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12th edition of IIJS Signature inaugurated by Dr Subodh Agarwal, Addl. Chief Secretary, Industry Dep
12th Edition of IIJS Signature Inauguration
The 12th edition of Signature IIJS (India International Jewellery Show) was inaugurated in Mumbai this morning by Guest of Honour Dr Subodh Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Government of Rajasthan. The inaugural ceremony was attended by representatives of foreign delegations attending the show and leading jewellers from across India.
Signature-IIJS 2019 is being held along with the India Gem and Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) from February 10 to 13, 2019. This year’s edition is the largest ever, with over 700 exhibitors spread over 1,350 booths. It will play host to 10 foreign delegations from countries such as US, UK, UAE, Russia and is expected to attract over 18,000 visitors from across the country.
Welcoming the guests, GJEPC Chairman Shri Pramod Kumar Agrawal said that the industry had undertaken a number of new initiatives with the backing of the government and was poised to overcome some of the problems it had faced over the last year. The IIJS-Signature provided a glimpse of the strengths and capabilities of the Indian jewellery industry, Agrawal said, with exhibitors from every segment across the jewellery spectrum participating in the show. “We have been global leaders in the diamond industry for many years, and our focus now is on becoming the leading jewellery manufacturer of the world as well,” he said.
The GJEPC, in association with the Ministry of Commerce has already taken a number of steps to modernise and broaden India’s jewellery manufacturing base such as the opening of CFCs in new locations and the expansion of training infrastructure,among others. Plans had also been drawn up and work has started on other initiatives such as the Cluster Mapping project, awareness programmes among MSME companies and the setting up of a Jewellery Park in Mumbai,to name a few, which together would provide a boost to the industry over the next few years. “We are targeting the creation of nearly 3 million new jobs and aiming to take our export turnover to US$ 75 billion over the next 4-5 years,” Agrawal said.
In a video message to the function, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce &Industries, who was scheduled to be Chief Guest but could not attend due to urgent official work, said that the government has already taken an important step in strengthening India’s jewellery industry by setting up a Domestic Council for Gems and Jewellery. It was also in the process of finalising a comprehensive Gold Policy. Both these measures would surely provide a dramatic boost to the jewellery sector, he added.
Shri Prabhu said that events like the Signature IIJS played a significant role in showcasing India’s capabilities to the world, and extended his wishes to all the companies taking part.
In his address at the inauguration, Shri Subodh Agarwal said that the gem and jewellery industry played a very important role in the development of Rajasthan. Listing some of the advantages it offers, he said, “The industry generates a large number of jobs, it is not capital-intensive, it is a non-polluting industry and it is equitable, in that it can flourish even in backward areas.”
The state government is committed to helping the industry expand, he said and was assisting in the setting up of a Gem Bourse, the first of its kind in the world, in Jaipur at the earliest. Shri Agarwal said that the government was also planning initiatives to boost the MSME sector – including a new law that would exempt the sector from repeated inspection by government departments for some period of time. “Compliance with regulations would still be necessary,” he clarified, “but the onus will be on the company to ensure this so that they do not spend unnecessary time and resources on applications for permissions, clearances, and certification.”
On a different note, Shri Agarwal, an engineer himself, spoke about the importance of innovation is winning over consumers, and the role that technology could play in this process. He said that jewellers could win consumers’ hearts by ensuring that each piece was a unique, one of a kind creation.Existing, as well as emerging technologies, like Artificial Intelligence, for example, would open many avenues for such innovation, Shri Agarwal added, saying he was pleased to see that the industry was already using 3D printing and other contemporary technologies.
Shri Shailesh Sangani, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC gave the concluding Vote of Thanks.
Courtesy – GJEPC
Lucapa Diamond Company delivered a strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2025, reporting a 36% year-on-year increase in revenue. The company earned $12.8 million from three run-of-mine diamond sales and one tender of goods from its Lulo mine in Angola during the quarter ending March 31.
The average diamond price per carat rose by 42% to $1,523, reflecting improved market conditions and a focus on higher-grade mining zones. Lucapa recovered 6,027 carats in Q1, up 6% from the same period in 2024. A 74% rise in the grade of ore mined helped offset the impact of a temporary production halt caused by a community-led blockade.
Managing Director Alex Kidman attributed the strong start to continued operations in the higher-grade lezirias (floodplain areas) during the wet season, noting that the performance represents a marked improvement over the same period last year.
Despite the positive trends in pricing and production, Lucapa flagged potential risks ahead due to recently introduced U.S. import tariffs. Although the tariffs came into effect after the quarter closed, the company said market uncertainty remains, with some buyers pausing purchases amid ongoing trade tensions.
The Met Gala 2025 dazzled once again, with natural diamonds taking center stage as symbols of heritage, elegance, and individuality. Aligned with this year’s theme, “Tailored for You”, and the exhibit “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, the red carpet became a celebration of self-expression through couture and craftsmanship — elevated by timeless diamond artistry. From heirloom inspirations to bold, modern creations, the night shimmered with history, sentiment, and star power. Here’s how some of the most talked-about names lit up the Met steps with brilliance and intention.
Priyanka Chopra in Bvlgari
At the heart of Priyanka Chopra’s old Hollywood-inspired look was a show-stopping Bvlgari necklace, crafted with natural diamonds and the 241-carat Magnus Emerald — the largest emerald ever set by the maison. The high jewellery piece debuted from Bvlgari’s Polychroma collection, celebrating colour and expert craftsmanship. Paired with a classic, vintage-style ensemble, Chopra’s look radiated opulence and elegance.
Nick Jonas complemented her in a custom-tailored ensemble, exuding refined sophistication. Together, the couple delivered a cinematic tribute to timeless glamour.
Shah Rukh Khan in Sabyasachi Fine Jewellery
The King of Bollywood made a quiet yet powerful statement in Sabyasachi Fine Jewellery. His look, called the Dandy Stack, featured 18k gold pieces set with old mine cut and brilliant cut natural diamonds. A diamond star brooch pinned to his lapel completed the ensemble — subtle, yet striking in its storytelling.
Diljit Dosanjh in Golecha Jewels
Diljit Dosanjh embodied regal elegance in a look inspired by royal Indian heritage. The centrepiece: a multi-layered real diamond necklace by Golecha Jewels, echoing the grandeur of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s iconic Patiala necklace by Cartier. A jewelled turban adorned with a bold brooch sealed his presence in true princely style.
Kiara Advani in Kantilal Chhotalal
Kiara Advani made history as the first Indian actor to attend the Met Gala while expecting — and did so with strength, grace, and radiant style. Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, she wore a sculptural custom gown by Gaurav Gupta, featuring a breastplate adorned with ghungroos and crystals.
Her jewellery — by Kantilal Chhotalal — included a 17-carat pear-shaped diamond piece and 5-carat heart-shaped diamond earrings. Additional accessories by Outhouse Jewellery and WrapGame India, including gold rings and a dramatic ear cuff, added to the bold yet emotive look. The ensemble was a moving tribute to motherhood, tradition, and modern femininity.
Isha M. Ambani in Her Personal Collection
Isha M. Ambani brought legacy and sentiment to the Met Gala in a necklace of over 481 carats of diamonds from her personal collection. The piece was inspired by Cartier’s famed Toussaint Necklace, as seen in Ocean’s 8, and reflected timeless elegance and familial heritage.
The jewellery, drawn from Nita Ambani’s collection, was paired with rings by Tiffany & Co. and exquisite hair jewels by Moi Vibe. Her ethereal ensemble — rich in gems, pearls, and ornate embellishments — seamlessly blended traditional artistry with modern couture, telling a deeply personal story of grace, strength, and quiet power.
As the cameras flashed and the world watched, the Met Gala 2025 became more than a parade of couture — it was a masterclass in storytelling through sparkle. From ancestral tributes to bold declarations of identity, natural diamonds weren’t just worn; they were lived in, loved, and layered with meaning. Each look wasn’t merely styled — it was sculpted, a blend of craftsmanship and character.
In a night that fused fashion, heritage, and heart, one thing was clear: trends may come and go, but the allure of natural diamonds — eternal, expressive, and deeply personal — remains forever en vogue.
CaratLane, India’s leading omnichannel jewellery brand, has unveiled Born of Her — a heartfelt Mother’s Day campaign and special edition pendant collection celebrating the love, strength, and quiet heroism of mothers. Timed with Mother’s Day, this launch reimagines gifting as a deeply personal tribute to the woman who shaped our beginnings. Crafted in gold and diamonds, the three limited-edition pendants feature an elegant depiction of a mother carrying her child — a timeless gesture of care and connection, now immortalised in precious jewellery. Designed to sit close to the heart, each piece is more than a gift; it is a keepsake of unconditional love, meant to be passed down through generations.
Born of Her is more than a campaign — it’s an emotional invitation to honour the person who gave us everything. As part of the campaign, CaratLane will also release a special Mother’s Day song, conceptualised by BBH India—encouraging people to celebrate their bond by posting cherished photos and memories with their moms, set to this exclusive track on social media. Shaifali Gautam, Chief Marketing Officer at CaratLane, shared her personal perspective: “The love of a mother often goes unspoken — it’s in the everyday, the quiet gestures, and the unseen sacrifices. With Born of Her, we’re inviting people to Khul Ke Karo Express — to celebrate that love more openly and meaningfully.
The collection features three specially crafted pendants, each symbolising the tender bond between a mother and child. It’s our way of turning that eternal connection into something tangible — a piece she can wear close to her heart.” The Born of Her campaign will be amplified across digital platforms, social media, and retail stores nationwide. This campaign reinforces CaratLane’s mission to transform jewellery into a meaningful expression of life’s most important relationships — not just a gift, but a memory made tangible.
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