Mumbai: The SIGNATURE IIJS, the eighth edition of the Show, concluded on February 23, 2015 with a success note, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NSE Complex) in Mumbai.

The Show was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Andrey Polyakov, Vice President, ALROSA, Russia with Guests of Honour Ms. Shaina NC – Social Worker and Kirtilal Doshi, industry stalwart, Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, Pankaj Parekh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Nirav Bhansali, Convener – Exhibitions Sub Committee (National), GJEPC, and eminent members of the trade.

The Chief Guest, Andrey Polyakov, Vice President, ALROSA, Russian Federation said, “It’s an honor and pleasure to be a part of this event. The relationship between Russian rough diamond industry and Indian polished diamond industry is rapidly growing. At the world diamond conference that happened last year, the two leaders from both the countries expressed their support for this industry. We signed long term direct sourcing agreements with 12 Indian polishing companies. We are here for new opportunities. We want to keep this industry as attractive as the diamond itself.”

Speaking at the event, Vipul Shah said, “There is widespread optimism that good times are ahead. The government has shown foresight and vision in supporting our industry with plans for a special diamond import and trading zone. We must use the opportunity to ensure that India truly becomes a global hub for gems and jewellery. A show like SIGNATURE not only supports the growth of the gems and jewellery industry, but also elevates it to higher levels of sophistication”

Day One of the SIGNATURE IIJS culminated in an event— ‘The Artisan Awards’ — at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai to celebrate the selected jewellery designers of India.