Going by the attendance that the inaugural day registered, the second edition of the business-to-business South India Jewellery Show (SIJS) was a calling that the who’s who of the jewellery industry could not resist.
Kanteerava Stadium, this weekend is converting itself to a jewellery house, what with over 150 people taking part in the exhibition.
The expo is an attempt at bridging the gap between retailers and manufacturers and also at exposing industry persons to the latest designs. “We do have a market in the South, but we want to expand our reach to Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Since jewellers from these States are participating in the expo, this is a good opportunity,” says Nikhil Goel. For Dhiraj of ‘India Silver’, Kholapur, SIJS is all about promoting silver at a time when gold prices are on a high. Dhiraj through pooja items, idols of gods, plates and cups has showcased Indian heritage. The exhibitors of `Taraash’ are also promoting their head-to-toe line of silver jewellery that come with coloured stones, Swarovski and rhodium finish.
‘Bassano’, an Italian brand also has on display its 9 to 5 silver collection. Watches (stainless steel), basic chains and fancy jewellery with murano glasses are also on display. “With the purchasing power of the middle class having increased, this is the best time to showcase silver,” say the exhibitors of the brand. Jitendra Singh, who is participating in the expo to promote his silver line of jewellery ‘Arvino’, said that SIJS is not just about big business, but also about exchange of ideas.
The seminars held during the expo are very informative, he adds.
Big names in the business like Gitanjali, p.mangataram and Malabar Gold also have on display some of the best contemporary and traditional designs. If handcrafted vintage jewellery, pearls, kundan, minakari, victorian and navratan jewellery exhibited by Praveen Jewellers and Jewel Ace capture the royalty of Jaipur, there is ‘Desire’ and the ‘Exquisite Color Impex’ tags for those interested in hip and lifestyle jewellery.
Safe lockers and softwares that could help jewellers manage their business better are also being displayed at the expo, which will be on till January 20. Discussions on jewellery trade; trading opportunities on internet and jewellery certification among others will be held.
Shruti I L
