OurBuzz
APGJF 2023 concludes successfully; trade fraternity embraces innovation and creativity
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Andhra Pradesh’s largest B2B jewellery exhibition, ANDHRA PRADESH GEM AND JEWELLERY FAIR (APGJF) 2023, which was held at SS Convention Centre from Dec 8- 10, 2023 was rated as a tremendous success by the exhibitors, visitors and organisers together. The exhibition has concluded with an overwhelming response with the crowded booths placing their orders to meet the upcoming wedding and festive season demand. APGJF is jointly organised by AP Bullion Gold Silver & Diamond Merchants Association and United Exhibitions, Chennai.
The show was inaugurated by the leaders of Andhra Jewellery Fraternity and opening was done with an auspicious puja event at the show venue. Shri. K. Vijay Kumar, State President, AP Bullion Association, the co-organiser of APGJF 2023, said, “The tremendous outcome for the second edition of APGJF has exceeded expectations of all participants & organisers and attributed the success to the trade fraternity for their open minded welcome to innovation and creativity shown in the jewellery collections put on display.
Everyone appreciated the strict implementation of the norms restricting entry to business visitors only. We also received positive feedback about the quality of arrangements made for the visitor convenience. This success has given us more courage to take Vijayawada on to a bigger picture and thanked the support from the industry across the region.” Said Shri Shantilal Jain, State Chief Organiser, AP Bullion Association.
APGJF is a proven and successful platform for all the manufacturers and wholesalers dealing with the studded jewellery collections as Andhra Pradesh is always termed as India’s most profitable jewellery market with retailers of all sizes are known for dealing majorly in studded and temple jewellery.
“APGJF is not only important for the retailers from Telugu states but also from neighbouring states as well because of the unique collections those were put on display matching the taste of the region and their cultural preferences. The collections were so satisfying that made most retailers to say that the show was almost at par with other major shows in India”. Said VK Manoj, Project Director, United Exhibitions, the co-organiser of APGJF.
The show had around 150 exhibitors in 300 booths spread over 75,000 sq. ft of exhibition space. Approximately 200,000 jewellery designs were displayed ranging from various collections in gold, diamond, silver jewellery and loose gemstones. Machinery, Tools and Showroom interiors, software services were also displayed and demonstrated in the halls.
Stars of Andhra Pradesh Jewellery Awards & Networking Nite held on the evening of Dec 8th 2023 at Novotel Vijayawada to felicitate the hidden gems who has contributed heavily towards the success of APGJF 2023. Regional Associations, Exhibitors in certain categories were awarded for their active involvement to make the event brighter and more beautiful.
The grand gala event was attended by Miss India Sini Sadanand Shetty, who is going to represent India on the Miss Universe 2024 pageant adding the sparkle to the glittering evening while joining the awardees on the stage. Leading stalwarts and legends from Andhra Gems & Jewellery industry were present at the networking evening sharing their experiences with the guests.
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BrandBuzz
Malabar Gold & Diamonds unveils New Showroom in Goregaon, Mumbai
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Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the responsible jeweller proudly announces the opening of its newest showroom in Bangur Nagar, Goregaon (West), Mumbai. This store is bound to become the largest jewellery showroom in Goregaon spanning an impressive 5000 sqft. The space aims to provide customers with an unparalleled jewellery shopping experience, complete with spacious interiors and ample parking. The showroom also promises a premium experience with the inclusion of a privileged lounge as well as in-house diamond experts simultaneously featuring an extensive range of designs and collections. This milestone highlights the brand’s continued commitment to strengthening its presence in India.
The showroom marks the brand’s 29th outlet in Maharashtra, further solidifying its leadership in the region. The showroom was inaugurated by Mrs. Vidhya Jaiprakash Thakur, hon’ble MLA of Goregaon Vidhansabha in the presence of Mr. Fanzeem Ahmed, Regional Head, West Zone, Management Team Members, customers and well-wishers.
With a global footprint of over 375 plus showrooms across 13 countries—including India, the Middle East, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia—Malabar Gold & Diamonds is renowned for its wide-ranging collections, exceptional quality, and customer-centric approach. Backed by a dedicated team of 22,000 multilingual employees across 26 countries, the brand has served over 15 million satisfied customers worldwide.
The new showroom offers an extensive collection of gold, diamond, platinum, and gemstone jewellery, designed to suit various tastes and occasions. From traditional designs that reflect India’s cultural heritage to contemporary styles for modern sensibilities, the showroom caters to diverse preferences.
In a statement marking the momentous occasion, MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group, stated, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new showroom in Mumbai, a city known for its larger-than-life people and opulent lifestyles. At Malabar Gold & Diamonds, we take pride in creating jewellery that celebrates life’s most cherished moments. With an unwavering commitment to quality, ethical business practices, and customer satisfaction, we are excited to present our exceptional collections to Bangur Nagar, Goregaon, and look forward to giving the residents an absolutely fantastic shopping experience.”
The showroom is designed to provide a premium shopping experience, with elegant displays and a highly trained team to guide customers in selecting their perfect jewellery.
This showroom launch underscores Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ vision of becoming the world’s most preferred jeweller, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to create timeless pieces while prioritising sustainability and societal well-being.
DiamondBuzz
Wealthy Russians Surge in Investment-Grade Diamond Purchases Amid Market Uncertainty
Demand for polished diamonds up by 60% as individuals diversify portfolios with gemstones following VAT abolition and growing financial volatility.
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Wealthy Russians are increasingly turning to investment-grade diamonds, with purchases of polished stones rising by 60% last year, according to VTB, the country’s second-largest bank. This surge in demand is attributed to the government’s decision to abolish VAT on diamond purchases, which has made gemstones a more attractive investment option.
Oksana Semenenko, vice president at VTB and head of its private banking division, explained that the rarity and uniqueness of diamonds make them especially appealing during times of rising financial market instability and tighter investment restrictions. Many affluent clients are now incorporating alternative investments, including diamonds, into their portfolios, typically allocating 5-10% of their assets to these tangible assets for diversification.
This shift comes amid increasing sanctions from the G7 and restrictions on Russian currency, which have impacted Russian diamond exports. In response, Alrosa, the state-run diamond mining giant, is turning to alternative markets to sell its goods. The company’s Diamond Exclusive program focuses on polishing its largest and highest-quality diamonds, particularly stones of 3 carats or more, to be sold directly to investors through partnerships with VTB and other financial institutions.
DiamondBuzz
Newfield Resources Set to Partner with ACA Resources for Sierra Leone’s Tongo Diamond Mine
Agreement to manage Tongo diamond deposit operations could lead to a sustainable long-term partnership aimed at producing high-quality diamonds.
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Australian mining company Newfield Resources is on track to bring in a new partner for its Tongo diamond deposit in Sierra Leone. Newfield has entered into a non-binding term sheet with ACA Resources, another Australian-based miner, to oversee the mine’s operations.
If the deal is finalized before June, ACA will assume control of all mining activities at Tongo, charging Newfield a fee per carat of diamonds produced. Both companies are committed to making the Tongo mine a long-term, sustainable producer of high-quality diamonds in Sierra Leone.
Newfield acquired the Tongo mine in March 2018 for $23.6 million through its purchase of London-based Stellar Diamonds. Prior to Newfield’s acquisition, the mine was owned by Israeli businessman Beny Steinmetz, through Koidu Holdings, where he held a controlling stake.
In May 2022, the first diamond sales from Tongo, totaling 5,200 carats, earned an average price of $262 per carat. Since then, Newfield has invested $80 million into the mine, including the construction of 2 kilometers of underground infrastructure. The mine is expected to have an eight-year life, with peak annual diamond production estimated at 260,000 carats by the fifth year of operations.
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