The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has officially inaugurated the 18th iteration of IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 in Mumbai. This prestigious event, held at the Jio World Convention Centre, effectively kickstarts the international jewellery business calendar, solidifying India's pivotal position within the global gems and jewellery industry. This influential B2B trade exhibition gathers stakeholders from across the value chain, shaping market sentiment, procurement approaches, and overall business direction for the upcoming year.

The opening ceremony featured distinguished guests including Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands and Chair of the Natural Diamond Council, alongside Harsha Bangari, Managing Director of EXIM Bank, and Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director of CaratLane. They were joined by key figures from GJEPC, such as Chairman Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman Shaunak Parikh, and Executive Director Sabyasachi Ray, along with numerous exhibitors, buyers, and industry leaders from around the world.

The IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 exhibition is being concurrently hosted at two prominent Mumbai locations: the Jio World Convention Centre from January 8-11, 2026, and the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Goregaon, from January 9-12, 2026. This extensive event also incorporates IGJME Bharat – Signature 2026, which focuses on showcasing machinery and technological advancements within the sector. Spanning an impressive 1.25 lakh square meters, the exhibition boasts over 1,600 exhibitors and 3,300 stalls. It anticipates welcoming more than 25,000 trade buyers from over 800 Indian cities, in addition to 1,400 international buyers representing 40 nations and 12 international delegations. The event provides a comprehensive platform for sourcing a diverse range of products, including gold, diamond, silver, and studded jewellery, loose natural diamonds, colored gemstones, couture and fine jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, and related machinery and services.

Ms. Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers, emphasized India's unique role, stating that "there is no better place to discuss the future of jewellery than India." She highlighted India's journey from being the origin of the diamond narrative to becoming one of the fastest-growing markets globally, affirming its status as a cornerstone of stability and opportunity for the international gems and jewellery sector. She underscored the vital function of platforms like IIJS Signature in fostering trust, collaborations, and confidence across the ecosystem, thereby reinforcing India's central role in the worldwide jewellery trade.

Shri Kirit Bhansali, GJEPC Chairman, articulated that as the inaugural major international showcase of the year, IIJS Bharat – Signature exemplifies the Indian gem and jewellery industry's confidence, resilience, and global preparedness. He stated that "India stands at the intersection of trust, transparency, and opportunity—with IIJS vividly portraying this narrative." Mr. Bhansali further noted India's proactive engagement on the global stage, particularly its assumption of the Kimberley Process Chairmanship for the third time in 2026, which signifies a strong affirmation of its leadership, credibility, and commitment to ethical trade. He projected that the Indian gem and jewellery sector is on track to achieve USD 100 billion in exports by 2047, driven by Free Trade Agreements, government backing, strategic diversification, manufacturing and technological advancements, and retail expansion. These fundamental principles, rooted in transparency and consumer confidence, are crucial for bolstering global competitiveness and ensuring sustained, long-term growth.

Harsha Bangari, Managing Director of EXIM Bank, highlighted the significance of financial support and infrastructure in bolstering the industry. She noted that the gems and jewellery sector is both traditional and dynamic, making substantial contributions to India's exports and employment. Ms. Bangari stressed the importance of strengthening infrastructure, raising awareness of financial instruments, bridging technology and skill gaps, and streamlining trade processes to enable clusters to fully realize their export potential. Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director of CaratLane, echoed the sentiment on industry growth, emphasizing that while all stakeholders have benefited, continuous investment in skills and craftsmanship is paramount for maintaining this momentum. He projected significant industry growth in the coming years, making the availability of skilled labor critical. Mr. Bhaumik asserted that prioritizing artisans is not merely philanthropy but a sound business strategy, essential for India to emerge as a global leader by ensuring the dignity, pride, and security of its craftsmanship.

Shaunak Parikh, GJEPC Vice Chairman, underscored that IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 embodies India's commanding presence in the global gem and jewellery industry, encompassing manufacturing excellence, design innovation, and a rapidly expanding domestic market. As the first major international jewellery trade fair of the year, it serves as the primary destination for the global industry to seek direction and opportunities in India. He highlighted that the extensive participation, growing international presence, and strong influx of new businesses reflect the confidence within the trade, establishing IIJS Bharat – Signature as the definitive starting point for the global jewellery business year.

Inspired by the diverse Art Forms of India and guided by the "Brilliant Bharat" theme, a dedicated Crafts Pavilion at IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 celebrates India's rich jewellery heritage. This pavilion features curated displays and live demonstrations by National Award-winning artisans, showcasing GI-tagged traditions such as Thewa (gold on glass), Banarasi Meenakari, Cuttack’s ancient silver filigree, and unique silver crafts from the Hupari cluster. Visitors gain an insightful view into India's enduring craft legacy. The exhibition also includes Select CLUB, an exclusive luxury segment at JWCC, featuring high-end couture and fine jewellery from 107 distinguished companies. Furthermore, the Innov8 Talks & Symposium Knowledge Forums delve into crucial topics such as the future of natural diamonds, Free Trade Agreements, lab-grown diamond technology, ease of business operations, and the future role of AI in the jewellery sector by 2030. In alignment with GJEPC’s One Earth sustainability initiative, IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 remains dedicated to responsible exhibition practices, including the elimination of over 600,000 single-use plastic water bottles at the Bombay Exhibition Centre and the broader adoption of environmentally conscious measures. With international buyers, industry leaders, and policymakers converging in Mumbai, IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 is poised to shape the trajectory of the gem and jewellery industry in the forthcoming year, seamlessly blending tradition, innovation, sustainability, and global business prospects on a single, integrated platform.