The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) successfully held the 13th IIJS Signature Gem & Jewellery Show and the 7th India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) from February 13 to 16 in Mumbai, further cementing India's top status in the global gemstone and jewellery industry.

More than 700 exhibitors displayed their goods at the show, setting off the 2020 buying season. It also had a Jewellery Start-Up Zone, which featured the works of women entrepreneurs and budding jewellery designers.

The Jewellery Manufacturing Excellence Handbook, a compilation of 20 papers presented at the India Jewellery Manufacturing Excellence Symposium, was likewise unveiled at the show.

Pramod Kumar Agrawal, chairman of GJEPC, commented, “IIJS Signature is the first trade show in the calendar year and regarded as the nerve centre of jewellery design and technology. It is an integral part of Indian jewellers' business cycles.”

Agrawal also announced that GJEPC is organising a new show in Jaipur, India Gem & Jewellery, to be held from April 1 to 3, 2020, mainly for international buyers.

He further discussed GJEPC's initiatives to secure government support for the jewellery sector such as lower import duties on precious metals from 12.5 per cent to 4 per cent, and on polished diamonds and gems from 7.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent; and new taxation laws to enable the sale of rough diamonds in Special Notified Zones in Mumbai.

IGJME meanwhile showcased innovative technical know-how and cutting-edge production techniques. At the show, buyers interacted with leading suppliers of machinery, tools, components, packaging accessories and related products from all over the globe.