‘The Next Decade Belongs To India’s Gem & Jewellery Industry’
Thu Jan 09 2025
The Indian gem and jewellery industry is on the brink of a transformative decade, with innovation, global outreach, and record-breaking growth setting the stage for its rise as a global leader. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Nirav Bhansali, Convener – National Exhibitions, GJEPC, shares his insights on IIJS Signature 2025, the industry’s growth trajectory, and the exciting opportunities shaping the future of Indian jewellery. From visionary initiatives to evolving market trends, discover why this decade truly belongs to India’s gem and jewellery sector.
IIJS Signature 2025 is generating a lot of buzz. Could you elaborate on this year’s event?
IIJS Signature 2025 is set to be our most expansive and ambitious edition to date. With over 1,500 exhibitors and more than 3,500 booths, the scale of this event is truly unprecedented. We are expecting more than 25,000 visitors from 800 cities across India, alongside approximately 2,500 international attendees representing 60 countries. This year’s exhibition will span two venues, accommodating the growing demand and enhancing visitor experience. The Select Club couldn’t be expanded to its full potential this time due to the unavailability of the venue, but I’m happy to note it is confirmed from the next edition onwards, which will further elevate the event.
How are preparations progressing for international visitors?
We are making robust efforts to ensure a seamless experience for our international visitors. Our collaboration with consulates has been instrumental in streamlining visa processes, especially for regions where challenges persist. We are optimistic about achieving our target of hosting 2,000-2,500 international visitors. This proactive engagement underscores our commitment to enhancing global connectivity and strengthening international trade partnerships through IIJS.
In terms of exports, what initiatives is GJEPC pursuing to penetrate new markets?
The GJEPC is actively exploring new avenues for market expansion, particularly in the Middle East. Plans are underway for a large-scale exhibition in Jeddah, strategically designed to tap into the promising Saudi Arabian market.
Additionally, India’s designation as the ‘Partner Country’ at the Inhorgenta show in Munich, Germany in February 2025 represents a significant opportunity to showcase Indian craftsmanship and cultural heritage to a European audience. These initiatives demonstrate GJEPC’s commitment to strengthening India’s global footprint and positioning the country as a preeminent player in the international jewellery market.
The Doha, Bahrain, and Sharjah shows have performed exceptionally well, reflecting the strength of the Middle Eastern market. This success is a clear indication that the region is thriving, providing a substantial boost to overall export performance, particularly in key export destinations.
The American Thanksgiving sales numbers, too, were very positive. This November, exports from SEEPZ, Mumbai for plain and studded jewellery were very robust.
What innovations in logistics and visitor experience can we expect this year?
To significantly enhance the convenience and experience of our attendees, we have established partnerships with 15 additional hotels across various categories, ranging from three-star to premium accommodations. Transportation logistics have been thoroughly upgraded, with improved inter-venue connectivity facilitated by the Metro and newly constructed bridges. While ongoing construction at the NESCO venue presents challenges, particularly in parking, we have implemented measures to alleviate these issues, including securing dedicated parking spaces for exhibitors and introducing a comprehensive shuttle service. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to addressing logistical hurdles and providing a world-class experience for participants.
Have you identified any notable trends in jewellery this year?
The jewellery market is brimming with exciting trends this year. Bridal jewellery continues to dominate, driven by a robust wedding calendar. Additionally, silver jewellery is enjoying a surge in popularity, increasingly being perceived as the “new gold” due to its versatility and affordability. Lab-grown diamond (LGD) jewellery is also carving out a significant niche, offering retailers innovative options for product diversification. These trends reflect the dynamic and evolving preferences of both domestic and international consumers, highlighting the importance of adaptability within the industry.
How is the domestic jewellery market performing?
The domestic jewellery sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with projections indicating the opening of over 5,000 new stores within the next five years. This expansion will be underpinned by a sustained demand for stocking up gold and diamond jewellery. So, demand for the next 5 years in India looks very robust – India is the shining star in the world market.
Our efforts under the IIJS theme of “Brilliant Bharat” aim to spotlight India’s unique jewellery artistry on the global stage.
The jewellery sector is a cornerstone of India’s economy, contributing approximately 10% to the GDP and exhibiting an annual growth rate of 10%. Despite its remarkable achievements, half of the sector is still not corporatised, presenting substantial opportunities for organisation and formalisation of the domestic retail segment.
Indian jewellery is globally acclaimed for its superlative design aesthetics, manufacturing quality, and competitive pricing, attributes that have cemented its position as a leader in both domestic and international markets.
The robust growth trajectory of the domestic market highlights its pivotal role in driving India’s economic progress and raising its global standing.
Any closing thoughts or messages for the industry?
The coming decade belongs to India, and the jewellery sector is at the forefront of this transformation. As a vital pillar of our economy, the industry is brimming with opportunities for growth, innovation, and international collaboration. With flagship initiatives like IIJS and strategic partnerships with global stakeholders, we are steadfast in our mission to establish India as the world’s premier jewellery hub. The road ahead is filled with promise, and we are on the verge of unlocking the full potential of our vibrant and dynamic industry.
Source: https://gjepc.org/