JB Insights
APGJF 2024 is a resounding success
State’s Largest B2B jewellery exhibition helps consolidate Vijayawada’s
position as a key GJ hub
Andhra Pradesh’s largest B2B jewellery exhibition, ANDHRA PRADESH GEM AND JEWELLERY FAIR (APGJF) 2024, held between December 13th and 15th at SS Convention Centre, Vijayawada, soared to new heights this year.Large crowds thronged the venue on all the three days and almost all the exhibitors were extremely satisfied with the brisk business transactions that they concluded and the network of new contacts they could establish.
APGJF is jointly organized by India’s premier jewellery exhibition management company United Exhibitions and AP Bullion Gold Silver & Diamonds Merchants Association.
The show began with the grand Inauguration Ceremony attended by the Chief Guest Dr. Ponguru Narayana, Hon’ble Minister of Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Govt of Andhra Pradesh. at the inaugural ceremony the chief guest was accompanied by the esteemed leaders from the Indian jewellery industry.
This year’s show brought together over 200 of India’s top and renowned jewellery manufacturers, wholesalers and technology service providers under one roof with over 9,600 visitors from across the Southern states and other parts of India. On display were over 5,00,000 designs displaying innovation and creativity and provided perfect options to the retailers as they prepare for the forthcoming festive and wedding season for the people from Telugu states.
K. Vijay Kumar, State President, APBGSDMA, said, “The buying spirit at the exhibition was consistently high on all three days after a fantastic start! APGJF 2024 saw a remarkable turnout of visitors from across the region, covering the spectrum of retail businesses from large corporate chains to small, single store retailers. This is a clear sign that the show serves a very important need in the region. We are confident that it will continue to grow.”
Shantilal Jain, State Chief Organizer, APBGSDMA said that Vijayawada is now gaining recognition as a key hub of the gem and jewellery industry. “Visitors were highly appreciative of the vast variety of choices which they had. They also reacted positively to the innovation and creativity in new designs that gave contemporary look to the traditional southern ornaments. APGJF is being seen as an important platform in the B2B supply chain for Telugu states.”
APGJF also won praise for its business-friendly environment with strict B2B norms implemented in regulating entry, along with a number of key networking and knowledge-sharing events that provided space for interaction and exchange of ideas and information.
V.K. Manoj, Project Director, United Exhibitions said “We made every effort to ensure the success of the show by adhering to the highest standards in planning and execution and ensuring that hospitality was flawless in every aspect .We are happy that APGJF has been recognised as a high-quality platform and now become an important milestone in the trade fair calendar of South India. A clear indication of this is that we have already received many confirmations for participation in APGJF 2025.”
Among the highlights of the three-day event was the Stars of Andhra Pradesh Awards & Networking Nite held on the evening of Dec 13th 2024 at Novotel Vijayawada where leading jewellers and key supporters who have helped uplift the trade were felicitated. Adding sparkle to the event was the presence of Miss Mannara Chopra, popular actress and celebrity in South India Cinema has filled the evening with glitter and glamour.
JB Insights
Top 10 India’s Jewellery Traditions: Where Craft Becomes Identity
-By JewelBuzz
From Centuries-Old Techniques To Regional Artistry, These 10 Jewellery Traditions Reflect India’s Cultural Legacy, Craftsmanship, and Enduring Human Touch
India’s jewellery is far more than ornamentation—it is a reflection of identity, heritage, and regional storytelling. Across the country, every piece carries the imprint of its origin, shaped by local traditions, cultural influences, and generations of skilled artisans. From intricate silverwork to vibrant enamel detailing, these designs are deeply tied to the communities that create them.
What sets Indian jewellery apart is its deep-rooted connection to time and tradition. These crafts were not born in factories but evolved within homes and workshops, passed down through families and perfected over centuries. Each technique reflects patience, precision, and human touch, making every creation unique and meaningful.
In today’s fast-paced world of mass production and uniform design, these traditional jewellery forms stand as a reminder of authentic craftsmanship and enduring legacy. They are not just objects of beauty but living traditions, preserving stories of culture, survival, and artistic excellence that continue to define India’s diverse identity.
Top 10 Regional Jewellery Traditions
Silver Filigree, Cuttack (Odisha)
Delicate like lace, yet crafted entirely from silver, this art—known as Tarakasi—dates back to the 13th century. Artisans twist ultra-fine silver wires into intricate patterns.
The process requires immense precision, often taking days to complete a single piece. It is widely used in creating decorative items, bridal jewellery, and heritage collectibles.
Gulabi Meenakari, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Jewellery that appears hand-painted, known for its signature pink enamel work. The craft involves fusing metal oxides onto gold and silver at high temperatures. Its distinctive pastel hues set it apart from other meenakari styles in India. The craft flourished under royal patronage and remains closely associated with Varanasi’s artistic legacy.
Thewa, Pratapgarh (Rajasthan)
A unique technique where intricately carved gold sheets are fused onto coloured glass, often depicting royal hunts, folklore, and nature.
Each piece is handcrafted using age-old skills preserved within artisan families. The vibrant glass backgrounds—typically red, green, or blue—enhance its regal appeal.
Hupari Silver Jewellery, Kolhapur (Maharashtra)
In Hupari, jewellery-making is a family tradition. Known for durability and fine detailing, each piece reflects generational skill. The town is one of India’s largest hubs for handcrafted silver jewellery. Its artisans are known for blending traditional motifs with contemporary designs.
Karimnagar Silver Filigree (Telangana)
Distinct from Cuttack’s style, this form features bolder motifs like peacocks, swans, and geometric patterns, giving it a unique identity.
The craft often produces statement pieces and decorative artefacts. It has been recognised for its craftsmanship and continues to support local artisan communities.
Hyderabad Lac Bangles (Telangana)
Crafted using heated lac, these bangles are hand-moulded and studded with stones, making them vibrant and deeply tied to bridal traditions.
They are especially popular during weddings and festive occasions. The process involves multiple stages of heating, shaping, and embellishment by skilled craftsmen.
Axomiya Gohona (Assam)
Traditional Assamese jewellery made primarily in gold, featuring motifs like junbiri (crescent moon), dholbiri, and lokaparo, is inspired by nature and Ahom-era royalty.
These pieces are often worn during festivals like Bihu and weddings. The bold designs reflect Assam’s rich cultural symbolism and heritage.
Temple Jewellery of Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu)
Originally designed for temple idols, now worn by Bharatanatyam dancers and brides, often depicting gods, goddesses, and temple architecture.
Crafted mainly in gold, these pieces are known for their antique finish and intricate carvings. They remain an essential part of South Indian bridal trousseaus.
Agates of Cambay (Gujarat)
Crafted in Khambhat, artisans heat, dye, and polish agate stones into beads and jewellery. This is a 4,000-year-old craft with global appeal.
Khambhat has been a historic trading centre for agates since ancient times. The finished stones are exported worldwide for use in jewellery and decorative items.
Odisha Brass & Bell Metal Tribal Jewellery
Created using age-old casting techniques, molten metal is hand-poured into moulds to form bold, earthy ornaments that reflect tribal identity and rituals.
These pieces are deeply symbolic, often representing social status and community traditions. The raw, rustic aesthetic makes them distinct from mainstream jewellery styles.
These jewellery traditions are more than decorative forms—they are living expressions of India’s cultural identity and craftsmanship. Each piece carries the legacy of its region, shaped by generations of artisans, local narratives, and time-honoured techniques.
As the industry evolves, the value of these traditions lies in their authenticity, individuality, and human touch—qualities that cannot be replicated by mass production. Preserving them is not just about sustaining craft, but about protecting heritage and supporting artisan communities.
In celebrating these traditions, we don’t just admire their beauty—we honour the stories, skills, and identities that continue to define India’s jewellery landscape.
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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.