The India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Premiere and Signature IIJS are highly anticipated events aligned with two major buying occasions – the wedding and festive seasons in summer and in the last quarter of the year, respectively.

Organised annually by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), both shows have seen tremendous growth in booth expansion, infrastructure upgrade and business. IIJS Premiere, one of Asia's largest trade shows, draws nearly 40,000 domestic and international visitors and is crucial to the development of the gem and jewellery industry.

The shows are a fitting tribute to the country where the diamond's story originated – diamonds were discovered in the Golconda mines thousands of years ago.

But the narrative doesn't end there. Today, India is the world's largest diamond cutting and manufacturing hub. It is also one of the biggest gemstone and jewellery exporters, with shipments of US$40.45 billion in fiscal year 2018 to 2019.

IIJS is an integral platform for exhibitors to network and build ties with local and foreign buyers, and to have their fingers on the pulse of latest design and pricing trends in the market. The shows also help spur business in the trade amid macroeconomic challenges.

Sparkling future

The 36th edition of IIJS Premiere concluded on a positive note, raising hopes for strong buying activity during the festive and wedding seasons. IIJS Premiere 2019 set a new benchmark, featuring 1,300 exhibitors.

Despite the global economic slowdown, the ongoing US-China trade war and soaring prices of gold, among other challenges, the show proved successful, with exhibitors securing a significant number of orders.

The Signature IIJS, scheduled for February 13 to 16, 2020, is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors. Over 700 exhibitors will display their latest jewellery collections, showcasing the highest standards of design and craftsmanship.

Over the years, it has proven its reputation as a must-visit show where professional buyers can source their designer jewellery requirements.

The Design Inspirations seminar, conducted on the sidelines of Signature IIJS, gives participants a holistic perspective on the world of jewellery design. International trend forecaster Paola De Luca will lead the seminar.

An awards ceremony for Artisan Awards 2020, the most prestigious jewellery design competition in India, will also be held. Organised by GJEPC, its theme is Architectural Gems, which is divided into three categories namely Art Deco, Islamic Arabesque and Neo Futurism.