The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is poised to inaugurate the global jewellery calendar with the 18th iteration of IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026. This prestigious event, recognized as the year's initial global business-to-business jewellery trade fair, will unfold across two prominent locations in Mumbai later this week. It promises to be a pivotal moment for the industry, setting trends and fostering connections for the year ahead.

This significant exhibition will take place at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) in Bandra Kurla Complex from January 8 to 11, 2026. Concurrently, the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO) in Goregaon will host activities from January 9 to 12, 2026, including the machinery and technology showcase, IGJME Bharat – Signature 2026. The dual-venue approach underscores the scale and comprehensive nature of this highly anticipated event.

IIJS is firmly established as a cornerstone for commerce within the gem and jewellery domain. As the inaugural trade gathering of the year, IIJS Bharat – Signature serves as a crucial indicator of market sentiment, guiding future directions in sourcing, design, and business strategies for the coming months. Its influence on the global industry is widely acknowledged and respected.

The exhibition will boast an impressive roster of over 1,600 exhibitors, occupying more than 3,300 stalls spread across a vast area of 1.25 lakh square meters. It is expected to draw over 25,000 trade buyers from more than 800 cities across India, alongside 1,400 international buyers representing 40 countries worldwide. Attendees will discover an extensive range of products, including gold, diamond, silver, loose natural diamonds, colored gemstones, couture jewellery, and lab-grown diamonds, as well as machinery and related services.

This edition will welcome 12 international buyer delegations, further cementing IIJS Bharat – Signature’s standing as a premier global sourcing hub. International exhibitors will also be prominently featured, with 21 jewellery companies from the USA, UAE, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Turkey, and Germany showcasing their collections across 43 stalls. Additionally, 4 international machinery and allied companies will participate with 7 stalls, reflecting the event's broad international appeal.

A testament to the renewed commercial vigor and robust industry engagement, over 368 new companies are making their debut at this edition, collectively occupying 472 stalls. This substantial influx of new participants highlights IIJS Bharat – Signature’s continuous expansion and its vital role in the jewellery sector.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, emphasized the exhibition’s significance: “As the first global jewellery trade fair of the year, IIJS Bharat – Signature plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s trajectory. India’s gem and jewellery sector is currently focused on enhancing global trust, broadening market access, and cultivating long-term competitiveness through excellence, innovation, and responsible practices. IIJS embodies this overarching ambition.”

The Select CLUB, an exclusive luxury segment located in Jasmine Hall on the 3rd floor of the Jio World Convention Centre, will host 107 carefully chosen companies. These exhibitors will present high-end couture and fine jewellery to discerning buyers and luxury connoisseurs. Conceived as a dedicated high-end sourcing destination, this section underscores India’s increasing prowess in design-led, high-value jewellery creation.

Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman of GJEPC and Convener, National Exhibitions, commented on the event’s operational success: “IIJS Bharat – Signature is where the industry initiates its annual business cycle. The dual-venue arrangement enables us to accommodate the rising demand from exhibitors while providing a streamlined experience for buyers. From curated sections and educational forums to technology-driven services, the show is meticulously designed to empower businesses to commence the year with clarity and assurance.”

Under the compelling theme of Brilliant Bharat, IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 will celebrate the rich artistry of India, showcasing the nation’s profound jewellery craftsmanship. This will be achieved through the focused promotion of traditional techniques such as Filigree and Banarasi Meenakari. Advancing this vision, a significant new addition to this year’s event is the Crafts Pavilion, designed to introduce grassroots craftsmanship to a global audience. Through live demonstrations by National Award-winning artisans, the pavilion will feature GI-tagged jewellery traditions including Thewa (gold on glass), Banarasi Meenakari, the ancient 500-year-old Silver Filigree craft from Cuttack, and distinctive silver anklets from the Hupari cluster, offering visitors an immersive journey into India’s enduring jewellery heritage.

Further enhancing this initiative, IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 will also host the Jewellery Crafts Design Competition. This competition, open to participating exhibitors, seeks to acknowledge design excellence deeply rooted in traditional Indian art forms. In alignment with the Brilliant Bharat – Art Forms of India theme, designers were tasked with reimagining heritage crafts into contemporary, wearable jewellery. The winning creations will be honored and displayed at the Brilliant Bharat Theme Gallery across both venues, reinforcing IIJS Bharat – Signature’s dedication to nurturing design talent while safeguarding India’s diverse craft legacy.

The Innov8 Talks and Symposium Knowledge Forums at IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 are set to delve into a diverse range of crucial and forward-thinking topics that are actively shaping the future of the gem and jewellery industry. Key discussions will explore the future of the natural diamond market, examining trends in recovery, existing challenges, and emerging opportunities. Another important session will focus on Free Trade Agreements, elucidating their modalities, intricate nuances, and their strategic implications for India’s gem and jewellery sector. The InCent-LGD, IIT Madras initiative will also be highlighted, showcasing India’s growing leadership in lab-grown diamond science and indigenous technological advancements beyond traditional gemstones. Furthermore, the program will address the Ease of Doing Business, offering perspectives from Customs, MSMEs, and DGFT, alongside sessions on Artificial Intelligence, exploring how AI is projected to revolutionize jewellery design, manufacturing, and retail by 2030.

This edition of IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 will also feature the grand launch of JewelStart, a flagship initiative by GJEPC aimed at cultivating future-ready enterprises within the gem and jewellery sector. Envisioned as a dedicated business incubation platform, JewelStart will provide essential support to start-ups, MSMEs, designers, and artisans through mentorship, access to infrastructure, technological empowerment, and crucial market access, thereby solidifying India’s aspiration to become the “Jeweller to the World.”

Sustainability remains a central tenet of GJEPC’s One Earth initiative. At IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026, the Council is committed to taking a significant stride towards more environmentally friendly exhibitions by eliminating over 600,000 single-use plastic water bottles at BEC (Nesco) throughout the event. This action builds upon previous measures, such as the integration of renewable energy, the implementation of minimal-waste booth systems, and the discontinuation of vinyl printing, collectively reinforcing the Council's unwavering dedication to organizing responsible and eco-friendly exhibitions.

The Council has placed considerable emphasis on enhancing the overall experience for participants at IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026. From the provision of Prime Plus Lounges at both venues, streamlined digital entry processes, and the IIJS App featuring an interactive 3D floor plan, to convenient shuttle services and a wide selection of accommodation options, every effort has been made to ensure a smooth and efficient show experience. Additionally, an advanced search functionality has been integrated into the IIJS website, enabling visitors to easily explore exhibitors in advance, while a new enquiry feature on the IIJS App allows buyers to connect directly with exhibitors. These enhancements collectively ensure that participants can concentrate on their primary objective: successful business engagement.

With a convergence of international buyers and prominent industry leaders in Mumbai, IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 is strategically positioned to dictate the direction for the gem and jewellery industry in the upcoming year, integrating a blend of heritage, innovation, and business prospects on a truly global stage.