The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s premier organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the gem and jewellery trade, successfully launched its flagship event, the IIJS Premiere 2022. This monumental show, a cornerstone of the global jewellery calendar, commenced its five-day run from August 4th to 8th, 2022, at the sprawling Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO), Mumbai. The inauguration ceremony was graced by an esteemed panel of dignitaries, including Ms. Hema Malini, Member of Parliament, who presided over the event alongside key figures from the GJEPC: Mr. Colin Shah, Chairman; Mr. Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman; Mr. Shailesh Sangani, Convener, National Exhibitions; and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director. This event marks a significant milestone for the Indian gem and jewellery sector, reaffirming its robust position on the international stage.
Unprecedented Scale and Global Reach: IIJS Premiere 2022 Highlights
IIJS Premiere has consistently cemented its reputation as one of the world’s largest and most influential gem and jewellery exhibitions. The 2022 edition surpassed previous benchmarks, featuring an impressive contingent of over 1,790 exhibitors. These industry leaders and innovators showcased their exquisite collections and cutting-edge designs across a vast exhibition area spanning more than 74,497 square meters. This immense scale provides an unparalleled platform for buyers and sellers to connect, discover new trends, and conduct substantial business.
The show’s global appeal was evident in its remarkable visitor statistics. With over 37,000 pre-registered trade visitors, including a significant presence of 1,200 international buyers, IIJS Premiere 2022 served as a melting pot of global talent and demand. Attendees hailed from over 885 cities across India and more than 80 countries worldwide, underscoring the exhibition’s pivotal role in facilitating international trade and collaboration within the gem and jewellery industry. This diverse participation highlights India’s importance as a manufacturing hub and a significant market for precious metals and gemstones.
A Kaleidoscope of Creations: Product Sections at IIJS Premiere
The exhibition floor was meticulously organized into various product sections, ensuring that visitors could efficiently navigate and explore areas of specific interest. Each section offered a specialized display, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of the global jewellery market. The comprehensive range included:
- Gold & Gold CZ Studded Jewellery: Showcasing traditional and contemporary designs crafted in gold, often adorned with cubic zirconia, reflecting both timeless elegance and modern aesthetics.
- Diamond, Gemstone & Other Studded Jewellery: Featuring breathtaking creations embellished with a wide array of diamonds, precious gemstones, and other exquisite stones, highlighting superior craftsmanship and design innovation.
- Loose Stones & CVD: A dedicated section for raw materials, including loose diamonds, colored gemstones, and a growing focus on Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) diamonds, offering insights into sourcing and technological advancements in stone production.
- Silver Jewellery, Artefacts & Gifting Items: Presenting a diverse range of silver pieces, from intricate jewellery to elegant artifacts and gifting solutions, appealing to a broader market segment.
- Laboratories & Education: Providing vital information on gemological services, certification, and educational programs, essential for maintaining industry standards and fostering expertise.
- Machinery & Allied: A crucial segment demonstrating the latest in manufacturing technology, tools, and allied services that drive efficiency and precision in jewellery production.
Dignitary Perspectives: Driving India’s Jewellery Leadership
The inaugural ceremony provided a platform for prominent personalities to share their insights on the significance of IIJS Premiere and the future trajectory of the Indian gem and jewellery sector.
Smt. Hema Malini: A Celebration of Artistry and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Smt. Hema Malini, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, expressed her deep reverence for Goddess Lakshmi, the deity associated with wealth and prosperity, stating, “I am truly honored to inaugurate India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), recognized as the second-largest gem and jewellery show globally. I am utterly amazed by the sheer diversity and unique beauty of the jewels on display at this exhibition. Every single booth presents something distinct and captivating. Indeed, four days feel insufficient to fully explore the richness of this exhibition.” She further emphasized the profound connection between women and the diamond industry, remarking, “The diamond industry is truly excelling, and it remains a deeply cherished sector, especially by women.” Highlighting the industry’s significant contributions to the national economy, she added, “Through initiatives such as this, your industry contributes immensely to our economy, providing substantial impetus to our Prime Minister’s visionary goal of achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).” Her words underscored the cultural importance of jewellery in India and its role in national economic empowerment.
Mr. Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC: Setting Global Benchmarks and Export Targets
Mr. Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, articulated the pivotal role of IIJS Premiere in advancing India’s standing in the global market. “IIJS Premiere continues to establish higher benchmarks with each passing year,” Mr. Shah affirmed. “This show has become the driving force behind India’s sustained leadership position in the international gem and jewellery industry.” He highlighted GJEPC’s strategic initiatives to further bolster exports, stating, “Initiatives like IIJS, coupled with IJEX in Dubai and another International Gem & Jewellery show later this year in Dubai, will provide the necessary impetus to achieve the ambitious USD 45.7 billion G&J export target set by the government for our industry.” This statement reflects a clear vision for aggressive growth and global market penetration. Furthermore, Mr. Shah made an important announcement regarding support for smaller enterprises: “IIJS Premiere 2022 is now officially listed under the MSME scheme. This means MSME exhibitors can now apply for a grant to offset their participation costs at the show.” This inclusion offers crucial financial assistance, encouraging broader participation from micro, small, and medium enterprises, thereby fostering a more inclusive and robust industry ecosystem.
Mr. Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC: Sustaining Leadership through Quality and Innovation
Echoing the sentiment of remarkable progress, Mr. Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, reiterated the show’s esteemed global standing. “IIJS Premiere, which is rightfully counted among the top five trade shows worldwide, consistently raises the bar year after year,” he stated. “It has undoubtedly become the primary driving force that sustains India’s eminent leadership in the global gem and jewellery industry.” Mr. Shah also touched upon the visitor experience and product excellence, promising, “Visitors can anticipate encountering fresh, innovative designs that exemplify superior quality and meticulous craftsmanship. These offerings are competitively priced to effectively cater to every segment of the global market, ensuring accessibility and appeal to a diverse range of buyers.” His remarks emphasized the dual commitment to design innovation and market accessibility, crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
Mr. Shailesh Sangani, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC: Expanding Horizons and Facilitating Trade
Mr. Shailesh Sangani, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, provided insights into the logistical enhancements and expanded offerings of the show. “The Council has exerted every effort to provide a truly comprehensive platform for sourcing gems and jewellery across all categories,” Mr. Sangani explained. “This year’s show is significantly larger, benefiting from the addition of 400 new exhibitors, alongside substantial upgrades to facilities, ensuring a seamless and productive experience for all participants.” He underscored GJEPC’s unwavering dedication to the industry, asserting, “It is our unwavering commitment to support the industry in every conceivable way. We have meticulously curated a robust mix of domestic and international buyers, all aimed at delivering effective results and powerfully promoting India’s unparalleled manufacturing prowess and design skills across the globe.” This commitment to expansion and facilitation is key to enhancing India’s global presence in the jewellery sector.
Enhanced Visitor Experience: Salient Features of IIJS Premiere 2022
To ensure a seamless, efficient, and highly engaging experience for all attendees, IIJS Premiere 2022 introduced several innovative and user-friendly features:
- Streamlined Online Visitor Registration: Visitors could easily register their attendance via the dedicated GJEPC Website and the convenient GJEPC Mobile App. This digital approach minimized administrative delays and provided instant access to essential show information.
- Advanced Facial Recognition for Badge Registration: Implementing enhanced facial recognition technology allowed visitors to capture selfies and upload their most recent photos directly for badge registration. This system not only expedited the registration process but also bolstered security measures at the entry points.
- Digital Verification of Documents: The introduction of digital document verification eliminated the need for physical uploads, streamlining the pre-show formalities and making the process quicker and more environmentally friendly.
- Self-Printing of Visitor Badges (A4 Size): A revolutionary feature allowed visitors the convenience of printing their A4-sized badges prior to arriving at the venue, much like a boarding pass for air travel. This significantly reduced queues and entry times, allowing more time for business.
- On-site Self-Badge Printing Kiosks: For those who preferred to print their badges at the venue, numerous self-service kiosks were strategically placed, offering a quick and efficient solution for badge collection upon arrival.
- Complimentary Car Parking Facility: Visitors were offered complimentary car parking on a first-come, first-served basis, alleviating parking concerns and adding to the overall convenience of attending the show.
- Preferential Accommodation Rates: Exclusive accommodation packages at leading five-star hotels were made available at best rates, ensuring comfortable stays for national and international visitors during the event.
- Convenient To-and-Fro Shuttle Services: To further enhance accessibility, complimentary shuttle services were provided to and from official hotels, connecting attendees directly to the exhibition centre with ease and comfort.
Conclusion: A Brilliant Future for Indian Jewellery
The IIJS Premiere 2022 was more than just an exhibition; it was a vibrant testament to the resilience, innovation, and ambition of the Indian gem and jewellery industry. By bringing together a vast array of exhibitors, a diverse contingent of domestic and international buyers, and incorporating state-of-the-art facilities and services, the GJEPC successfully orchestrated an event that not only facilitated substantial trade but also propelled India’s global leadership in the sector. The collective vision shared by the dignitaries, coupled with the impressive scale and strategic features of the show, underscores a brilliant future for Indian jewellery on the world stage, poised for continued growth, artistic excellence, and economic contribution.