A Nation That Breathes Brilliance – Report from IIJS Premiere 2025
India is a jewellery powerhouse, and IIJS Premiere is the ultimate stage to discover the richness and diversity of its craftsmanship and dazzling design. From 30 July to 4 August, the 41st edition of the fair – the second-largest jewellery trade show in the world – unfolded in Mumbai. Over 2,100 exhibitors, 50,000+ buyers, and visitors from more than 80 countries filled this monumental event with energy and beauty.
Jewellery is a pillar of India’s economy, providing livelihoods to millions. The show is organised by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), supported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. That backing explains the vast scale and reach of this Mumbai showcase. “IIJS Premiere is not just a trade show— it’s a launchpad that gives businesses wings. From emerging designers to established exporters, the show empowers every participant to scale new heights. With world-class infrastructure, focused buyer engagement, and a forward-looking vision, IIJS 2025 is opening doors to markets across the globe. This is where opportunities turn into lasting success,” said Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC.
A Temple Around the Neck
For me, the journey to India and three days at IIJS were a chance to immerse myself in a captivating culture and one of the most extraordinary jewellery traditions in the world. I arrived in Mumbai armed with insights from a fascinating conversation with Dr. Usha R. Balakrishnan, a leading authority on the history of Indian jewellery – if you haven’t yet read our interview with this remarkable expert, I encourage you to do so HERE. As part of the Brilliant Bharat initiative, each edition of IIJS takes on a cultural and heritage-inspired theme. This year, the spotlight was on Indian architecture. Iconic landmarks – from the palaces of Jaipur and the Taj Mahal to Delhi’s Red Fort – graced the show’s visual identity and media communications. Exhibitors embraced the concept with enthusiasm. Among the showstoppers I encountered was THIS spectacular necklace inspired by the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. The most opulent creations could be found in the haute couture and high-end section, The Select Club. One of my personal discoveries was Golecha Jewels – pieces that make your heartbeat quicken, fit for royalty, in fact, worn by royalty: from Lady Diana to Maharani Gayatri Devi. Their necklace inspired by Cartier’s legendary design for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, styled on Diljit Dosanjh, stole the spotlight at the recent MET Gala.
Raising the Bar Higher
Even seasoned visitors found this year’s IIJS exceptional. Organisers expanded several key sections in both scope and scale. The coloured gemstones area grew to an impressive 250 booths. The elite Select Club broke records with 313 stands. The machinery section reached 415 booths, making it the country’s largest show in this category. “IIJS Premiere is proof of what we can achieve when we dream big and execute with purpose. We’re proud to present an edition that raises the bar yet again— not just in scale, but in vision,” emphasised Kirit Bhansali of GJEPC. I wholeheartedly share this optimistic view. IIJS left me with a sense of wonder – and a yearning to return to India soon. This is a country where jewellery is spectacular, unique, and celebrated. Experiencing it first-hand at the Mumbai fair was a privilege I will treasure.
