Mumbai: 42nd edition of IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026, organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Counci (GJEPC), concluded in Mumbai on 10th August, the strongest B2B edition in the show’s 25year history.
The numbers tell all. Spanning 135,000 sq. metres across the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) and the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), the show hosted 2,100+ exhibitors across 3,600 stalls, welcomed 56,978 unique visitors representing 24,525 companies, recorded a total footfall of 2,02,880, and attracted 5,000+ international buyers from over 80 countries — the largest global participation the show has ever seen.
Speaking on the success of the show, Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “IIJS Brisk bookings were witnessed at the show, with crowded aisles reflecting strong buyer interest. Bharat Premiere 2026 has delivered an unprecedented signal of growth and confidence for global trade. The scale operational FTAs with the UK, Oman, UAE and Australia opening preferential market access, and the landmark 15year tax exemption for Special Notified Zone rough diamond sales passed in Parliament, India is no longer just where diamonds and jewellery are made — it is emerging as a global hub where international business is transacted. We remain firmly on track towards of participation reflects the immense trust that the world places in Indian craftsmanship, quality and reliability. With our vision of achieving $100 billion in gem and jewellery exports by 2047.” Adding to the show’s comprehensive sourcing value, IGJME Bharat Premiere 2026 ran concurrently at the Bombay Exhibition Centre with 249 exhibitors across 348 stalls.
As the industry’s premier machinery and technology showcase, IGJME presented cutting-edge manufacturing solutions, advanced 3D printing, precision engineering and automation — underscoring the sector’s push toward globally competitive, high-tech production capabilities.
Exhibitors Speak:
Beyond the official numbers aspirational appeal. “For something as emotional and sentimental as an engagement or a milestone in life, consumers still want the finest, and in that context, finest and initiatives, perhaps the clearest picture of the show’s mood came from the exhibitors themselves. Conversations on the stands pointed to a market that is becoming more selective, while also showing signs of renewed confidence. Buyers were looking for value, lighter constructions and distinctive design, even as demand for higher-value and more aspirational pieces remained strong. The response across categories also varied considerably, reflecting the changing preferences of both Indian and international markets.
Aaditya Shah, Head of Business Development, S. Vinodkumar, noted, “India is definitely the future. We are at a stage where disposable income is rising, and more people are earning independently and choosing to spend on themselves. That is an incredibly positive sign for our business. “Diamonds have gone through a difficult phase over the last two years, but we are already seeing a rise, with certain sizes and categories commanding a premium again. Diamonds remain a good store of value, and that is something we are focusing on.
“At the same time, we are seeing strong demand at both ends of the spectrum. Microsized diamonds are doing extremely well because they add sparkle to gold jewellery without significantly increasing the overall cost. At the other end, diamonds above two carats are performing phenomenally well. This is a segment that remains largely untouched by the lab-grown diamond conversation and has a strong means natural diamonds. Their rarity is what gives them their value. We have also recently ventured into the high-end category. For us, high-end is not simply about using bigger stones. There is ‘carat couture’, where you move from 10 pointers to 50 pointers, but true high-end is about design sensibility. It is about creating designer pieces, irrespective of the carat size. We see a large, growing and relatively untapped customer base for this. For us, AI will certainly play a huge role in streamlining operations and making businesses more efficient, but the human touch will always remain important in jewellery.”
Nikunj Jain, Executive Director, Sundaram Chains, said, “As expected IIJS never lets you down. We had crazy footfalls from domestic as well as overseas. We received good orders from the UK, Dubai, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Fiji. Our 9-karat collection received a thumbs up from New Zealand and Fiji, as well as clients from Gujarat and UP. “However, maximum number of orders were received for 22-karat and 18-karat rose gold in the exclusive designer category collections. Buyers, in general, are seeking more light and affordable options considering the yellow metal’s price trend since the past one year.”
