The India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Signature 2025 was a celebration of brilliance and creativity, showcasing the very best of India’s jewelry sector. Organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), this 17th edition brought together a dazzling blend of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. Spanning two iconic venues in Mumbai—the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) from January 4th to 7th and the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) from January 5th to 8th—the event reaffirmed India’s leadership in the jewelry sector. Attending IIJS Signature for the first time was an amazing experience. From the moment I stepped into the grand exhibition halls, I felt immersed in a world of craftsmanship and breathtaking displays. Let me share my unforgettable journey as I explored the world’s second-largest gem and jewelry trade fair and discovered new benchmarks in the global jewelry landscape.
Inaugurated by Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon’ble Minister of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the show celebrated industry achievements and future aspirations. Esteemed dignitaries like Shri Saurabh Gadgil, Managing Director of PNG Jewellers, and Shri Umesh Pandey, Thai Trade Representative, highlighted the global importance of the event. This year’s IIJS Signature boasted over 1,500 exhibitors across 3,000 stalls, covering 1.25 lakh square meters. With over 25,000 expected trade visitors, including 1,000 international buyers from 60+ countries, the event was a vibrant showcase of the latest trends, technologies, and designs.
The Innov8 Talks series focused on emerging trends, sustainability, and innovation in design and manufacturing. After a busy first day at the show, I attended IIJS Celebration Night, the gala evening with a perfect blend of music, entertainment, and networking. This year, the event took on an even grander scale with the Hall of Fame: Gems of Prestige, a special segment dedicated to honoring iconic women achievers who are breaking barriers and driving growth in the gem and jewelry sector. Adding to the evening’s allure, attendees enjoyed the soulful melodies of Bollywood sensation Javed Ali, who performed live, while savoring the delicious international cuisines served in the beautiful venue of JIO.
IIJS Signature 2025 introduced several new features designed to enhance the visitor experience. The Brilliant Bharat Concept, featuring the Brahmi Script theme, offers exclusive access to the IIJS Prime Plus Lounge. Advanced technology, such as facial recognition-based entry, a comprehensive IIJS app, and the Value Visitor Pack for the final two days, ensures seamless navigation.
Sustainability and inclusivity remained at the heart of IIJS Signature. Maharashtra, home to nearly 50% of India’s gem and jewelry exports, serves as a shining example of innovation and entrepreneurship. Iconic infrastructures like the Bharat Diamond Bourse and the upcoming India Jewellery Park in Navi Mumbai further reinforce this commitment.
A pivotal moment of the event was the announcement of a groundbreaking partnership between GJEPC and De Beers Group. Under the initiative named INDRA – Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance, the collaboration aims to strengthen the natural diamond narrative in the Indian market, now the world’s second-largest for diamond jewelry retail sales.
INDRA will equip Indian retailers with advanced tools such as Artificial Intelligence-powered campaigns, multilingual marketing materials, and immersive storytelling techniques. Additionally, it offers in-depth natural diamond jewelry training in local languages, enhancing the skillsets of retail staff and ensuring an elevated consumer experience. Interactive roadshows will commence in January 2025, enabling GJEPC members to enroll in this transformative program.
Vipul Shah, Chairman of GJEPC, emphasized the collaboration’s significance: “The Indian gem and jewelry market, valued at USD 85 billion, is projected to grow to USD 130 billion by 2030. INDRA taps into India’s young population and rising demand for all types of jewelry, from bridal to entry-level pieces, fostering a deeper connection with natural diamonds.”
Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands, added, “India’s vibrant economy and young demographic hold immense potential for growth. Through this collaboration, we aim to unlock new opportunities for increased consumer demand for natural diamond jewelry.”
The program will include a market intelligence portal, customizable marketing content, and training modules, ensuring retailers are equipped to resonate with diverse consumer segments.
GJEPC continued to expand its global footprint. In September 2025, the Council will host its inaugural exhibition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, strengthening bilateral trade with the GCC region. Additionally, GJEPC’s adoption of updated Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines for diamonds underscores its commitment to transparency and ethical practices.
One of the highlights of IIJS Signature was Diamond Trails—a captivating anthology of stories and paintings on diamonds, designed to ignite imagination and foster a deeper appreciation for the value, beauty, and symbolism of these precious stones. The exhibit featured five diamond stories by five authors and five diamond paintings by Reena Ahluwalia, compelling the audience to pause and admire the creative explosion surrounding diamonds. I deeply appreciated and loved this artistic moment during this busy jewelry and gemstones tradeshow.
IIJS Signature 2025 was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and collaboration within the gem and jewelry industry. With its forward-thinking initiatives, global partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, the show is poised to shape the future of jewelry. By seamlessly blending tradition with innovation, the event captured the essence of India’s jewelry heritage while embracing modernity.
