Manufacturers confirm surge in serious buyers at IIJS 2024, with strong response in the first 5 days

Leading Polki Jewellery manufacturers report increased demand for lighter bridal designs; Mehta Jewellers offers insights on dual venue experience, while RK Gems discusses sales and market trends

Mumbai: The India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Premiere 2024, held at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), concluded its run on August 12. As a key industry event, IIJS acts as a gauge into the market trends and buyer behaviours. The Retail Jeweller spoke with Kalpesh J. Mehta, Director of Mehta Jewellers, and Pratyush Jain, Owner of RK Gems, who shared their observations on this year’s show, including their experiences with sales and the dual-venue format.

RK Gems, incorporated in the year 1977, is a leading manufacturer from Jaipur and specializes in open setting Polki Jewellery. The regular exhibitor at IIJS for the past 5-6 years reported a significant increase in foot traffic during the first three days of the event. The owner, Pratyush Jain, noted a 30% rise in visitors and observed a notable increase in the number of serious buyers this year. He also highlighted a 15-20% increase in sales compared to previous years. There was a 20% rise in new customer inquiries, a promising sign for future engagement.

Jain emphasized that RK Gems’ unique selling point lies in their in-house design team, which ensures originality and sets them apart from competitors who often rely on copies of internet-based inspirations. “Our in-house design team is our unique selling point, especially in an era where many designs are sourced online,” Jain explained. He also observed a shift in retailer preferences toward smaller jewellery pieces and lighter bridal designs, driven by the increase in gold prices. Among the popular choices were emeralds, pink sapphires, and rubies, reflecting key market trends.

Mehta Jewellers, established in 1983 at Mumbai, is another prominent name for open Polki and uncut diamonds. Director Kalpesh J. Mehta offered his perspective on the event’s dual-venue setup. He suggested that consolidating all jewellery categories into a single venue might be more effective. “While both IIJS venues feature all categories, the NESCO venue is larger size and greater number of stalls naturally draw more visitors,” Mehta noted. He added that while JWCC had a strong response initially, foot traffic declined after the first two days.

Mehta also reported a 10% increase in serious buyers this year, particularly those interested in lighter bridal jewellery. He highlighted that Mehta Jewellers’ bridal sets are designed to be versatile, allowing them to be worn beyond the wedding day, which adds practical value to their luxury appeal.

Written by Pratyasha Kumari

Retail Jeweller India Exclusive