JEDDAH, 29 August 2007 — India, long famed for its association with jewelry, diamonds and gold is gearing up to capitalize on its experience and promoting itself on the world market. No longer simply a producer of complex and finely wrought decorative items, India is addressing the world markets with the same energy it applies to high-tech and service industries.
The India International Jewelry Show (IIJS) 2007, opening on Aug. 30 in Mumbai, showcases the best and brightest in Indian and Asian jewelry design and production. Hand-made jewelry still features large, but the volume market in the West has driven the use of volume production techniques and a gradual change in design away from the long-standing traditions of the East.
Since the IIJS was changed to a business-to-business exhibition a few years ago, India’s gem and jewelry industry responded to the demand of its customers to move up the value chain and now competes at the top end of the market.
“Since its debut, IIJS has been recognized as a stylish event that is successful in addressing the business and the networking needs of the trade fraternity globally” said Sanjay Kothari, chairman, Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). “It has grown to become a brand in itself on the lines of Basel and Las Vegas shows. IIJS is the only event that provides an opportunity to view the best India has to offer.”
The Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council is an all-India body representing 6,500 gem and jewelry traders. Set up in 1966, it operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, government of India and elected representatives of the industry. The council is a non-profit organization involved in promoting the exports of the gem and jewelry sector.
India’s jewelry industry grew by 30.61 percent in the year 2006-07 compared with 2005-06. IIJS is a major contributor toward this growth and it attracts not only India’s biggest jewelry producers but has built an international stature with huge interest from overseas pavilions such as Thailand, Italian, Dubai, Antwerp, Turkey. Although India indulges in gold — current estimates put it in excess of 1,000 tons per annum — the diamond and gemstone market is expanding due to consumers’ awareness of international styles and fashion trends.
This year, the show has attracted 740 exhibitors who have set out their wares in the 50,000 square meters of exhibition halls in Mumbai.
During the exhibition, the ABN Amro Solitaire Awards and IIGJ Vision Awards will recognize the creativity and the craftsmanship of jewelry designers. This year the seminars will cover three important themes — Modern Retailing Practices, Innovation in Business and the Luxury Market.