The India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Premiere 2024, organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), commenced at the JIO World Convention Centre in Mumbai, marking its 40th edition.
Inaugurated by the Hon. Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, the event is one of the largest B2B gem and jewellery shows globally, highlighting India’s central role in the industry.
Expanding Scale and International Participation
This year’s event spans two venues—JIO World Convention Centre and the Bombay Exhibition Centre—with over 3,600 stalls and 2,100 exhibitors, showcasing a vast array of jewellery products.
The exhibition covers 135,000 square metres, surpassing similar shows in the Western world. The event is expected to draw more than 50,000 buyers from across India and over 2,000 international buyers from 60 countries. The increased scale and participation underscore India’s growing influence in the global jewellery market.
Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, highlighted the significance of this year’s show, stating, “This year, IIJS Premiere proudly hosts over 2,100 exhibitors and more than 3,600 stalls, and we are expecting over 50,000 trade visitors from India and 60 plus countries.”
Special Attractions and Innovations
A highlight of IIJS Premiere 2024 is the introduction of The Select Club, an exclusive section featuring high-end couture jewellery from 101 exhibitors. This addition, hosted at the Jasmine Hall in JIO World Convention Centre, reflects a growing focus on luxury and design excellence within the industry. Mr. Nirav Bhansali, Convener of National Exhibitions at GJEPC, noted the expansion of The Select Club, stating, “The number of brands participating at The Select Club has already grown to 101 compared to 60 in the previous edition, and we believe it can potentially double in size in the near future.”
In line with its theme of “Brilliant Bharat,” the event has also embraced technological advancements to enhance the exhibitor experience, including a user-friendly app with features like a 3D interactive floor plan and facial recognition for entry. Additionally, sustainability efforts continue with initiatives like the One Earth programme, which has already achieved the plantation of 150,000 trees.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Hon. Governor of Maharashtra, emphasised the significance of the event, saying, “GJEPC’s IIJS is one of the most prestigious B2B gem & jewellery shows in the world and the day will come when it will be the largest in the entire world.”
Industry Leaders and Government Support
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent industry figures, including Mr. Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President of Diamond Trading at De Beers Group, and Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon. Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Maharashtra. Mr. Rowley highlighted India’s importance in the diamond industry, remarking, “India is pivotal in the global diamond industry and Indians appreciate the true value of natural diamonds.”
Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon. Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Maharashtra, called on the industry to focus on the future generation, stating, “The diamond industry should think of future generations and collaborate to induct them into business and enhance job creation. Diamond industry should adopt youngsters and develop their skills to make them employable.”
Mr. Dilip Gaur, Business Director – Novel Jewels, Aditya Birla Group, shared insights into the unique position of the gem and jewellery industry, stating, “The gem & jewellery industry is unique as it has a nation building aspect as well as consumer intimacy and emotions linked to it. Jewellery is a fusion of adornment and investment. This is the only business that touches people in the urban areas and the hinterland while contributing to GDP and the nation’s economy.”
Former Miss World and actor, Ms. Manushi Chhillar, who is also GJEPC’s Brand Ambassador, expressed her admiration for the event, stating, “My tenure as GJEPC’s Brand Ambassador has deepened my conviction that ‘Jewellery’ is India’s most compelling envoy to the world. It beautifully encapsulates our nation’s rich heritage and timeless elegance.”
Concurrent Events and Future Outlook
Running alongside IIJS Premiere 2024 is the India Gems & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, featuring over 220 companies and 320 stalls. The inclusion of an Italy Pavilion further underscores the international scope of the event.
The IIJS Premiere’s continued growth and the introduction of new features such as The Select Club and sustainable practices signal an industry that is not only expanding but also becoming more sophisticated and environmentally conscious. For professional jewellers, the event serves as a barometer of industry trends and a key opportunity for networking and business development.
