KGJS: Well-timed event
I deeply appreciate the initiative taken by The Art of Jewellery to organize the first-ever gem & jewellery show in Kerala. I am sure KGJS 2008, which has already generated considerable buzz – thanks to your well-attended promotional road shows -- would serve the cause of boosting the jewellery industry in Kerala. That apart the show, I am sure, would provide an ideal forum for networking between key players within the jewellery industry: manufacturers, wholesalers and machinery producers. Besides, it would provide an opportunity to source the latest designs and track trends of interest to the participants. Not the least, the choice of the show’s venue – the vibrant city of Kochi – is very appropriate indeed.
S. Swaminathan
Ganga Fashion Jewellers, Palakkad
No impact on India
The perception that global economic meltdown has impacted Indian industry is untrue. The precious metals command a strong position in the world market place and Indian industry is doing very well. Our business is flourishing as ever. In the stock market crash, poor and rich both have been affected and some have even ended their lives. But precious metals industry is going steady as ever.
Vivek Mehta
Mehta International, New Delhi
Biz down 30 percent
The Indian G& J sector has been affected by the global recession. In Bangalore, organisations are witnessing 30 percent drop in business. However, the silver lining is that post-Diwali, business has been picking up and we wish this trend continues. The magazine is coming out well. It’s informative and I like the new products section.
Mahipal
Anmol Swarn, Bangalore
Indian exports hit hard
Indian exports to US and Europe have been badly affected. My estimate is that exports might have dropped anywhere between 25 to 50 percent since the bubble burst. Retailers have not been hurt much and my business is going on as usual. As far as your magazine is concerned, it is informative and presented well. May be you could include changing purchasing trends in diamonds. Many customers do not know how to buy a diamond from the perspective of resale value, colour etc. Educating the customers would be beneficial. You could also stress on technological advancements and also reveal the secret behind polishing. The chemical combination involved as well as the mode of polishing, etc. could be published as it has been so far been a trade secret among a few people. Large business houses offer better lustre because of their polishing technique and if you publish such trade secrets, medium and small business houses will implement them.
Rajesh Shenoy
Asterix Technology, Udupi
Gold price volatility affecting jewellery sales
There has been considerable fluctuation in gold prices, which has affected retail sales. Price volatility is stopping many consumers from buying jewellery. Even if the rate is high and stable, people come out and buy. But in the current scenario, people are just not willing to make purchases. Our order book has been shrinking since the last three months. Your magazine should suggest ways to handle business in these critical times.
Vijayalaxmi G
Divine Sparkle, Mysore
Trade down 60 percent
With American economy bleeding, 60 percent of the India gem and jewellery industry players have taken a beating. The trade turnover of Indian companies has gone down by 50 per cent. As far as our organisation is concerned, exports to the U.S. have plunged by 60 per cent. The Americans have stopped spending and hence orders are not flowing in. However, we are not facing much problem with the European markets. Indian industry should not panic at this crucial time and instead hold on to their stocks and be patient. It will take some time for things to clear up. Companies should play smartly now to grow in the future. As far as The Art of Jewellery is concerned, you need to provide more international news and events. The will help readers to know what’s happening around the world. Another feature you could incorporate is diamond trends in the domestic and international markets.
Gautam Khorana
Bello Jewels Pvt Ltd, Gurgaon
Export opportunities
The magazine is attractive and I like the articles on recent trends. However, you could offer information on export opportunities and international buyers. Also, you could cover more on the discovery front and provide variety of content; for example, which place is famous for what; major contracts deals, etc. May be you could attempt providing information on new trends in jewellery manufacture and marketing.
K J N Prasad
Andhra Jewellery Co., Vijayawada
Prove expert comment on bullion price fluctuations
The magazine is coming out well. You could try publishing a database of wholesalers and also expert comments on bullion price fluctuations and speculation. Also try to give more focus on South India
R Khan
Mohammed Khan & Sons Jewellers, Guntur
Biz prospects not good
In my opinion, Indian corporates have no considerable exposure to US equity markets and as such, we do not face any such serious problems. But we shall not lower the guard or have lax vigilance. As far as gem and jewellery is concerned, though we are in the same situation as our other Indian counterparts, we should remain cautious and be more focussed on cost cutting and future expansion plans. We are not living in a world or times, where we can remain isolated. We do face economical threat, but business prospects in general do not look good. Caution is the need of the hour.
D. D. Karel
N. M. Karel & Sons, New Delhi
Business at bullion exchanges
You should provide more information on volatility in bullion prices, business at bullion exchanges, regulations governing the trade and industry, safeguards for trading and retail management. Please do publish articles on how to use India’s gold reserve to avoid price volatility and maintain balance between demand and supply.
Girish Saboo
Maheswari Jewellers, Vijayawada
B2B deals
The magazine is excellent. I look for diamond news and latest design developments. I need to know more about business-to-business deals. Please do publish market forecast, price movements and sourcing ideas. I enjoy the survey findings which you publish in the magazine.
Manish Gupta
Manish Jewellers, Hyderabad
Focus on auctions
Give more coverage to auctions by Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Also cover other auctions – national and international. Also write more on latest jewellery demand trends and types of jewellery. May be you could lay more emphasis on Victorian and antique jewellery.
Shyam Goel
Vijay Jewellers, Hyderabad
Provide variety in content
The Art of Jewellery is really marvellous; especially special stories and reports you cover are useful for future reference. I enjoy reading detailed show reports in Events Section. Please provide some jewellery design ideas in your forthcoming issues. Further, I would like to see more diversity in content with well researched articles on gold and silver.
Sandeep C. Bhansate
Siddarth Diamond Jewellery, Ahmedabad
Forecast gold prices
I like each and every section of The Art of Jewellery. However, is it possible to publish gold price forecast? This will be of great help to the retailers as they can anticipate the trends and do purchases accordingly. The monthly gold forecast could be a ready referral for jewellery businessmen.
Rajesh R. Prakash
Parekh Bros Jewellers, Nagpur
Focus more on design
The Art of Jewellery is an excellent source for the latest in the jewellery industry. However, not much information is provided on jewellery design. We buy the magazine to refer for new designs, which can be emulated by us. Hence please provide more articles on design especially intricate diamond designs.
Deepak Jangid
Shri Vishwakarma Jewellers, M.G. road, Ankola
Keep up the good work
Congratulations to your team for the excellent news coverage, which is highly informative and useful for the traders. The magazine provides all necessary information to busy traders.
D.D. Karel
N.M. Karel & Sons, New Delhi