The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) held the 6th edition of the India Gemstone Week, consisting of a buyer-seller meet and an exhibition, in Jaipur on April 11th. The event was inaugurated by Pramod Agrawal, chairman, GJEPC, who was joined by Nirmal Bardia, regional chairman, Vijay Kedia, co-convener, coloured gemstones panel, and Sabyasachi Ray, executive director
Around 30 coloured gemstone manufacturers from Jaipur showcased a wide range of precious and semi-precious gemstones to around 75 international buyers representing 19 countries. These were Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, UK, USA and Uzbekistan.
Agrawal said, “The Indian coloured gemstone industry has been one of the finest cutting centres for precious and semiprecious gemstones. This industry has been here for more than 300 years, and currently 3 lakh people are directly involved in the gemstone business.”
India’s exports of coloured gemstones accounted for $421.73 million in 2018 as compared to $420.79 million in 2017.
Agrawal added, “The GJEPC is constantly working to boost exports by exploring new markets. We are also developing this sector by providing better infrastructure, upgrading skills, and creating opportunities to meet international buyers through platforms like India Gemstone Week. In order to sustain rough supply for manufacturing, the GJEPC is organising the buyer-Dilip Shah, convener, international exhibitions sub-committee, noted, “India Gemstone Week has received a good response and support from international buyers and exhibitors. Today, India is the preferred sourcing destination for quality gems and jewellery.”
The India Gemstone Week comprised a buyer-seller meet on the first two days, and an open exhibition on the third day. The buyer-seller meet consisted of pre-arranged one-on-one meetings, of approximately 30 minutes each, scheduled between the buyer and seller.