【Mumbai, Indi】India Marks the Global Jewelry Calendar with the Grand Inauguration of IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026

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Editor’s Note

This article highlights India’s pivotal role in the global gem and jewelry industry, marked by the opening of the IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 trade show in Mumbai.

India Reaffirms Its Central Position

India reaffirms its position at the center of the global gem and jewelry trade with the inauguration of the 18th edition of IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) in Mumbai, officially kicking off the global jewelry business calendar for the year.

IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 brings together the entire global value chain at a key moment when market sentiment, sourcing strategies, and business direction for the coming year begin to take shape. With a total area of over 1.25 lakh square meters, the show features more than 1,600 exhibitors across more than 3,300 booths, and welcomes over 25,000 professional buyers from more than 800 Indian cities, including 1,400 international buyers from 40 countries and 12 international delegations. The show offers a comprehensive sourcing platform covering gold, diamond, silver, and stone jewelry; loose natural diamonds; colored gemstones; couture and fine jewelry; lab-grown diamonds; as well as machinery and related segments.

Industry Leaders Speak

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands and Chairperson of the Natural Diamond Council, and Guests of Honor Harsha Bangari, Managing Director of EXIM Bank, and Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director of CaratLane.

The inauguration was held in the presence of Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman and Coordinator of National Exhibitions, GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of GJEPC, along with members of the Managing Committee, exhibitors, buyers, and prominent players from the global gem and jewelry industry.

“There is no better place to talk about the future of jewelry than India. From being the cradle of the world’s diamond history to emerging today as one of the fastest-growing markets, India remains a pillar of stability and opportunity for the global gem and jewelry industry. Platforms like IIJS Signature play a crucial role in strengthening trust, partnerships, and security across the entire ecosystem, while reinforcing India’s position at the heart of global jewelry trade,” said Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers.
“As the first major international show of the year, IIJS Bharat – Signature embodies the confidence, resilience, and global readiness of the Indian gem and jewelry industry. India stands at the intersection of trust, transparency, and opportunity, and IIJS brings this story to life,” added Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC.
“In 2026, India takes a firm step onto the world stage by assuming the presidency of the Kimberley Process for the third time, a clear show of confidence in our leadership, credibility, and commitment to ethical trade. With the goal of reaching the $100 billion export milestone by 2047, the Indian gem and jewelry sector has moved beyond dependence on traditional markets. Growth will be driven by free trade agreements, strong government support, strategic diversification, manufacturing and technology innovation, and retail expansion. These pillars—based on transparency and consumer trust—reinforce our global competitiveness and ensure sustainable long-term growth.”
Show Details and Significance

IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 is being held across two premier venues in Mumbai: the Jio World Convention Centre (January 8–11, 2026) and the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Goregaon (January 9–12, 2026), alongside IGJME Bharat – Signature 2026, the machinery and technology show.

“IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 represents India’s dominant position in the global gem and jewelry industry, encompassing manufacturing excellence, design innovation, and a rapidly growing domestic market. As the first major international jewelry fair of the year, it is the point where the global industry looks to India for direction and opportunities. The scale of participation, the growing international presence, and the strong influx of new businesses reflect the sector’s confidence, cementing IIJS Bharat – Signature as the definitive platform where the global jewelry business year truly begins,” said Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman of GJEPC.
Celebrating Craftsmanship

Inspired by India’s art forms under the overarching theme “Brilliant Bharat”, the Craft Pavilion of IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026 celebrates the country’s rich jewelry heritage through curated displays and live demonstrations by artisans who are national award winners. The pavilion showcases GI-tagged traditions such as Thewa (gold on glass), Benaras Meenakari, the centuries-old silver filigree of Cuttack, and the distinctive silver crafts from the Hupari cluster, offering visitors a concentrated view of India’s living craft legacy.

The exhibition also includes Select CLUB, a curated luxury segment at the JWCC featuring couture and fine jewelry from 107 selected companies, along with the Innov8 Talks & Symposium Knowledge Forums.

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⏰ Published on: January 14, 2026