IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show for the 60th time – a preview of the autumn trade fair

Autumn marks two important anniversaries in the history of IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show – the continuation of the fair’s 40th anniversary celebrations, as well as its landmark 60th edition. After several decades of growth and success, IJS has built a strong position on the jewellery scene – the Istanbul show is an international gathering recognised as one of the five most important jewellery events in the world, a showcase of the strength of the local jewellery industry and the craftsmanship behind gold jewellery production (but not only), as well as a unique experience rooted in Turkish culture. The autumn edition of IJS will take place from September 30 to October 3, 2026. What can the fair’s 18,000 visitors expect?

Why do I keep returning to IJS and try not to miss a single edition of this iconic event? Every time I am in Istanbul, I fall in love with gold all over again. Here, you can truly feel its presence – its weight, colour, texture and, above all, the craftsmanship that goes into working with this material. Turkey is a global leader in innovations in gold jewellery production, as well as in responding to current market demands in this field. This is where pieces on an unprecedented scale are created using lower-karat gold, as well as striking, oversized designs with a lightweight, blown structure that makes them more accessible in price. In my coverage of IJS, I always emphasise how captivating the combination of a modern programme with the celebration of the region’s culture and centuries-old jewellery tradition is – I appreciate the authenticity, creativity and extraordinary hospitality of the hosts. As early as the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul was home to specialised workshops creating jewellery from gold, silver, pearls, rubies and turquoise. Jewellery was not merely an adornment – it could carry symbolic and protective meanings, as well as form part of a woman’s wealth. At IJS, this tradition meets modernity and fascinating innovation.

The Meeting Point of Continents

Istanbul is a magical city. The metropolis lies on the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The western part of Istanbul is in Europe, while the eastern part lies in Asia. The Bosphorus Bridge, stretching 1,074 metres, is a symbol of this connection between continents. This cultural melting pot also shapes the atmosphere and energy of the fair. IJS will bring together 18,000 participants from more than 120 countries, while 1,000 exhibitors from 15 countries will present their collections and products across 50,000 square metres of exhibition space at the Istanbul Expo Center. Şermin Cengiz, co-founder of the fair, emphasises the importance of the autumn edition for the industry: “The 60th edition of the exhibition, which we will organize between September 30 and October 3, coincides with a critical period when manufacturers and buyers begin finalizing their plans for the new season. This timing will enable companies to clarify their 2027 design and production strategies before the end of the year, establish direct contact with international buyers, and accelerate new order agreements.”

Welcome to the Club

From gold and diamond jewellery, through silver collections, display and visual merchandising solutions, to machinery and equipment for production – IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show covers all the key areas of the industry. My favourite section is definitely Designers Club – a dedicated space for designers that actively promotes the young generation of creators. This is where you can best see how tradition, craftsmanship and creativity intersect in the collections of local brands and international talents. I am also very much looking forward to the new edition of the “Art for Jewellery: Inspiration Hub” platform, whose aim is to raise the artistic quality of jewellery by building connections between the worlds of art, culture and jewellery. A highlight of the autumn programme will be a presentation by WGSN, the prestigious agency specialising in trend analysis and forecasting. The lecture, prepared especially for IJS participants, will focus on key directions of change in the jewellery industry – an invaluable source of inspiration for anyone working on strategy or design.

Every time I return from IJS, I have a similar thought: Turkish jewellery craftsmanship is still not appreciated enough around the world. Turkey has something that cannot be built overnight – enormous skills, a strong technological base, generations of goldsmithing expertise and an exceptionally rich jewellery heritage. It is hard to imagine a better place to discover this wealth – make sure we meet in Istanbul.