IIJS Signature: Active Trading and A New Format that Works Well

(IDEX Online News) - Sometimes change is good. In the case of IIJS Signature, it was very good. The small Mumbai fair provided a real opportunity to exhibitors to meet and talk at length with buyers. The addition of a loose diamond component was right and exhibitors have reported overall good business.

From a small limited show at a distant location, with buyers mainly from CIS countries, the show became an active and dynamic fair where retailers and wholesalers from all over India came to Mumbai to meet manufacturers and seek needed goods and suppliers.

Loose diamond wholesalers in the International Pavilion enjoyed good activity on the morning of the opening day (Friday), later becoming quiet until business picked up on Monday, the closing day.

Demand was specific, mainly by retailers but also some wholesales, apparently fulfillment of specific orders. Buyers focused on 1.5+ carat rounds in white or light color. Emerald cut goods did especially well.

Loose sellers and exhibitors in the main hall, which included local loose wholesalers as well as jewelry exhibitors, all reported that buyers were serious and came to buy, usually knowing in advance what they are looking for.

Jewelry exhibitors were much more enthusiastic about the fair than loose diamond wholesalers were. Activity in their booths was clearly higher, interest was for a wide range of jewelry items and the growing interest in diamond jewelry was evident.

Jewelry manufacturers expressed a great deal of confidence for the coming year, most expecting double-digit growth in the coming fiscal year. They worry, however, about the high and volatile price of gold. Any major increases in the price of gold are seen as potential dampers of growth.

Retailers told IDEX Online they too are looking forward to a good year as all the economic indicators for India are good.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), which organized the show, did well in moving it to Mumbai and expanding its format. For a first year, it went very well. The general consensus is that as the show becomes established, it will be another important stop in the annual show calendar.

Edahn Golan was the guest of the GJEPC