MAHARASHTRA’S GOVERNOR SHRI C. P. RADHAKRISHNAN, STATE MINISTER SHRI MANGAL PRABHAT LODHA & MANUSHI CHHILLAR INAUGURATE GJEPC’S INDIA INTERNATIONAL JEWELLERY SHOW (IIJS) PREMIERE 2024

Inauguration by Dignitaries

Hon. Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated one of the world’s largest gem & jewellery B2B shows – India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Premiere 2024 organised by India’s apex trade body, The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) at the JIO World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon. Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of Maharashtra, graced the momentous occasion.

Welcome by GJEPC Leadership

Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Shri Nirav Bhansali, Convener-National Exhibitions, GJEPC along with Committee of Administration (COA) welcomed several honoured guests and dignitaries such as Mr. Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group; Shri Paul Alukka, MD, Jos Alukkas; and Shri Dilip Gaur, Business Director – Novel Jewels, Aditya Birla Group.

Glamour Added by Manushi Chhillar

GJEPC’s brand ambassador Manushi Chhillar added a touch of glamour and glitz to the inauguration.

Brilliant Bharat Theme and Show Dates

Showcasing “Brilliant Bharat” theme this year, IIJS Premiere 2024 show dates are: 8-12 August at JIO World Convention Centre, Mumbai and 9-13 August at Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO Goregaon, Mumbai. IIJS Premiere 2024 will have a total exhibition area of 135,000 sq. mt. (1.45 million sq. ft.), which is much higher than that of the prominent comparable shows in the western world. With over 3,600 stalls and 2,100 exhibitors, IIJS Premiere is expected to attract over 50,000 buyers from across India and more than 2000 buyers from over 60 countries.

Special Attraction: The Select Club

A special attraction this year is The Select Club – Exclusive High-End Couture Jewellery Section. The Select Club explores elegant designs and innovative craftsmanship by 101 Exhibitors. The Club is being hosted at the Jasmine Hall, 3rd floor, JIO World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai.

Statements by Hon. Governor Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan

Hon. Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, said, “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. I congratulate GJEPC’s most efficient team for making IIJS larger and better with each passing year. If GJEPC’s member gem and jewellery exporters can sell to Indian women, then they can sell to anyone in the world. I urge GJEPC to continue to showcase and highlight Brand India across the world; and through this endeavor, take India’s rich culture and heritage to the world.”

Remarks by State Minister Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha

Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon. Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of Maharashtra, said, “The diamond industry should think of future generation and collaborate to induct them into business and enhance job creation. Diamond industry should adopt youngsters and develop their skills to make them employable.”

Address by GJEPC Chairman Mr. Vipul Shah

Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “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. There are 15 International delegations from 13+ countries including Cambodia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan. The recent Union Budget 2024 has been transformative for our industry and the Government’s policy imperatives will firmly establish India as a global rough diamond trading hub, generating employment and contributing to India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

Maharashtra’s Role in Gem & Jewellery Exports

“When it comes to gems and jewellery exports, Maharashtra is at the forefront, contributing approximately 70% to India’s total gem and jewellery exports. The Maharashtra state government has been incredibly supportive in our efforts helping us in setting up a Jewellery Park in Navi Mumbai and the Bharat Ratnam – Mega Common Facility Centre (CFC) in SEEPZ, said Mr. Shah.

Insights from De Beers Group

Mr. Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group, said, “India is pivotal in the global diamond industry and Indians appreciate the true value of natural diamonds. Indian trade and consumers ardently believe that diamonds are symbols of enduring love. The new diamond origin campaign strategy will focus on India to revitalise the innate desire for future generations with respect to diamond. The new category marketing approach will entail sharing numerous unique stories on diamonds.”

Remarks by Shri Dilip Gaur

Shri Dilip Gaur, Business Director – Novel Jewels, Aditya Birla Group, said, “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 nation’s economy. India’s gem & jewellery business is globally competitive due to our exquisite craftsmanship and cost competitiveness. India will soon be shaping the global gem & jewellery industry. Indian jewellers have to transition towards showcasing design excellence and artisanal heritage even as Govt policies help to formalize the industry. GJEPC has been doing a phenomenal job of taking Brand India to the next level. The next five years will be Indian gem & jewellery industry’s finest years and we can aim for 25-30% market share of the global jewellery business.”

Reflections by GJEPC Brand Ambassador Manushi Chhillar

Former Miss World and actor Ms. Manushi Chhillar, Brand Ambassador, GJEPC, said, “It’s an absolute honour to be here at the opening of IIJS Premiere. India has an unmatched legacy of making extraordinary jewellery. And this show is the pinnacle of our artistry and leadership in this field. Every piece you see here at IIJS is a little work of art.”

Manushi’s Thoughts on Jewellery

Manushi added, “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. Similarly, IIJS is the heartbeat of India’s jewellery industry, driving it to new heights of global recognition. For the next 6 days, IIJS will be the epicentre of jewellery design, craftsmanship, and trade. I wish everyone a successful show!”

Overview by Mr Nirav Bhansali

Mr. Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, said, “The theme for this year’s IIJS show is “Brilliant Bharat” is a tribute to the vibrant and multifaceted traditions that define our nation. IIJS Premiere 2024 has embraced technological advancements to streamline processes and elevate the exhibitor experience. IIJS shows have completely eliminated the use of flex materials, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.”

Growth of The Select Club

“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. However, the focus remains on ensuring the utmost quality. An elaborate selection process guaranteed that only brands offering an uber-luxury experience and exquisite designs are part of the Select Club,” said Mr Bhansali.

Innov8 Talks and 40 Under 40 Initiative

“Innov8 Talks has renowned industry experts will share insights on the latest design trends, sustainable practices, and effective strategies. The 40 Under 40 initiative remains a vital platform for identifying and celebrating young industry leaders. This year will see a new batch inducted, highlighting the next generation of visionaries shaping the future of the Indian gem and jewellery industry,” said Mr. Bhansali.

Vote of Thanks by Mr Kirit Bhansali

Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, gave the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to all distinguished dignitaries for gracing the IIJS Premiere inauguration.

Brilliant Bharat Theme: Celebrating Indian Heritage

Inspired by the significance of the number 9, the Brilliant Bharat theme at IIJS shows will comprise a series of nine carefully curated exhibitions (Textiles in CY2024, Literature, Dance, Architecture in CY2025; Art, Festival, Music in CY2026; and Handicraft & Cuisine in CY2027) each representing a unique expression of Indian heritage. By celebrating the nine expressions of Brilliant Bharat, GJEPC pays homage to the timelines traditions and innovative spirit that make India truly brilliant. The initiative will highlight the artistic excellence of Indian jewellery and also the cultural stories and heritage that enrich its allure.

GJEPC’s Commitment to Sustainability

GJEPC is committed to contributing to Mother Earth while creating a conducive ecosystem for our valued gem and jewellery members. As a part of a IIJS initiative, participants are contributing generously to planting more and more trees, and the proceeds would go to SankalpTaru Foundation. The One Earth initiative was introduced during IIJS