IIJS Signature, India’s first trade show of the calendar year is regarded as the nerve centre of jewellery design and technology – attracting domestic and international buyers alike. The 13th edition of IIJS Signature 2020 will be held from February 13th-16th at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.
This premium B2B jewellery-buying show has already attracted more than 10,800 pre-registered visitors. These visitors have confirmed their presence for the show in the first phase of pre-registration that ended on December 17th 2019, which is 261% higher than last year. The GJEPC is expecting to get more registrations in the second phase that will end in mid-January 2020.
The IIJS Signature platform will also be known for giving exposure to the newcomers in the industry. This year, IIJS Signature has a special Design Pavilion, which will feature the works of nine hand-picked women entrepreneurs and nine budding jewellery designers. The platform will be a great experience for our designers and entrepreneurs to network and meet buyers from India and abroad. This will also give them an understanding on the expectations of different buyers. GJEPC has offered special rates for these participants with the aim to encourage tomorrow’s creative stars of India. Selection of jewellery designers and women entrepreneurs will be done by independent industry experts appointed by the Council in assistance with the Women’s Jewellery Association – India. Preference will also be given to IIGJ past and present alumni.
Pramod Agrawal, Chairman, GJEPC states, “IIJS Signature has defined itself as an important barometer of success for the Indian industry, showcasing the best of jewellery in terms of design, quality and finishes, as well as high technology solutions – all under one roof. The show will undoubtedly help to boost India’s jewellery exports from $12 billion at present to $18 billion by 2025.”
“As an endeavour to encourage design talent and entrepreneurship, this time we have created a special Design Pavilion, which will showcase the works of nine hand-picked women entrepreneurs and nine budding jewellery designers from the industry. GJEPC has offered nominal rates for these participants, with an aim to bring forth such design talent. As GJEPC we indulge in a series of design initiatives across the year that helps nurture the skillset and talent of jewellery design. Design Pavilion at IIJS Signature is yet another such effort in that direction.” Said Mr Agrawal.
Colin Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, notes, “The heartening response received from exhibitors and visitors for IIJS Signature – in terms of record numbers of stall bookings and pre-registration – is the best antidote to the slowdown that has affected our industry for so long. It is a clear indication that the trade believes 2020 will witness an uptick in demand throughout the pipeline. In these stressful times, the optimism and positivity shown by our industry is perhaps our greatest strength. I envisage a more stable political and economic environment in the next few years, which will hopefully bring about further business-friendly policy changes related to taxation, export finance and so on.”
Mansukh Kothari, Convener – National Exhibitions, GJEPC, comments, “IIJS Signature stands tall for its eclectic mix of high-design jewellery to cater to a variety of individual requirements. The first show of the Indian calendar year is perfectly timed to replenish inventory for the upcoming festivals that drive jewellery sales and the summer wedding season.”
Speaking On the Design Pavilion, Convener National Exhibitions said, “ India is a powerhouse of Design when it comes to jewellery. It was imperative to showcase this design talent to the world at IIJS Signature, as the show provides a significant opportunity and exposure to Indian and International buyers”
Two significant events timed around IIJS Signature i.e. Design Inspirations and The Artisan Awards. These are being organised in keeping with the GJEPC’s stated objective of raising the design consciousness of the Indian industry.
The Artisan Awards 2020, which is themed on Architectural Gems, will honour nine winners on February 12th 2020, at an exclusive gala in Mumbai, one day prior to the start of IIJS Signature. In the first round of judging, 27 finalists were selected from the 625 entries. The designs were based on the three key architectural eras – Art Deco, Islamic Arabesque and Neo-Futurism. The Awards will be presented by a renowned international jewellery artist, who is especially visiting the show for this purpose.
The day-long Design Inspirations seminar, which will be held along the sidelines of IIJS Signature, on February 16th, will see a slew of distinguished foreign and Indian speakers from the fields of fashion, jewellery, retail and more. These influential experts will share their knowledge and experience to stimulate ideas and innovation.
IIJS Signature, besides being a perfect networking platform due to its unhurried pace, it is also a place to get the pulse of the market in terms of high design, market demand, and insights on inventive technology. The show is a platform that bridges the gap between manufacturers and trade attendees and is an ideal meeting point to introduce the right manufacturer to the right buyer.
