40 golden years – a preview of the anniversary edition of the IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show
The upcoming edition of the IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show, taking place on April 1–4, 2026, marks a major milestone in the history of this jewelry trade fair in Istanbul. IJS is celebrating 40 years in operation – and the anniversary will be spectacular: the Turkish show plans to welcome more than 30,000 buyers from 125 countries and over 1,300 exhibitors representing 15 nations. It is one of the five largest events of its kind worldwide, with an ambitious program focused on innovation and masterful design.
The first fair under the IJS banner was held in 1986. The math is simple – it’s time to celebrate. “For 40 years, IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show has been more than just an exhibition — it has been a platform that shaped the evolution, transformation, and global success of the jewelry industry,” says Şermin Cengiz, Co-Founder of IJS. “As we celebrate this milestone, our mission remains the same: to create value for the sector, lead innovation, and bring professionals from all over the world together in Istanbul to drive the global jewelry trade forward,” she emphasizes. I feel fortunate to be part of this phenomenon – for several years now, I’ve made it a point to visit Istanbul regularly and join the event.
A shining phenomenon
The organizer of the IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show is Informa Markets. The team is responsible for as many as 18 jewelry events worldwide, including the industry’s largest fair, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. Altogether, shows in the Informa portfolio attract more than 420,000 visitors and nearly 13,000 exhibitors. These numbers clearly show that IJS is part of a global success story and has a real impact on the business health of the sparkling industry. What personally captivates me during every visit to the Istanbul fair is the combination of global reach with a strong local context. IJS is a celebration of the region’s impressive, centuries-old goldsmithing tradition which, combined with openness to innovation, fuels today’s dynamic Turkish jewelry scene. The result is products that impress with craftsmanship and precision, created on an extraordinary scale and with bold design imagination, supported by production processes rich in technological sophistication and inspiring novelties. Add to that the magic of Istanbul, one of the most fascinating cities in the world, its warm hospitality, outstanding cuisine, and art shaped by influences from three continents. The organizers craft experiences deeply infused with captivating Turkish culture.
IJS – what am I looking forward to?
The IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show is an opportunity to explore innovations and new developments across all product groups and categories: from gold jewelry, diamonds, gemstones, and silver, through design trends, to advancements in areas such as tools, machinery, logistics, and packaging. I’m especially excited to visit the “Designers Club” section, prepared in cooperation with the Jewelry Exporters’ Association, where outstanding examples of jewelry design and craftsmanship will be showcased. I’m always fascinated by initiatives that highlight the connections between art and jewelry – and that’s exactly the goal of the “Art for Jewellery – Inspiration Hub.” This is the last chance for jewelry brands to join the IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show as exhibitors on April 1–4 at the Istanbul Expo Center. And I strongly encourage all fellow industry professionals to secure their tickets and book their flights to Istanbul as soon as possible – see you at the IJS anniversary!
