India is a world leader in the manufacturing of cut and refined diamonds. Eleven out of every 12 diamonds pass through India. India is constantly striving to be a global centre of excellence. At a time when the gem and jewellery industry across the world was caught in an economic meltdown, the crisis has been a catalyst for the Indian diamond industry, which has advanced against the competition.
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has played a significant role in the development of the Indian industry. The India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), India’s premier B2B show organised by the GJEPC, has developed into a brand, and is one of the key factors pushing forward growth of the Indian gem and jewellery industry. It is an ideal destination for networking and sourcing the widest variety of products. The IIJS today is the third largest jewellery show in the world with a presence of over 30,000 visitors, and 800 exhibitors occupying 1,700 booths. Besides individual overseas exhibitors, the IIJS hosts national pavilions from Thailand, Belgium, Dubai, Italy, Israel and Turkey.
For the first time, IIJS 2010 will have an exclusive International Pavilion, the ultimate rendez-vous between India’s jewellery offering and international buyers. IIJS 2010 will introduce a separate section for loose diamonds to encourage business opportunities among category buyers.
The GJEPC has launched Anant to promote diamond jewellery in India. Anant is available at over 200 retail outlets across the country. The GJEPC has announced the first Jewellery Week in India, to be held in mid-August 2010, showcasing India ’s top designers and design houses. National and international buyers, the media, guests and dignitaries from across the world will witness the event in Mumbai. India now processes 70 percent of the world’s diamonds by value. India ’s diamond and jewellery industry employs more than 4 million people.
India ’s total gem and jewellery exports stood at US$25 billion in 2009. India enjoys a leadership position in the industry due to a combination of strong skills, competitive costs, and a global marketing effort.