India Sets the Global Jewellery Calendar with Grand Opening of IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026

• IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 to expected to generate ₹75,000 crore in orders over the next three months
• Industry on Track for USD 100 Billion Exports by 2047, Aligned with PM’s Vision of Viksit Bharat: GJEPC Chairman
• IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 features 1,600+ exhibitors and 3,300+ stalls across 1.25 lakh sq. m. at two premier Mumbai venues
• 25,000+ trade buyers, including 1,400 international buyers from 40 countries

and 12 international buyer delegations.

India reaffirmed its position at the centre of the global gems and jewellery trade as the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) inaugurated the 18th edition of IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), Mumbai—formally opening the global jewellery business calendar for the year.

Widely regarded as the first and most influential B2B jewellery trade fair of the year, IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 brings together the entire global value chain at a time when market sentiment, sourcing strategies, and business direction for the year ahead begin to take shape.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Sandrine Conseiller, CEO, De Beers Brands and Chair, Natural Diamond Council, and Guests of Honour Harsha Bangari, Managing Director, EXIM Bank and Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director, CaratLane.

The inauguration took place in the presence of Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman & Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, along with members of the Committee of Administration, exhibitors, buyers, and leading stakeholders from across the global gem and jewellery industry.

IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 is being held at two premier venues in Mumbai—Jio World Convention Centre (8–11 January 2026) and Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Goregaon (9–12 January 2026)—alongside IGJME Bharat – Signature 2026, the machinery and technology showcase.

Spanning over 1.25 lakh square metres, the exhibition brings together 1,600+ exhibitors across 3,300+ stalls, welcoming over 25,000 trade buyers from 800+ Indian cities, including 1,400 international buyers from 40 countries and 12 international buyer delegations. The show offers a comprehensive sourcing platform across gold, diamond, silver and studded jewellery, loose natural diamonds, coloured gemstones, couture and fine jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, and machinery and allied segments.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Sandrine Conseiller, CEO, De Beers, inaugurated the show and highlighted,” there is no better place to talk about the future of jewellery than India. From being the birthplace of the world’s diamond story to emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets today, India continues to be a pillar of stability and opportunity for the global gems and jewellery industry. Platforms like IIJS Signature play a critical role in strengthening trust, partnerships and confidence across the ecosystem, while reinforcing India’s position at the heart of the global jewellery trade.”

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “As the year's first major international showcase, IIJS Bharat – Signature embodies the Indian gem and jewellery industry's confidence, resilience, and global readiness. India stands at the nexus of trust, transparency, and opportunity—with IIJS bringing this story to life.”

“In 2026, India steps boldly onto the world stage, assuming the Kimberley Process Chairmanship for the third time—a resounding vote of confidence in our leadership, credibility, and dedication to ethical trade. Poised to achieve the USD 100 billion export milestone by 2047, India's gem and jewellery sector has outgrown dependence on traditional markets. It will drive growth through Free Trade Agreements, robust government support, strategic diversification, manufacturing and technology innovation, and retail expansion. These pillars—anchored in transparency and consumer trust—strengthen our global competitiveness and ensure sustainable, long-term growth”, Chairman added

Highlighting the role of finance and infrastructure in strengthening the sector, Harsha Bangari, Managing Director, EXIM Bank, said, “Gems and jewellery is a traditional yet dynamic sector with a significant contribution to India’s exports and employment. Strengthening infrastructure, improving awareness about financial products, addressing technology and skill gaps, and easing trade bottlenecks are critical for clusters to realise their full export potential.”

Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director, CaratLane said, “As our industry grows, every stakeholder has benefited, but continued investment in skills and craftsmanship will be key to sustaining this momentum. With the industry expected to grow significantly in the coming years, the availability of skilled hands will become critical. Making artisans a priority is not charity, it is business prudence. If we want to be global leaders, dignity, pride and security for craftsmanship must sit at the centre of our growth story.”

Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC said, “IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 represents India’s commanding position in the global gem and jewellery industry, spanning manufacturing excellence, design innovation, and a rapidly growing domestic market. As the first major international jewellery trade fair of the year, it is where the global industry turns to India for direction and opportunity. The scale of participation, growing international presence, and strong entry of new enterprises reflect the confidence of the trade—making IIJS Bharat – Signature the definitive platform where the global jewellery business year truly begins.”

Inspired by the Art Forms of India under the overarching “Brilliant Bharat” theme, the dedicated Crafts Pavilion at IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 celebrates the country’s rich jewellery heritage through curated displays and live demonstrations by National Award-winning artisans. The pavilion showcases GI-tagged traditions such as Thewa (gold on glass), Banarasi Meenakari, Cuttack’s centuries-old silver filigree, and distinctive silver crafts from the Hupari cluster, offering visitors a focused glimpse into India’s living craft legacy.

The exhibition also features Select CLUB, a curated luxury segment at JWCC showcasing high-end couture and fine jewellery by 107 select companies, alongside Innov8 Talks & Symposium Knowledge Forums addressing critical themes such as the future of natural diamonds, Free Trade Agreements, lab-grown diamond technology, ease of doing business, and the role of AI in jewellery by 2030.

Aligned with GJEPC’s One Earth sustainability initiative, IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 continues its commitment to responsible exhibitions, including the elimination of over 600,000 single-use plastic water bottles at the Bombay Exhibition Centre and wider adoption of eco-conscious practices.

With global buyers, industry leaders, and policymakers converging in Mumbai, IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 is poised to set the tone for the gem and jewellery industry in the year ahead—combining heritage, innovation, sustainability, and global business opportunity on one unified platform.

Courtesy : AOJ Desk News