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MP Hema Malini Opens 38th IIJS Premiere 2022

IIJS Premiere 2022: India’s Flagship Jewellery Exhibition Shines Brighter Than Ever in Mumbai

The India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Premiere 2022, a flagship event for the Indian gem and jewellery sector, successfully launched its latest edition in Mumbai, captivating global attention with its unparalleled scale and exquisite showcases. Organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the apex body for India’s thriving jewellery trade, this year’s show promised and delivered an extraordinary platform for business, innovation, and networking. Held from August 4th to 8th at the sprawling Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), IIJS Premiere reinforced India’s formidable position as a global leader in the production and export of fine jewellery.

The grand inauguration ceremony marked the official commencement of the show, graced by eminent personalities including Smt. Hema Malini, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha. She was joined by key GJEPC leadership: Colin Shah, Chairman; Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman; Shailesh Sangani, Convener, National Exhibitions; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director. This convergence of political influence and industry expertise underscored the national significance and economic impact of IIJS Premiere, setting an optimistic tone for the five-day event.

Unprecedented Scale and Global Reach

IIJS Premiere 2022 has once again broken its own records, solidifying its status as one of the largest and most influential gem and jewellery trade shows worldwide. The sheer magnitude of the exhibition is a testament to the vibrancy and dynamism of the Indian industry.

  • **Record-Breaking Participation:** Over 1790 exhibitors showcased their finest collections, representing the pinnacle of Indian craftsmanship and design innovation. This impressive number demonstrates the industry’s robust growth and the confidence exhibitors place in IIJS Premiere as a vital business conduit.
  • **Expansive Exhibition Space:** Spanning an immense area of more than 74,497 square meters, the exhibition provided ample space for elaborate displays, immersive experiences, and comfortable navigation for thousands of attendees. This vast layout allowed for distinct product zones, ensuring comprehensive coverage of every jewellery segment.
  • **Global Visitor Footprint:** The show attracted an astounding 37,000 pre-registered trade visitors, including over 1,200 international buyers. These visitors hailed from more than 885 cities across India and over 80 countries, highlighting the show’s truly international appeal and its crucial role in fostering global trade partnerships. This diverse attendance facilitates invaluable cross-cultural exchanges and opens new markets for Indian exporters.
  • **MSME Scheme Inclusion:** A significant development for this edition was the listing of IIJS Premiere 2022 under the MSME scheme, enabling eligible Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise exhibitors to apply for grants against their participation. This initiative provides crucial financial support, encouraging smaller businesses to engage on a grand scale and contributing to their growth.

The comprehensive participation statistics underscore not only the size of IIJS Premiere but also its critical function as a nexus for the global gem and jewellery trade. It serves as a prime meeting point where manufacturers, designers, retailers, and international buyers converge to explore trends, forge collaborations, and drive the industry forward.

A Kaleidoscope of Exquisite Jewellery and Industry Innovations

IIJS Premiere 2022 was meticulously segmented to cater to every facet of the gem and jewellery industry, ensuring that visitors could efficiently navigate and source products across a broad spectrum of categories. Each section showcased the depth of Indian craftsmanship, the diversity of designs, and the integration of cutting-edge technology.

The diverse product sections included:

  • **Gold & Gold CZ Studded Jewellery:** This segment highlighted India’s timeless expertise in gold craftsmanship, featuring intricate designs ranging from traditional heirloom pieces to contemporary fashion statements. The integration of Cubic Zirconia (CZ) offered accessible luxury and innovative aesthetics.
  • **Diamond, Gemstone & Other Studded Jewellery:** A dazzling display of brilliance, this section featured exquisite diamond-studded pieces, vibrant gemstone jewellery, and other precious studded creations. From solitaires to elaborate bridal sets, it showcased the artistic mastery in setting precious stones.
  • **Loose Stones, CVD:** For buyers seeking raw materials, this area presented a wide array of loose diamonds, both natural and lab-grown (CVD – Chemical Vapor Deposition), alongside a magnificent selection of loose coloured gemstones. It served as a critical sourcing hub for manufacturers and designers.
  • **Silver Jewellery, Artefacts & Gifting Items:** Beyond gold and diamonds, the show dedicated a significant space to silver jewellery, reflecting its growing popularity. This section also featured ornate silver artefacts and elegant gifting items, appealing to a broader consumer market and diverse design preferences.
  • **Laboratories & Education:** Recognizing the importance of quality assurance and skill development, this area presented leading gemological laboratories offering certification services, alongside educational institutions providing training and courses in gemology and jewellery design.
  • **Machinery & Allied:** The backbone of the industry, this section displayed the latest in jewellery manufacturing technology, tools, and allied services. From advanced CAD/CAM solutions to precision machinery, it offered insights into how technology is revolutionizing production efficiency and design capabilities.

This comprehensive categorization ensured that every attendee, from seasoned industry veterans to emerging designers, found relevant showcases and valuable resources, reinforcing IIJS Premiere’s role as a holistic industry platform.

Voices from the Industry: Vision, Growth, and Global Leadership

The inauguration ceremony and subsequent interactions provided key insights into the industry’s vision and the significance of IIJS Premiere for India’s economic landscape and global trade ambitions. Leaders emphasized the show’s role in propelling exports, fostering domestic growth, and nurturing talent.

Smt. Hema Malini, Hon’ble Member of Parliament

Expressing her profound admiration for the industry and invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, Smt. Hema Malini highlighted the cultural and economic importance of jewellery in India. “I am truly honored to inaugurate India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), recognized as the second-largest gem and jewellery show globally,” she stated. “I am absolutely amazed by the diversity and uniqueness of the jewels on display at this exhibition. Every single booth presents something distinct and captivating. Indeed, four days feel too short to fully explore this magnificent exhibition.”

She further emphasized the diamond industry’s exceptional performance and its cherished status, particularly among women. “Through initiatives like IIJS, the industry is making immense contributions to our economy, providing crucial impetus to our Prime Minister’s vision of achieving an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ – a self-reliant India. This sector not only creates jobs but also upholds India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship on a global stage.” Her words resonated with the attendees, underscoring the patriotic spirit and economic empowerment driven by the industry.

Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC

Chairman Colin Shah articulated the strategic importance of IIJS Premiere in maintaining India’s pre-eminence in the global gem and jewellery arena. “IIJS Premiere consistently sets higher benchmarks with each passing year, serving as the powerful driving force that has sustained India’s leadership position in the international gem and jewellery industry,” he affirmed. He also connected the show to broader export strategies. “Initiatives such as IIJS, coupled with events like IJEX in Dubai and the upcoming International Gem & Jewellery Show later this year, will collectively provide the necessary impetus to achieve the ambitious USD 45.7 billion G&J export target set by the Government for our industry.”

Shah also drew attention to a crucial support mechanism for exhibitors: “IIJS Premiere 2022 is now officially listed under the MSME scheme. This means MSME exhibitors can apply for a grant to offset their participation costs at the show, a significant step towards empowering smaller businesses within our sector.” This financial incentive underscores GJEPC’s commitment to inclusive growth and fostering a competitive environment for all scales of enterprises.

Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC

Echoing the sentiment of continuous improvement, Vice Chairman Vipul Shah reinforced the show’s global standing. “IIJS Premiere, which is proudly counted among the top five trade shows in the world, relentlessly continues to set higher benchmarks year after year. It has undeniably become the central driving force that has firmly established and sustained India’s leadership position in the global gem and jewellery industry,” he stated. He then elaborated on what visitors could expect from the showcased collections. “Visitors to IIJS Premiere can anticipate encountering fresh, innovative designs that not only excel in quality and unparalleled craftsmanship but are also competitively priced to suit every conceivable market segment. This ensures that the show serves as a comprehensive sourcing destination for buyers worldwide.”

Shailesh Sangani, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC

Shailesh Sangani highlighted the meticulous efforts undertaken by the GJEPC to enhance the exhibition experience. “The Council has spared no effort to offer attendees a truly comprehensive platform for sourcing a vast array of gems and jewellery across all categories,” he explained. “This year, the show is significantly larger, boasting the addition of 400 new exhibitors, alongside extensively upgraded facilities designed to enhance comfort and efficiency.”

He further emphasized GJEPC’s unwavering commitment to the industry. “It is our steadfast commitment to support the industry in every possible way. We have successfully curated a robust mix of both domestic and international buyers, all geared towards delivering effective business results and promoting India’s exceptional manufacturing prowess and sophisticated designing skills across the globe. This blend ensures diverse opportunities for all participants.”

Enhanced Participant Experience: Salient Features of IIJS Premiere 2022

Beyond the dazzling displays, IIJS Premiere 2022 introduced several technological advancements and visitor-centric facilities designed to streamline the experience and ensure maximum convenience for all attendees. These features underscored the GJEPC’s commitment to modernizing the exhibition experience.

  • **Seamless Online Visitor Registration:** Attendees could easily register for the show via the dedicated GJEPC Website and the user-friendly GJEPC Mobile App, simplifying the pre-show process and reducing on-site queues.
  • **Advanced Facial Recognition for Badge Registration:** An enhanced facial recognition technique allowed visitors to effortlessly capture selfies and upload their latest photos for efficient badge registration, ensuring a quick and secure entry process.
  • **Digital Verification of Documents:** The new system enabled digital verification of necessary documents without the need for physical uploads, significantly expediting the accreditation process and reducing paperwork.
  • **Introduction of Self-Printing Visitor Badges (A4 Size):** A groundbreaking feature, visitors now had the option to print their A4-sized badges from the comfort of their homes or offices before visiting the show, much like printing a boarding pass, saving valuable time upon arrival.
  • **On-site Self-Badge Printing Kiosks:** For those who preferred to print on arrival or needed assistance, self-badge printing kiosks were conveniently available throughout the venue, offering flexibility and immediate access.
  • **Complimentary Car Parking Facility:** To enhance visitor convenience, a complimentary car parking facility was provided on a first-come-first-serve basis, easing concerns about parking at a major event venue.
  • **Exclusive Hotel Accommodation Rates:** The GJEPC arranged accommodation at five-star hotels at specially negotiated best rates, ensuring comfortable and affordable stays for out-of-town and international visitors.
  • **To-and-Fro Shuttle Services:** Complimentary shuttle services were provided from official hotels to the exhibition center and back, offering hassle-free transportation and improving accessibility for all participants.

These forward-thinking features collectively contributed to a more efficient, comfortable, and memorable experience for every participant at IIJS Premiere 2022, solidifying its reputation as a world-class trade event.

In conclusion, IIJS Premiere 2022 was far more than just an exhibition; it was a vibrant celebration of India’s enduring legacy in the gem and jewellery sector, a powerful engine for economic growth, and a global beacon for innovation and trade. With its record-breaking participation, diverse showcases, strategic initiatives like MSME scheme inclusion, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the participant experience, IIJS Premiere continues to pave the way for India’s ambitious export targets and its vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive jewellery industry.