellery stock booked on the first day alone!”
He continued, “In response to the soaring gold prices, we’ve adopted strategies to reduce metal weight without compromising on quality. For instance, if a set initially weighs 30 grams, we aimed to bring it down to 20 or 25 grams to manage price points effectively.”
Nakul Jain, Director of Mohar Jewels, highlights their specialisation in crafting high-end diamond-studded jewellery collections, with a focus on Zambian emeralds, tanzanites, and Mozambican rubies. “We infuse vibrant colours into our retail offerings and aspire to expand our presence in the B2B sector through participation in IIJS shows, where Business Happens! We invite everyone to explore our collection and witness the uniqueness of our gems, which is our distinct selling proposition. Our craftsmanship from Jaipur is synonymous with exquisite designs and unparalleled elegance evident in each piece we create. My wife, Priyanka Jain, the Creative Head of the firm, designs each piece first and then ensures that the gemstones are cut accordingly to harmonize with the patterns.”
Nikunj Jain, Executive Director, Sundaram Chains Pvt. Ltd., said, “IIJS Tritiya proved to be a very interesting platform to connect with the buyers of the South. We received an amazing response for our Mugappu chains which are preferred in the region; 30% of the buyers we met were first-timers and they booked good number of orders during the show. Our electro light collection, which looks heavy was also in demand.”
Anil Panjabi, owner of Tahilram Tirthdas Jewellers, notes a growing demand for lighter pastel kunzite of decent quality, priced between Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 8,000 per carat, primarily sourced from Brazil. Additionally, there is a rising interest in peach and pink morganites, aquamarine, and light pink tourmalines. Rubies and emeralds remain perennial favourites, with Zambian rubies gaining traction alongside premium-quality Colombian emeralds. Customers emphasise the importance of good quality in their selections. Furthermore, many jewellers are turning to synthetic stones to mitigate costs, particularly in emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, but with proper disclosures.
Talking about the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds, Shanay Parekh, Partner at KIRA Diam, stated, “The demand is increasing day by day, every month, in every major city. We are witnessing a minimum of 4 to 5 new stores opening each month. I believe that the LGD industry is poised to boom by this Diwali. It’s surprising to note that we are experiencing higher demand from the South, a region known for its preference for top-quality natural diamonds. This is contrary to my initial expectations. The southern region has swiftly embraced lab-grown diamonds due to educational awareness. Here, there’s no need to educate the customer; they already understand the product. As for the cuts, we currently offer all standard shapes—rounds, pears, radiant, etc. However, in the coming months, I anticipate a rising demand for special cuts in LGDs. Many companies are striving to establish themselves as luxury brands in the LGD segment, and specialised cuts offer a unique opportunity to carve a niche.”
IIJS Tritiya offered various features and amenities aimed at enhancing the experience including Innov8 Talks providing insights and perspectives. Furthermore, it introduced several initiatives to embrace digitalization and sustainability. Features such as digital badges, face recognition processes, and the IIJS App streamline operations while minimizing paper usage. Under the One Earth Initiative for IIJS shows, GJEPC already planted 150,000 trees exceeding expectations.