News Bureau

February 18, 2020

IIJS Signature commences buying season

Subhash Desai inaugurated 13th IIJS Signature, Ran through 13 TO 16 February 2020 in Mumbai!

Furthering India’s jewelry legacy! The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) presented the global trade with two wonderful opportunities to commence the Year’s buying season with the 13th edition of IIJS Signature and the 7th edition of India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) from 13-16 February 2020 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai, spanning an area of over 45,000 sqm.

Mr. Subhash Desai, Hon. Minister for Industries & Mining, Maharashtra State, inaugurated the IIJS Signature along with Mr. Pramod Kumar Agrawal (Chairman, GJEPC); Mr. Colin Shah (Vice Chairman, GJEPC), Mr. Mansukh Kothari (Co-Convener Exhibitions and COA Member, GJEPC), Mr. Kirit Bhansali (Co-Convener Exhibitions & COA-Diamond Panel, GJEPC), Mr. Sabyasachi Ray (Executive Director, GJEPC), Mr. Shailesh Sangani (Member, National Exhibitions Sub-Committee, GJEPC), Mr. Russell Mehta (former VC and Advisor to Chairman, GJEPC) and Mr. Ashok Gajera (Regional Chairman, GJEPC) amongst others.

The distinguished dignitaries also unveiled the IIJS Signature 2020 and IGJME catalog on the momentous occasion. Mr. Agrawal, Mr. Sanjay Kothari (Chairman, GJSCI) and Mr. Rajeev Garg (CEO, GJSCI) released the Jewellery Manufacturing Excellence Handbook, a compilation of the 20 papers presented during the India Jewellery Manufacturing Excellence Symposium.

IIJS Signature 2020 showcased the most coveted premium jewelry and flagged off the new buying season. The event hosts more than 700 exhibitors and 1,300 booths and is expected to attract 18,000+ visitors (12,000 pre-Registered visitors) from over 325 cities and towns pan India and more than 55 countries globally. Registration is via GJEPC Mobile App. There are new customized designer booths for participants. Jewelry Startup Zone is in Hall 6 to promote Emerging Designers & Women Entrepreneurs.

Addressing the inaugural session, Mr. Pramod Kumar Agrawal, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “IIJS Signature, a show of international stature, is the first trade show of the calendar year and regarded as the nerve center of jewelry design and technology. IIJS Signature has now seen an integral part of the Indian jeweler's business cycle.

Participants at each stage of the supply chain - from raw material suppliers to manufacturers, designers, wholesalers, and retailers - are growing and consolidating their business. This year, IIJS Signature has a Jewellery Startup Zone, which features the work of 16 handpicked women entrepreneurs and 16 budding jewelry designers to encourage talent and enterprise. Two coinciding events Design Inspirations and The Artisan Awards will elevate design consciousness.”

Mr. Agrawal announced that GJEPC is also coming up with a new show in Jaipur called India Gem & Jewellery Show to be held from 1 to 3 April 2020, especially for international buyers.

Talking about the industry concerns, Agrawal said that “We have been pursuing our govt. constantly with few concerns which requires immediate attention like reduction in Import Duty on Precious Metals Gold/Silver/Platinum from 12.5% to 4%; reduction of import duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds and Gemstones from 7.5% to 2.5%; Amendment in Taxation Laws enabling the sale of rough diamonds in SNZ, Mumbai. This is very important to give a level playing field to our traders in the global market.”

IIJS Signature provides a perfect platform for the country’s leading manufacturers and retailers to facilitate an exchange of market insights and knowledge, providing networking opportunities for business.

Concurrently, the visitors will get to witness IGJME, Asia’s largest gem & jewelry technology fair. IGJME is a strategic initiative of GJEPC planned to help manufacturers to witness new ideas, discover innovative technical know-how and learn cutting-edge techniques in production. The revolutionary technology exhibited at the show is expected to drastically improve the quality of the products while minimizing the raw material wastage at the same time.

IGJME will provide an opportunity to interact with leading suppliers of machinery, tools, components, packaging accessories and allied products from all over the globe, who will showcase cutting edge technology, such as laser machines, computerized yield planning machines, advanced bruiting lathes, diamond-impregnated Scaife, etc.

Technology today plays a major role in every aspect of jewelry making. The use of the latest equipment and technology will be a crucial component of India’s vision of becoming the leading jewelry hub in the world.

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