A Mega B2B gem and jewellery extravaganza by MJDMA and UBM India that shines a spotlight on key trends, and industry insights
Gem and Jewellery India International Exhibition (GJIIE) organized by Madras Jewellers Diamond Merchants Association (MJDMA) and UBM India, the nation’s leading exhibition organizer, commenced its 13th edition today at the Chennai Trade Centre. Chief Guest Mr. KC Veeramani, Honourable Minister for Commercial Taxes And Registration and other key dignitaries Mr. Jayantilal Chalani, President, MJDMA, Mr. Rajesh Vummidi, Chairman, MJDMA – GJIIE, Mr. Rajendra Jain, Managing Director, Swarovski Gems, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India and Mr. Abhjit Mukherjee, Group Director, UBM India inaugurated the show amidst an august industry gathering.
The three day GJIIE (March 10th – 12th ) is the second largest gems & jewellery B2B exhibition in India with participation of over 300 exhibitors that  include wholesalers, retailers, importers and exporters, jewellery manufacturers, machinery manufacturers, diamond, gemstone, pearl suppliers and traders, precious metal and jewellery mounting traders and suppliers, and representatives from trade and governmental bodies. It is a gateway to the Indian jewellery market, with a special focus on South India’s repertoire, and provides an excellent platform for buyers and suppliers to connect, network, exchange ideas, discover upcoming trends and generate business opportunities. The expo continues to attract well-reputed local and overseas buyers, reinforcing the expo’s position as a proven and trusted sourcing hub for the industry. In addition to Tier I, II and III cities in India, the exhibition witnessed delegate representation from New York, Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia, thus substantiating the international reach and presence of GJIIE 2017.
At the fair, the exhibitors showcased an array of merchandise including diamonds, pearls, gemstones, studded jewellery, exquisite South Indian gold jewellery including Temple Nakshi Jewellery , Stone Studded Jewellery, and Bridal Jewellery such as Manga Malai, Kasu Mala and Pachhi Designs, to name a few. Latest machinery used in the manufacturing process and other related products and services were also on display.
Some of the notable exhibitors who participated at the exhibition this year include leading players from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad,  Surat and others. The exhibitor names include leading players like Mohanlal Jewellers Pvt. Ltd, Laxmi Jewellery Chennai Pvt. Ltd, Jai Gulab Dev Jewellers, J , C JEWELLERS (CHENNAI) PVT LTD, Mukti gold, Krizz, Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd, Unique Chain Pvt Ltd, White Fire Diamonds India Pvt Ltd, Prakash Gold Palace Pvt Ltd, Vijay Gems & Jewellery, Grurukrupa Exports, Peeyar Manufacturers, Gitanjali Jewellery Retail Limited, Swarnshilp Chains & Jewellers Pvt Ltd, Chain N Chains, ORO, JKS Jewels, Anmol Swarn, Matushree Gold and Mehta Gold  amongst others.
For the first time since its inception, GJIIE will conduct an All TN President & Secretary meet and GJF Zonal meet with key associations and apex bodies to discuss the key achievements and challenges of the trade in the state . With young consumers looking less at gold and jewellery as an asset class, and preferring understated, stylish and wearable pieces, the expo with its two day technical seminar by GIA will provide significant insights to those involved in the trade. The ‘Gemmology and Spotlight on Synthetics’ showcases the array of lab created stones that have similar appearance, as well as chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural ones, Besides, one day technical seminars by MSME and SBI on ‘Schemes in Jewellery’ and ‘Metal Gold Loan’ will afford significant options for those looking at trading in precious metals and stones. Asthe new global order in this sector is all about superior customer experience, and following sophisticated, international trends, the panel discussions on ‘Innovative Thinking’ and ‘Jewellery Technology Transformation’ by thought leaders on Day 2 is bound to prove useful for new entrants in the industry.
The expo scores high on the visual and aspirational aspect too with an ‘Innovative Zone’ — a special gallery that is featuring at GJIIE for the first time showcasing unique designs. Besides, The ‘Hall of Fame’, an eye-catching display of miniatures made from precious metals and gem stones of famous originals is one of the talking points of the show, along with a ‘Swarowski Gallery’, that displayed its new collection of glittering crystals. A fashion show on the evening of Day 2 will showcase astonishing pieces of jewellery, capturing the trends of the season which will be followed by a networking night for the exhibitors.
Speaking at the inauguration of the second largest jewellery expo of the country – GJIIE 2017, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, “The Indian Gems and Jewellery industry is one of the fastest growing segments in the Indian economy and is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.95 per cent over the period 2014-2019. There are abundant opportunities in this vertical which is also export-oriented and labour intensive, deeming India the hub of the global jewellery market. Echoing the principles of demonetisation and GST, the jewellery sector is keen to bring in transparency with the majority of consumers opting for a digital mode of payment as well. It is extremely important that the community meet under one platform to discuss these changes, and create a core strategy to overcome the challenges that the changes may have brought about. As the second largest jewellery expo in the country, GJIIE takes pride in its role to provide this micro ecosystem for buyers and exhibitors, passionate about the craft of jewellery making, to bounce back.â€
“South India is deemed to be the hub for precious and semi precious studded jewellery, handmade jewellery, casting jewellery and lightweight gold jewellery. Through GJIIE, UBM India strives to provide an international trading platform enabling jewellery, diamond, pearl and gemstone suppliers to congregate, interact and network with key buyers, both local and international in the Southern region. It is poised to raise benchmarks and fuel trade for the jewellery industry in the region.â€He further added.Â
Speaking on the occasion of the 13th edition of GJIIE, Mr. Jayantilal Chalani, President, MJDMA said, “India is considered to be the centre of the global jewellery market due to its low costs and availability of high-skilled labour. The gems and jewellery market in India is home to more than 5,00,000 players, with the majority being small players. GJIIE is an initiative by the trade and for the trade. We are delighted to see that the expo has participation from the deep interiors of the country, including Tier II and Tier III towns.â€
“With the overwhelming response received during our last edition in October 2016, the forthcoming 13th edition of GJIIE is going to be a bigger affair with great business opportunities. As organizers, MJDMA and UBM India have always aimed at getting the best clientele to participate in GJIIE through constant promotions and great road shows held in major cities as well as in two tier and three tier cities.†He added.
UBM has been an integral part of the jewellery industry for nearly three decades now, organizing similar renowned jewellery fairs worldwide. GJIIE is one of the four-city jewellery shows (Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi) hosted throughout the year by UBM India.