IIJS Tritiya 2024: India’s Premier Gateway to Global Gem and Jewellery Exports Shines Bright in Bengaluru

The second edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Tritiya, meticulously organized by The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), concluded with resounding success in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Held at the state-of-the-art Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from April 5th to 8th, 2024, this pivotal event solidified India’s position as a powerhouse in the global gem and jewellery market. For the first time, IIJS Tritiya ran concurrently with the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME), creating an unparalleled platform that not only showcased exquisite craftsmanship but also highlighted cutting-edge manufacturing technologies powered by digital innovation. The show served as a dynamic nexus for global collaboration, business expansion, and the celebration of India’s rich jewellery heritage, all under the inspiring banner of the newly unveiled “Brilliant Bharat” theme.

A Grand Inauguration: Uniting Visionaries for a Brighter Future

The inauguration of IIJS Tritiya was a convergence of distinguished dignitaries, industry stalwarts, and governmental leaders, underscoring the event’s profound significance. Key figures such as Dr. Selvakumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka; Dr. B Govindan, Chairman, Bhima Jewellery; and Shri Vinod Hayagriv, MD & Director, C. Krishniah Chetty Group, graced the occasion. They were joined by GJEPC’s leadership, including Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman; Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman; Mr. Nirav Bhansali, Convener-National Exhibitions; and Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director. This powerful gathering unanimously hailed IIJS Tritiya as the definitive “Gateway to Global Gem & Jewellery Exports,” a testament to its pivotal role in facilitating international trade and fostering economic growth.

A significant highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, and Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta, President, Jewellers Association Bengaluru. This strategic partnership aims to vigorously promote gem and jewellery exports from Karnataka through a series of collaborative initiatives. Among these ambitious projects is the establishment of the Karnataka Jewellery Park, a visionary endeavor spearheaded by GJEPC. This park is set to provide world-class infrastructure, foster innovation, and create a conducive ecosystem for manufacturers, designers, and exporters, thereby boosting the state’s contribution to India’s overall jewellery exports.

“Brilliant Bharat”: Celebrating India’s Enduring Legacy and Innovation

A central theme resonating throughout IIJS Tritiya and set to define the next six India International Jewellery Shows is “Brilliant Bharat.” This evocative theme is a powerful ode to rediscovering and celebrating India’s multifaceted identity. It encapsulates the nation’s profound traditions, vibrant cultural diversity, and pioneering innovative technology, all harmoniously blended to create something truly extraordinary in the realm of jewellery. “Brilliant Bharat” invites participants and visitors alike to delve into the magic of India’s rich heritage, appreciate the unparalleled beauty of Indian craftsmanship, and experience the warmth and hospitality of its people. This theme serves not just as a marketing slogan but as a guiding philosophy, aiming to project India’s unique blend of ancient artistry and modern ingenuity onto the global stage, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for its contributions to the world of gems and jewellery.

IIJS Tritiya 2024: A Marketplace of Unprecedented Scale and Innovation

This year’s IIJS Tritiya surpassed all expectations, solidifying its reputation as an indispensable event in the global jewellery calendar. Demonstrating remarkable growth, the exhibition proved to be bigger, ‘smarter,’ and better than its previous edition. The sheer scale was impressive, featuring over 900 exhibitors showcasing their collections across an expansive 1,900 stalls, occupying a sprawling 40,000 square meters of exhibition space. This vast marketplace offered invaluable opportunities for industry players – from seasoned manufacturers to emerging designers – to connect, collaborate, and thrive. The event’s global significance was further underscored by the presence of over 15,000 pre-registered visitors, hailing from more than 500 cities across India and an impressive 60 countries worldwide. This diverse attendance facilitated robust networking, fostered new business relationships, and opened avenues for international partnerships, truly positioning IIJS Tritiya as a global trade facilitator.

Beyond the impressive statistics, IIJS Tritiya was a vibrant tapestry of creativity and innovation. Exhibitors presented an extensive array of gold jewellery collections, each piece reflecting the rich heritage, intricate designs, and unparalleled craftsmanship that define India’s jewellery industry. From timeless traditional pieces to contemporary designs, the show offered a comprehensive view of current trends and future directions. A notable and highly anticipated addition this year was the concurrent India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME). This specialized expo provided a dedicated platform for showcasing the very latest innovations and advanced technologies in machinery, drawing participation from both national and international manufacturers. It highlighted how modern machinery, digital tools, and automated processes are revolutionizing jewellery manufacturing, enhancing precision, efficiency, and design capabilities across the sector.

Industry Leaders Share Their Vision for Growth and Global Dominance

The esteemed speakers at IIJS Tritiya articulated a compelling vision for the future of India’s gem and jewellery industry, emphasizing growth, innovation, and global leadership.

Dr. Selvakumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Karnataka, lauded Karnataka’s pivotal role, stating, “Karnataka’s gem & jewellery industry consistently sets new benchmarks in entrepreneurship, excellence, and technological innovation. Our skilled craftsmen are globally renowned for creating exquisite and intricate jewellery, including unique styles like temple jewellery, antique jewellery, and Nakash jewellery, which are highly sought after worldwide.” He further added, “IIJS Tritiya is a testament to India’s strategic positioning as a hub for designer jewellery, propelled by smart technology. This event unequivocally reconfirms the industry’s unwavering commitment, substantial contribution, and collaborative efforts to significantly increase gem and jewellery exports from Karnataka and indeed, the entire South India region.”

Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, shed light on the industry’s significant achievements and ambitious future. “We are currently a formidable USD 40 billion export industry, but the scope and potential for further exponential growth are immense, driven by the ever-increasing demand in the global gem and jewellery market,” he asserted. Mr. Shah highlighted GJEPC’s proactive engagement with the government to secure favorable policies in upcoming trade pacts, including crucial Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key regions such as the GCC, Canada, the UK, and the EU. He also proudly noted, “Additionally, GJEPC has successfully advocated for government measures to facilitate the ease of doing business in e-commerce for retail jewellery exports, enabling Indian sellers to seamlessly deliver their exquisite products to global buyers, thereby expanding our international reach.”

Dr. B Govindan, Chairman, Bhima Jewellery, emphasized the industry’s broader economic impact. “Investing in the jewellery industry not only creates a multitude of jobs across various skill levels but also contributes significantly to the national economy through revenue generation and foreign exchange earnings. It is absolutely essential for every citizen to recognize its immense potential and actively participate in its growth trajectory,” he urged. Dr. Govindan underscored the importance of a supportive ecosystem: “With proper governmental support, strategic investment, and a deeper understanding of industry knowledge, this sector can truly thrive, providing invaluable employment opportunities and robustly driving economic development for the nation.”

Mr. Vinod Hayagriv, MD & Director, C. Krishniah Chetty Group, expressed great optimism about IIJS Tritiya’s future. “IIJS Tritiya will very soon become the landmark show for the whole of India. The event has not only grown significantly bigger in scale but has also become notably smarter, mirroring Bangalore’s well-deserved reputation as a smart city. We eagerly anticipate the emergence of a very smart and technologically advanced industry in the coming decade,” he stated. Looking ahead, he added, “I firmly believe that achieving a $70 billion target is very much doable, and with GJEPC’s exemplary leadership at the helm, I am confident that we could easily achieve that ambitious goal much earlier than the projected year of 2030.”

Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, highlighted the Council’s unwavering commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). “The Council is intently focused on empowering our vital MSME sector through a range of crucial initiatives, including the establishment of Common Facility Centres (CFCs), Mega CFCs, a dedicated Jewellery Park in Mumbai, and a thriving Gem Bourse in Jaipur. These efforts are complemented by the development of sophisticated digital platforms designed for enhanced marketing and sales,” he explained. Bhansali emphasized the dual impact of these initiatives: “These concerted efforts not only contribute significantly to the industry’s expansion and competitiveness in the global market but also ensure its full alignment with the overarching principles and vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).”

Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta, President, Jewellers Association Bengaluru (JAB), reiterated the importance of collaborative support. “We pledge the unwavering and full support from the Jewellers Association, Bangalore (JAB), to ensure the industry’s continual growth, enhanced organization, and sustained prosperity. With GJEPC’s commendable and strategic efforts and initiatives, our industry is firmly on a clear path to achieving greater organization and remarkable success,” he affirmed. Dr. Mehta concluded by extending gratitude: “As President of JAB, I extend our complete and steadfast support to GJEPC and all esteemed industry stakeholders. Thank you to everyone for joining this wonderful celebration, and here’s to the continued success of the second edition of IIJS Tritiya.”

Mr. Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, underscored IIJS’s critical role as a business facilitator. “IIJS stands as India’s leading and most comprehensive platform specifically designed to facilitate robust business within the gems and jewellery sector. With three flagship shows and an impressive combined total of 9000 booths, IIJS truly serves as the ultimate gateway for Indian gems and jewels to reach the global market,” he stated. Mr. Bhansali emphasized the opportunities created: “IIJS specifically provides invaluable opportunities for MSME companies to meet and engage with customers from across the world, fostering international trade and growth.”

He further elaborated on IIJS Tritiya’s evolution: “IIJS Tritiya has demonstrably become smarter, significantly bigger, and distinctly better than its inaugural year. It functions as a vast and dynamic marketplace, providing unparalleled opportunities for industry players to connect, forge collaborations, and ultimately thrive in a competitive environment. This platform is particularly crucial as it offers MSME manufacturers a direct avenue to meet global buyers and effectively penetrate international markets.”

Embracing Digitalization, Innovation, and Sustainability

IIJS Tritiya 2024 also showcased a commitment to innovation, digitalization, and sustainability, shaping the future trajectory of the industry. Mr. Nirav Bhansali detailed the various features and amenities introduced to enhance the visitor and exhibitor experience. These included engaging “Innov8 Talks,” which provided invaluable insights, perspectives, and discussions on emerging trends, technological advancements, and market dynamics within the sector. These sessions served as a knowledge hub, empowering participants with the latest information and fostering intellectual exchange.

Furthermore, GJEPC introduced several forward-thinking initiatives aimed at embracing digitalization and sustainability. Features such as digital badges, streamlined face recognition processes for entry, and the comprehensive IIJS App were implemented to enhance operational efficiency, improve visitor flow, and minimize physical touchpoints. Crucially, these digital advancements significantly contributed to reducing paper usage, aligning with the industry’s broader environmental responsibilities. Under the impactful “One Earth Initiative” for all IIJS shows, GJEPC proudly announced a remarkable achievement: the planting of 150,000 trees, significantly exceeding initial expectations. This initiative underscores the industry’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to fostering a sustainable future for the planet, demonstrating that economic growth can go hand-in-hand with ecological responsibility.

Conclusion: A Brilliant Future for India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports

The second edition of IIJS Tritiya in Bengaluru was an unqualified success, marking a pivotal moment for India’s gem and jewellery sector. It served as a powerful testament to the industry’s resilience, innovative spirit, and unwavering ambition to dominate the global market. With its strategic focus on technology, global partnerships, MSME empowerment, and sustainability, IIJS Tritiya has firmly established itself as more than just an exhibition – it is a vibrant gateway to global exports, a catalyst for economic development, and a grand celebration of India’s “Brilliant Bharat.” As the industry looks towards an ambitious $70 billion export target, events like IIJS Tritiya, spearheaded by the visionary leadership of GJEPC and supported by governmental and associational collaborations, pave the way for a truly brilliant and prosperous future for Indian gems and jewellery on the world stage.