One of the world’s largest gem & jewellery B2B shows – India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Premiere 2024 organised by India’s apex trade body,The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) – set a new staggering record by generating a staggering USD 12 billion of business over 6 days.

Showcasing “Brilliant Bharat” theme this year, IIJS Premiere 2024 (the 40^th edition) show dates were: 8-12 August at JIO World Convention Centre, Mumbai and 9-13 August at Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO Goregaon, Mumbai. IIJS Premiere 2024 had a total exhibition area of 135,000 sq. mt. (1.45 million sq. ft.), which is much higher than that of the prominent comparable shows in the western world. With over 3,600 stalls and 2,100 exhibitors, IIJS Premiere attracted over 50,000 buyers. There were 15 International delegations from 13+ countries including Cambodia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan.

Running concurrently with IIJS Premiere 2024 was IGJME Premiere, a prominent Machinery and Allied Expo held from August 9-13, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Goregaon in Mumbai. This event featured over 220 companies and 320 stalls, showcasing the latest in machinery and technology. Notably, the expo included an Italy Pavilion, highlighting international participation and the global reach of the exhibition.

Mr. Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry visited IIJS Premiere at the Bombay Exhibition Centre on 10^th August and had an interactive session with the trade members. Piyush Goyal announced the reintroduction of the Diamond Imprest Licence as a key policy initiative for the gem and jewellery industry.

Mr. Goyal said that the Union Budget had cut duty rates of Gold, Silver and platinum, which was hurting the vibrant gem & jewellery industry and job creation.

“India’s domestic market is resilient and growing fast to compensate for the loss in exports due to global recession. I urge gem & jewellery exporters to be positive,” he said.

Mr. Goyal further added, “Indian Government is engaging with G7 actively and several relevant Union Ministers are very much involved in negotiations. We have been having extensive discussions with EU Ministers and Commissioner. There are issues of transparency, data protection and costs. But this is the first time that India is negotiating from a position of strength with the G7.”

The inauguration of IIJS at JIO World Convention Centre was graced by Hon. Governor of Maharashtra Mr. C. P. Radhakrishnan; and Mr. Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon. Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of Maharashtra. Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Mr. Nirav Bhansali, Convener-National Exhibitions, GJEPC along with Committee of Administration (COA) welcomed several honoured guests and dignitaries such as GJEPC’s brand ambassador Ms. Manushi Chhillar; Mr. Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group; Mr. Paul Alukka, MD, Jos Alukkas; and Mr. Dilip Gaur, Business Director – Novel Jewels, Aditya Birla Group.

The inauguration at Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) Goregaon was graced by Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, IAS, Principal Secretary (Industries) Govt. of Maharashtra; and Honoured Guests including Mr. Emil Guzelis, Chairman,  Zen Diamond; Mr. Sandeep Kohli, CEO – Novel Jewels, Aditya Birla Group; Mr. Varghese Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Allukas; and Ms. Stefanie Mandlein, Exhibition Director, Inhorgenta Munich.

The Select Club emerged as a standout attraction at IIJS Premiere 2024, with the number of participating brands soaring to 101 from just 60 in the previous edition. This remarkable growth signifies the Club’s potential to double in size in the near future. Talking about the Select Club, Nirav Bhansali said, “Our primary focus remains on maintaining exceptional quality. A meticulous selection process ensures that only brands offering an ultra-luxury experience and exquisite designs are included in the Select Club. Attendees greatly appreciated this section, praising the unparalleled elegance and sophistication it showcased.”

During the IIJS Premiere 2024 Celebration Night, GJEPC honored the legends of the industry—remarkable individuals and companies whose exceptional contributions have shaped the landscape of gems and jewellery. This year’s honorees included Cara Jewellers, D. P. Abhushan Limited, Hazoorilal & Sons Jewellers Private Limited, Hazoorilal Jewellers Pvt Ltd, Jos Alukkas, Joyalukkas India Limited, P. C. Chandra Jewellers, and Siroya Jewellers.

One of the highlights of IIJS Premiere 2024 was the GJEPC’s 40 Under 40 initiative, which celebrated the industry’s next-gen talent. This prestigious award recognized young visionaries who have demonstrated exceptional talent, innovation, and dedication to the world of jewellery. The awards were presented by Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, Vaishali Banerjee, MD, PGI India, Sachin Jain, Regional CEO, India, World Gold Council and Amit Pratihari, VP, De Beers Forevermark.

During the 9th edition of Jewellers for Hope, a charity fundraiser organized by GJEPC and held alongside IIJS Premiere, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan graced the event with her presence. This year, the proceeds of the charity dinner were donated to two NGOs – MIAM, Miam Charitable Trust is committed to the social upliftment of tribal, rural, and urban populations across India; and the Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF) to coordinate social interventions, particularly during major crises.