India’s first couture show, Signature is back for its eighth edition and is being held from February 20-23 at the Bombay Convention

& Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. Organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Signature 2015 boasts over 550 exhibitors who will showcase the very best in jewellery, diamonds and precious stones. Set against a stable economic and political backdrop, the show is all set to begin on a positive note.

“There is widespread optimism that good times are ahead. A show like Signature not only supports the growth of the gems and jewellery industry, but also elevates it to higher levels of sophistication. Every year, we observe improvements in the design and quality of the products,” said Vipul Shah, chairman of the GJEPC.

Signature has carved a niche for itself as the country’s premier source for designer jewellery and prides itself on showcasing new and innovative jewellery in every edition. This year is no exception as exhibitors are busy putting the final touches on their latest collections which will set the trends for the rest of the year. Over 77% of the exhibitors have retained their space at the show indicating the show’s popularity.

(continued on page 2)

A Buyer’s ParadiseBROUGHT TO YOU BY SOLITAIRE INTERNATIONAL FOR THE GJEPC

The

DAY 1

Friday 20th February, 2015

FAST FACTS: 8th Edition | Exhibitors 550+ | Booths 1,100 + | Visitors 10,000+

Signature IIJS has matured into a show that is of immense value to India’s jewellery manufacturers

and retailers. The eighth edition of this premium jewellery sourcing event promises to deliver great benefits to the participants.

In organising a show of this nature we have taken care to maintain the exclusivity of the products, participants and the ambience. Thus, you will enjoy a comfortable, unhurried pace with plenty of time to meet new and existing partners and suppliers and to feast your eyes on exciting new collections and trends.

Already, a lot of enthusiasm has been generated for the show and the Council has made special efforts to attract more international visitors to the show.

The GJEPC’s role is to facilitate and support the outstanding capabilities and spirit of entrepreneurship in the industry – it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that our expectations have always been exceeded.

It gives me immense pleasure to learn that The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council is organising the 8th edition of Signature India

International Jewellery Show (IIJS) on February 20-23, 2015 in Mumbai. In a short span, the exhibition has managed to cement its place as a top-notch sourcing destination for jewellery as well as diamonds and coloured gemstones.

The Government of India has identified the gems and jewellery industry as one of the 25 focus segments for ‘Make in India’ campaign and I am sure that shows such as Signature IIJS will greatly contribute to the campaign’s imminent success.

The role played by the GJEPC in promoting the exports of gems and jewellery is praiseworthy. I hope that Signature IIJS 2015 will go a long way in supplementing and augmenting the export promotion efforts undertaken by the Council.

I wish all the participants a productive and pleasurable experience at Signature IIJS 2015.

SIDDHARTH, I.A.S.

Director General Directorate General of Supplies

& DisposalsMinistry of Commerce

& Industry

NIRAV BHANSALI

Convener – Exhibition Sub-committee (National)

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council

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. The call to ‘Make in India’ is one that we can easily respond to because our industry has enormous untapped potential in our design, manufacturing and entrepreneurial abilities.

A show like Signature IIJS not only supports the growth of the gems and jewellery industry, but also elevates it to higher levels of sophistication. Every year, we observe improvements in the design and quality of the products.

And retailers from all parts of the country flock to Signature IIJS in greater numbers to source premium jewellery for their discerning customers.

The jewellery events organised by the Council such as the mega IIJS, Signature IIJS, IIJW and IGJME have provided important platforms for the industry to grow and collectively raise the bar in terms of quality, design and business practices.

We are delighted to welcome you to Signature IIJS 2015 and wish you a very successful show.

VIpuL SHAH

ChairmanThe Gem & Jewellery

Export Promotion Council

It is my privilege to welcome you to the eighth edition of Signature IIJS. The trade show began with around 100 exhibitors in 2008 and has grown

manifold to accommodate over 550 exhibitors in 2015. Signature IIJS attracts some of the biggest decision makers in the industry and it has become an important event to attend in order to expand one’s business.

Over 77% of the participants have retained their position at the show reinforcing the popularity of the trade fair and it is a matter of great pride for the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council.

The government as well as the stakeholders are in the process of discussing ways to boost domestic manufacturing and export of gems and jewellery which will definitely benefit the industry in the times to come. The future of the gem and jewellery industry looks bright and I am sure Signature IIJS 2015 will be an extremely successful show!

pANkAj pARekH

Vice ChairmanThe Gem & Jewellery

Export Promotion Council

Every year, Signature IIJS sets new benchmarks for jewellery design, quality and finish. Showcasing high-end contemporary and traditional

jewellery along with diamonds and gemstones, it serves as a testing ground for new product lines, enabling visitors to gather critical information about the upcoming trends in the market.

The exhibition also provides the perfect backdrop for exchanging ideas, building contacts and establishing new relationships.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council is committed to further enriching the experience of the visitors and is constantly working on new elements to add to the ease of conducting business at the show.

India’s improving economic fundamentals and the rupee’s stability are both positive indicators for Signature IIJS 2015 as well as a basis for sustainable long-term growth for the industry.

Here’s wishing you all a productive Signature IIJS 2015!

SAByASAcHI RAy

Executive DirectorThe Gem & Jewellery Export

Promotion Council

MESSAGES

“Signature has matured into a show that is of immense value to India’s jewellery manufacturers and retailers. The eighth edition of this premium jewellery sourcing event promises to deliver great benefits to the participants,” said Nirav Bhansali, convener – exhibition sub committee (national), GJEPC.

With gold prices hovering in the R27,000-R28,000 bracket and the government scrapping the 80:20 import rule, the mood is upbeat. Retailers, too, are equally enthusiastic about the show and look forward to spending quality time with their preferred suppliers as well as developing new contacts in a relaxed environment.

In the months leading up to the show, the GJEPC also organised road shows in Turkey, Russia, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to attract a larger number of international visitors to the show. Visitors from over 350 cities in India as well as international visitors from 55+ countries are expected to visit the show. A record number of 8,000+ retailers and jewellers have already pre-registered for the show.

Signature 2015 is showcasing the winners of the 2014 Artisan Awards, which will be held on February 20. Conceptualised to recognise and reward India’s best jewellery designers, in its introductory edition, jewellery designers pushed their design boundaries to create jewellery that celebrates 100 years of Indian cinema. Keeping in line with the show’s ethos, the award-winning pieces will be prominently displayed at the show in Hall 1.

(continued from page 1)

2

exhibitor voices

Jignesh Shah, Founder & MD, Divine Solitaires

For how many years have you been participating at Signature?We have been participating in Signature IIJS for the last three years.

How important is Signature for your company?We are India’s only home-grown brand dealing in loose

solitaires. Unlike other players, a solitaire is not just a commodity but a positioning statement for us. Signature therefore, offers us an opportunity to build our brand in the B2B segment. Signature is important for our company as it is a second largest platform after IIJS and offers an opportunity to meet national and international buyers. We will share our plans for the current year with our clients at Signature and work towards maximising mutual gains.

Tell us more about the collections you will be showcasing at Signature.Our emphasis has always been on solitaires. We have also ventured into solitaire jewellery. The design creations are minimalistic and are centred on solitaires. Each piece of Divine Solitaires’ jewellery bears a signature logo. The packaging is innovative and tamperproof.

What are the current preferences when it comes to jewellery? As a new entrant our focus is currently on lightweight jewellery. We also customise statement pieces on specific orders received from our partner jewellers.

Has there been a rise/fall in demand in the last few months?For the last couple of months, the prices of polished diamonds have softened. The potential customers and the retailers have adopted a wait and watch approach. They are waiting for the right time to buy. The demand therefore has been steady.

Any particular solitaire size that is popular?The demand for solitaires can be classified under two heads – for adornment and for investment purposes. The popular sizes in the jewellery segment ranges from 40 cents to 1.50 carats. Consumers prefer to buy bigger stones i.e. sizes above 2 carats for investment.

Samir Shah,Director, Indigo Jewellery Pvt. Ltd.

Since when have you been participating in Signature?Indigo Jewellery has been participating in Signature IIJS, ever since it relocated to Mumbai.

Why is Signature important for your company?The Signature show has made a mark for itself in the Indian jewellery industry as one solely for serious buyers. As an

exhibitor, we are always keen to meet new and serious buyers at the show. Moreover, Signature is the first trade show in the calendar year and is visited by top retailers, chain stores and independent stores from all over the country, making it an important trade show.

Tell us about the new collections that you will showcase at Signature 2015.Yes. At each Signature and IIJS show, our merchandising team launches special collections for the upcoming season. This Signature, we are focusing on contemporary bridal jewellery which will appeal to jewellers who wish to woo the modern bride. The bridal jewellery segment is a large space for a manufacturer like us but it is undergoing changes as the modern Indian bride prefers jewellery that is contemporary but yet retains a hint of Indian traditions. Apart from this, we plan to unveil a few unique lightweight jewellery collections.

What are your expectations for the show?The Indian jewellery retail is destined to grow. Despite various challenges at policy levels and in the ever changing consumer buying behaviour, I remain positive about the growth of jewellery sales in the organised retail sector. All the manufacturers who believe in creating new products will have a good show.

Any other comments. The Signature show, as observed in the past, attracts possibly fewer but very serious buyers from across India. It would be useful to attract more clients highlighting the fact that the show is well timed. Clients can plan well in advance for the marriage season as well as for festivals like Akshaya Tritiya.

It is a significant show and should be well promoted even in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and the GCC countries.

Akshay Kothari,Director, Hema S. Kothari

What is Hema S. Kothari’s forte?We are well known for our diamond and jadau jewellery and have established ourselves as a prominent designer brand.

Tell us more about Hema S. Kothari. Our company has grown over the last three decades under the guidance of Hema and Sanjay Kothari. We have grown from a small jewellery manufacturer to a designer label that caters to both the wholesale and the retail market. When I took over the reins, I wanted to expand our existing base and thus started our online venture in 2014.

Since how many years have you been participating in Signature?It has been 5 years that Hema S Kothari is associated with Signature.

What does Signature mean for Hema S. Kothari?We are a regular exhibitor at Signature trade show and through this trade show we essentially aim to tap the B2B market. For us, Signature is another platform to showcase our collection and in the past we have received very good feedback from our existing clientele as well as it has garnered new business opportunities for the brand.

How often do you come out with new collections?Designing jewellery is an ongoing process. Every three months, we come out with new collections.

What will you be showcasing at Signature this year? As always our main focus will be on exquisite diamond jewellery along with precious gemstones. This year, we will also showcase our latest jadau collections at Signature. We have focused on exclusive necklaces and earrings as well. What are the price-points of the jewellery?All our jewellery is reasonably priced. It starts from 25,000 onwards.

Which gemstones will rule in 2015?Looking at the market trends, diamonds, rubies and emeralds will rule in 2015.

Are traditional motifs more popular than contemporary designs?Both are popular. It depends on what kind of occasion the consumer is purchasing jewellery for. Traditional designs are mostly preferred for weddings and festivals whereas slick contemporary designs are being preferred for daily wear, parties and cocktails.

Dheeraj Parwani,Partner, Myra The Diamond Studio

What are your expectations for Signature 2015?I am expecting Signature 2015 to be a little slow in terms of immediate orders. At the same time I expect smaller items to be the fast sellers at the show.

Will you be showcasing new collections at the show?We are showcasing a collection that looks big but is small on the pocket, keeping in trend with the slow nature of sales in the coming months.

Tell us more about your latest collections. The magic setting enables us to use 2 cent diamonds, while giving the look of a 20 cent diamond. Hence you can now get a I20 lakh pair of bangles for I3 lakhs. We have used this setting in necklace sets, bangles, earrings, pendant sets and rings.

What trends do you foresee for the coming year?Colour stones and magic setting which helps a product look big, at a lesser cost will rule the roost along with small ticket items. Rose gold is also making substantial inroads in jewellery. More and more people are purchasing classic designs as they know they will be able to wear the jewellery 10 years down the line. Smaller, cleaner pieces are the current flavour. Has the demand for diamond jewellery increased or decreased in the past year?The demand for diamond jewellery has remained constant during the past year and we are looking forward to growth this year.

Is there any improvement that you would like to see in Signature 2016?I think Signature does better when small in size. We should restrain from making it larger like the IIJS and in fact make it smaller than Signature 2015. The ‘private’ nature and one-on one between buyers and sellers is fading away which is not good.

4

Bharat JainDirector, Sundaram Chains Pvt. Ltd.

What are your expectations for Signature 2015?We’re expecting an increase in the number and diversity of visitors this year and we are looking forward to see innovation, development and creativity in the market. Hopefully this will result in an increase in the number of overseas buyers as well. Signature is the biggest platform after IIJS to show our creativity to the world. With the help of this medium we get an opportunity to connect to the world in the shortest span of time and with the least cost.

What are you showcasing at Signature? What kind of bangles/chains are currently in demand? Are people opting for lightweight pieces?Our latest collection ‘J18’ is made of 18-karat hallmarked gold. These kadas are apt for all age groups. They are lightweight and can be worn on multiple occasions. Creative, designer and innovative lightweight pieces are in demand as there is high fluctuation in gold rates.

Are people opting for plain gold/ studded jewellery?The choice varies depending upon the tastes of the region. The trend in remote towns are changing, they have started accepting studded jewellery as well.

Are there any improvements that you would like to see in Signature 2016?There is a need for awareness and promotion in mini metros and tier III cities. Secondly, there needs to be more awareness about the Signature Club exhibitors.

We Like To Invoke Old-World Charm In Our Designs: Umesh Soni

DESIGN CORNER

6

Jasmine Design of Jaipur makes its debut this year at IIJS Signature. It is the company’s first trade show ever in Mumbai since its inception in 1994 as Soni Ganesh & Co. Umesh soni, one of the partners of the firm, who designs and oversees the design department, speaks about his rare, antique jewellery brand ‘Jodhas’ mounted in 22- and 24-karat that is being displayed at the show.

Could you tell us about your company? And what is the jewellery that you specialise in?My family has been in the business of gems and jewellery for at least three generations. In 1994, my brother Rakesh and I started Soni Ganesh & Co., to manufacture kundan meena jewellery with an antique finish. Normally, jewellers oxidise jewellery to give it an antique finish. We work with natural material that takes almost two years to prepare to give an antique finish to the jewellery. The process of making such jewellery is very different. The setting of the stones on the obverse and reverse of the piece, the wearability of the piece has to be taken into account.

The jewellery has a distinct antique finish which is achieved through buffing, brushing and polishing. The diamonds, too, have an antique touch as we use old, rough diamonds sourced from workers which are then cut and polished in-house.

We use a lot of navaratna stones in the designs, which adds a touch of vibrant colour to the gold jewellery. By employing naqashi work, an ancient

art of carving in gold, and other crafts, we make elaborate pieces that take a minimum of 30 days to six months to produce each piece.

how often do you come up with new designs?About 15 designs every month – it could be a daily wear piece or bridal statement jewellery.

Was your jewellery an instant hit?Initially, jewellers were a bit hesitant, but soon we got orders from Jaipur, Chandigarh and Kolkata. Today, of course, we are well appreciated for our designs and technique.

how important it is for you to showcase at iiJs signature?Very important! We want to establish ourselves as a business-to-business brand. Also, we are fortunate

that we got the slot in the show and we are eager to meet a whole new set of clients. I am also hoping to meet customers from Dubai, as we have recently opened an office there. We have yet to begin exports, though.

My main objective, however, is to engage our new clients about this form of jewellery that brings together arts and crafts of various regions.

how big is your design team?Not big at all. I design the pieces along with another designer Aarti Joshi. My brother, Rakesh, handles the sales and purchase department and keeps a stringent eye on quality control.

What are your plans for the near future?After Jodhas, we aim to introduce our collections namely, Mughal Essence, Repousse and Silver Square. I hope we get to exhibit at the IIJS this year. We would like to put our best foot forward and present many more dazzling lines.

brand watch

8

Inspired by the royal heritage of ancient India, A’Star Jewellery showcases two traditional forms of jewellery – the chand

baali earrings originating from the Mughal era and the Pacheli bangles reflecting the Rajasthani tradition. The alluring and classical silhouettes are treated to contemporary styling in keeping with the tastes of a modern woman.

The ‘Chandbali’ collection offers lightweight diamond earrings, in yellow and white gold, embellished with pearls and coloured gemstones to accentuate the royal edge. Available in less than 1 carat diamond weight, the price points remain affordable.

The fine artistry in the Pacheli bangles is complemented by the innovative illusion plate-setting. A lavish diamond-intensive look is achieved using no more than 1-2 carats of diamonds.

The collections offer a wide design choice at attractive price points to suit all occasions and budgets.

ReinventedTradition

brand watch

10

PowerRingsKalajee Jewellery, a reputed manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of diamond and

polki studded jewellery, unveils a stunning line-up of cocktail rings. Crafted in 14-karat gold without wax/lac, the collection takes its cues from floral and peacock motifs as well as from geometric patterns. The multi-purpose rings can be converted into pendants by de-linking the shank below the motif. Dressed up with full-cut and uncut diamonds and enhanced with metal textures, each piece is an absolute stunner. The cocktail ring collection ranges from R75,000 to R1,50,000

Vasupati Jewellers presents a spectacular line-up of necklaces.

Featured here is a fulsome emerald necklace woven in patwa style and accentuated with a melange of geometric kundan-set gem motifs and is bordered with South Sea pearls. The 22-karat Jadau necklace features a garden of kundan-set gemmy blooms dotted with luscious rubies and South Sea pearls. Kundan

Extravagance

RoyaltyModern

A series of new collections crafted in white, yellow and

rose gold by Mirella, a design house in Mumbai, move away from the traditional templates and veer towards modernism. The collections are suffused with fancy cut diamonds and vibrant colour gemstones. Consisting of rings centred on a cluster of diamonds that look like solitaires or floral chandeliers, openwork grand necklace or bracelets, the jewellery pieces are designed for jewellery connoisseurs. Allow yourself to indulge in extreme luxury.

Online Business Matching Programme: The Online Business Matching Programme enables registered visitors to find and interact with exhibitors that match their business profile. It allows visitors to post their business-related enquiries, view the latest collections, send enquiries and schedule appointments. Managed by experienced representatives, the kiosks are located throughout the halls.

IDEX Diamond Kiosk: The IDEX Diamond Kiosk lets visitors check the stocks and pricing of all the loose diamond exhibitors at the fair.

Elite Club Lounge: The Elite Club Lounge, located at Hall 1 centre square, offers food and beverage services to privileged members, who can enjoy a quiet moment, network with industry colleagues and enjoy light refreshments provided by Costa Coffee.

Coffee Shops & Cafeteria: Grab a cup of coffee or a sandwich at any of the outlets located throughout the halls catered by Costa Coffee, Barista Lavazza, Cafe Coffee Day, Pico and Subway Sandwiches. Additionally, the cafeteria located at the open bay near Hall 5 provides a delicious spread of vegetarian food, including meals for members of the Jain community.

Shuttle Bus Services: Bus shuttles will be provided to exhibitors from the official hotels – Grand Hyatt, Sofitel & Hyatt Regency – to the venue at specific timings from Gate No. 2. A shuttle service will also be provided between Goregaon station and the exhibition centre.

Business Centre: A full-fledged Business and Communication Centre is set up in Hall 1 for your convenience. Facilities like internet access, meeting & conference rooms, photocopying and fax are available on a chargeable basis.

First Aid: Halls 1 & 5 have dedicated first-aid booths with a doctor and nurse ready to tend to any medical emergency. An ambulance will also be present at the venue outside Hall 2. In case of any medical emergency, contact Deepak Sakpal (+91-9820287631) or Reshma (+91-9820021743).

Smoking Lounge: Smoking is strictly prohibited in the entire exhibition area. A smoking lounge facility has been provided at the connecting tunnel.

Editorial, Design and Production

www.spentamultimedia.com

Signature Mobile AppScan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet to receive up-to-the-minute information about the show’s details, highlights, interactive floor plan, exhibitor directory and more.

At yOur SErvICE

Disclaimer: Material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the written consent of Spenta Multimedia or the GJEPC.

RegulaRs