IIJS 2012 - Review

The five-day long world’s 2nd largest Indian International Jewellery Show (IIJS) concluded on 27th August in Mumbai. This was the 29th edition where more than 800 exhibitors participated with 1800 booths in an exhibition area of 46,000 sq m.

Local visitors and international delegations from various countries like - Bangladesh, China, Dubai, Hungary, Iran, Japan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Nepal, Poland, Singapore, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Belgium, Israel, Turkey, UAE visited this show.

Global economic slowdown has had an adverse effect on worldwide jewelry market as well. Fall in value of rupee and continuous increase in gold prices has further aggravated the concerns of jewelry industry.

However, in such an unfavorable market situation, IIJS 2012 came as a breeze of fresh air just before Indian festive and wedding season. Participants had created their IIJS inventory to match the mood of buyers with hope of good sale.

New Launches

IIJS is a great platform to launch new collection because of its huge visibility across world media. This year witnessed eminent brands showcasing their latest jewelry collection, like:

Kama Schachter, one of the Asia’s largest manufacturers and exporters of diamond jewelry, showcased their most popular brands - 'Kama Love' and 'Kama Platinum' at the show.

World Gold Council introduced 'Azva' wedding jewelry collection that celebrates the moment of togetherness with designs crafted in 22-karat gold inspired by Saat Pheras or Seven Vows of Indian wedding.

World Gold Council Collection

Tanishq showcased its 'Jewels of Falaknuma' collection that is inspired from the royal Nizams of Hyderabad.

Amrapali showcased three collections: silver, Art Deco and gold with jadau work.

Yoshie Ishikawa (Japanese designer) showcased her collection called 'Across Dream Time and Space' which was inspired by nature.

This year also witnessed GJEPC promoting dying Indian art forms like Bidri, Bamboo, Filigree and Patwa. The council collaborated with country’s top jewelers - Anmol Jewellers, Jewels Emporium and Ganjam – who manufactured beautiful jewels using these art forms.

Events

The RBS solitaire awards, aimed to bring out creative skills and excellence was a delight to see.

Seminar Spectrum covered wide range of topics to educate the participants on latest jewelry trends and various topics related to Gem and Jewelry industry. Even GIA conducted various free seminars which got quite an enthusiastic response.

Business Outlook

Loose Diamonds:

Strong demand for loose fancy cut diamonds in SI+ clarities in a wide range of colors was noted. Princess cut was the favorites along with pear, cushion, emerald cut and asscher cut.

In round shape, selling was rather slow in 1 carat diamonds. Diamonds between 1 ct – 3 ct and melee and star group diamond were quite in demand.

Lower clarity (VS – SI) diamonds were in demand in general. Overall demand for better quality stones was ‎weak but VS2 clarity diamonds had strong demand among buyers from far-east.

Color wise, demand for G-H color was noted.

Finished Jewelry:

High prices of raw material has in general led to the trend of light weight innovative jewelry with use of cane, wood, leather and silk, peacock feathers and ivory. Light weight necklaces were creatively crafted to give illusion of heavy look. Use of contemporary designing jewelry techniques and modern technology was quite evident. Inspiration from Mughals and Nizams was seen in jewelry pieces.

Polki with diamonds and pearls with delicate use of enameling and carving was a hit combination. Jewelry pieces had small round pearls rather than bigger pearls in round shape. However, uneven shaped pearls were popular in cocktail rings and long pearl strings.

Among gemstones, small ruby pieces were popularly used in invisible setting in floral motifs. Unconventional asymmetric neckpieces with the invisible set ruby pendant (not exactly in the centre) were also noticed.

Invisible Setting Rubies

I observed that, this year coral took center stage from ruby, as big red coral pieces were used in an innovative style in necklaces. Emeralds from bright shades to deeper tones were widely used in jewelry. Parrot green gemstones used in combination with corals looked refreshing and beautiful. Opal, sapphire and topaz were the other prominent stones. Mother of pearl was displayed in new carved avatar with beautiful, intricate and bold jewelry around it.

Big is still in

Large elaborate necklaces with diamond, emerald and pearls were easily the most popular this year. Big and bold diamond and gold bracelets in unique shapes and styles were seen. Chandelier Earrings have again gone bigger with ruby, pearl and emerald tassels. So, bring out your old earrings and add tassels to make them trendy!

Big Bracelets from Ansa Jewelers

Layers in Demand

Necklaces with ruby and pearl with little use of diamond here and there had their presence felt. You can even pair your choker with pearl strings.

Gold Beads

Gold beads in various finishing – glossy, matted, antique, rhodium – and shapes (even in cube shape) were seen. Also, beautifully carved gold beads with enamel and studded with small diamonds and gemstones were more popular as compared to gemstone beads.

Cube Shaped Gold Beads

For Hair

This year also saw Maangtikas in various designs with diamonds and gemstones. Tiaras that are hardly seen, made their entry this year. Various jewelers showcased stunning and innovative headpieces.

Motifs

Floral: rose and lotus were popular exhibits.

Kundan Necklace with Floral Motif

Animal: elephant, peacock and butterfly were popular.

Butterfly Motif

Archives:

IIJS Signature - 2012

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