The third edition of IIJS Signature, the 'by-invitation-only' luxury jewellery event organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), has been inaugurated at Kala Academy, Goa, by chief guest Shri Digambar V. Kamat, chief minister, Goa, in the presence of chairman, Mr. Vasant Mehta, GJEPC, Mr. Pratap Singh Raoji Rane, speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly, and other dignitaries from the industry. This time IIJS Signature has invited select exhibitors comprising the most reputed jewellery companies in the industry to showcase their jewellery at this much-preferred luxury show.

IIJS Signature has introduced a separate exhibition section for loose diamonds and coloured gemstones in addition to the jewellery section this year and thus, jewellery exhibitors will not be allowed to display loose diamonds at their stalls.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Shri Digambar V. Kamat, said: "Thank you Vasantbhai for hosting this important Show in the beautiful state of Goa. I would like to congratulate the industry for incorporating the best technology and making India proud of its jewellery. I wish the gems and jewellery industry success for record breaking exports".

In his welcome speech, Mr. Mehta said: "IIJS Signature is the exotic jewel in the crown. Gone are the days when India just prepared lower category jewellery. We now produce all kinds of jewellery. Though last year the economic climate was dark and gloomy, we managed US$24.9 billion exports in 2009. Gold jewellery contributed about 57 percent and this year 2010 is looking promising and we expect a record growth”.

Mr. Mehta stressed on product technology and design, saying, “These are the fore fronts where India is improving. Our recent IDJP Anant program was a unique promotion initiative and one of the first industry-led initiatives. We hope to make it larger and take it abroad. For the first time GJEPC has been running a promotion activity for the domestic market".

Some of the guests for this year include Chinese, Turkish, Russian and Arabic visitors who are here to explore the unique aspects of the Indian jewellery industry. "Goa is the perfect venue to mix business with pleasure", added Mr. Mehta.

According to Mr. Pratap Singh, "India has been famous for centuries for its intricate jewellery and Goa is well-suited for such a Show. We are growing by nearly 8 percent gap and the domestic demand is expected to grow further. We are in a free world and a world that is flat and hence India will continue to export large amounts of jewellery".

IIJS Signature is offering privileged complimentary hospitality package to select 100 international attendees and 200 domestic attendees from all over India and travel facilities is also been extended to 40 select international buyers from identified markets like Russia, China, Middle East, Europe and the US.

JC