Surat: The three-day India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) held at Surat drew to a close on Sunday with the flow of visitors peaking during the second half of the final day and exhibitors giving an overall positive rating to the second edition of the ‘machinery-only’ fair.

While more than a few participants pointed out areas where improvement was needed, they also expressed the confidence that the show would grow in the coming years and develop as a strong platform catering to the machinery and technology needs of the industry.

While the numbers may not have been as high as expected, visitors who came found that they had a lot to gain. An exhibitor narrated the experience of a large diamond company which had sent two senior persons on Day One to get an overview of the show. They returned the next day with 20 senior employees across departments so that each of them could get acquainted with the latest developments in their field.

While a bit hesitant to be officially quoted, a number of small jewellers who visited the fair said it was a valuable learning experience. As one of them put it, “It would have otherwise taken us many years to learn about so many different technologies, tools and see a range of options for alloys, casting powders and tools”. Another jeweller opined, “We established new contacts to source supplies in the future.”

Navin Jashnani of Sama Jewellery, Mumbai who visited the show, said that IGJME was a very unique and useful platform. “There are about 15 companies offering RPT services and some excellent gold work in the Turkish pavilion. It’s a fantastic opportunity for jewellers to see new developments and learn about new opportunities,” he said, explaining that at IIJS they were always so busy with clients that there was little chance to pay much attention to the macinery section.