JB Insights
Bengal International Jewellery Show 2024
Opens on a grand note; celebrates industry icons and women empowerment
The 5th edition of the Bengal International Jewellery Show (BIJS) commenced at the Milan Mela Exhibition Centre, Kolkata, with resounding success. Organized by KNC Services, this event, running from November 30 to December 2, 2024, set a stellar precedent on its opening day, celebrating excellence in the jewellery industry and beyond.
The formal inauguration was done by Chief Guest Salem Abdullah Al Ammari of Dewan Al Dahab Jewellery LLC in the presence of Guests of Honour, Mohammad Ishrat, Mustafa’s Pte. Ltd, T.A. Sharavana, Member of Karnataka Legislative Council and Special Guests Saiyam Mehra, Chairman GJC, Dr Chetan Kumar Mehta, President -Jewellery Division -IBJA,President -JAB, Sachin Jain, Regional CEO India -WGC, Samar Kumar De, Working President -SSBC, Deepak Soni, Burrabazar Bullion Gems and Jewellers Welfare Association, Subir Sen, President -SSBC,Alok Adhya, Howrah Jewellery Traders Welfare Association, Tagar Chandra Poddar, Gen Sec, Akhil Bharatiya Swarnakar Sangh, Kranti Nagvekar, Founder KNC Services and dignitaries from GJ industry.
With participation from global industry leaders spanning Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Indian states including West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and regions from the North and South, BIJS 2024 has reaffirmed its position as a global platform for the jewellery trade.
Honoring the pillars of the industry with the Durga Awards
As a highlight of the inaugural day, KNC Services presented the prestigious Durga Awards to four exceptional women, affectionately called the “Durgas” of the jewellery industry. These awards honor their dedication, hard work, and significant contributions to advancing the industry. The recognition underscores KNC’s commitment to celebrating talent, perseverance, and leadership within the jewellery sector.
A Day of Success and Celebration
The event continued with a series of memorable moments, including:
Coffee with Dr. Chetan Mehta, CMD, Laxmi Diamonds, Bengaluru, in an inspiring dialogue with Mr. Suvankar Sen, MD, Senco Gold, Kolkata.
A spectacular Grand Fashion Show Networking Night, showcasing Kolkata’s unmatched craftsmanship and elevating the spirit of artistry in the jewellery world.
Networking and Business Opportunities
The first day of BIJS 2024 has already proven to be a remarkable success in terms of business and networking. The event facilitates collaboration among manufacturers, designers, retailers, and stakeholders, making it a vital hub for innovation and growth in the jewellery industry.BIJS is not only a networking powerhouse but also an affirmation of the industry’s collective strength, innovation, and creativity.
BIJS 2024: A Platform for Excellence
BIJS continues to be East India’s premier B2B jewellery exhibition, providing a unique platform for manufacturers, designers, retailer Coffs, and stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and create opportunities.
BIJS 2024 was a celebration of the vibrant spirit of the jewellery industry; it was where tradition meets innovation, and excellence is the standard.
Coffee with Dr Chetan Kumar Mehta in conversation with Suvankar Sen
Dr Chetan Kumar Mehta’s fireside chat with Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO – Senco Gold and Diamonds unearthed the wisdom and passion that drives one of India’s respected corporate retail jewellers, which boasts of 165 outlets across the country.He spoke on how he had responsibility to carry forward a four generation legacy.
Suvankar Sen was fortunate to have as mentor his father and an icon of the jewellery industry Shankar Sen.The learnings from his father include:
Focus and determination to see an initiative to its successful completion despite the odds and obstacles.
Quick decision making and then sticking by one’s decision
Carry along your people, your team – this will ensure your success.
Face good times, and bad times with equanimity.Remember that bad times is not the end of the world.
Maintain a work – personal life balance.
Suvankar Sen displayed his own strength and that of Senco as they journeyed towards their IPO- a dream of Shankar Sen.The objective was to be a better, organised,clean and transparent organisation.
The journey was a tough – it had its challenges.Identifying PE investors, getting the best auditors on board, battling negativity and suspicion about the jewellery sector, convincing the legitimacy of jewellery industry and strengths and integrity of Senco and bearing the loss of his father.
Education
The New-Age Jewellery Professional: Why Tech Education for Jewellery Industry is the Biggest Growth Driver
#JbExclusive
The jewellery industry is no longer defined by craftsmanship alone. Today, it sits at the intersection of design, technology, sustainability, finance, branding, and global trade. As consumer expectations evolve and competition intensifies, structured education and continuous skill development are emerging as the most powerful growth catalysts for the sector.
For a dynamic industry like India’s jewellery market, education is not optional — it is strategic.
From Karigar to Knowledge Professional
For decades, the backbone of the industry has been generational craftsmanship. While this legacy remains invaluable, modern jewellery businesses now demand professionals who understand:
- Gemology and diamond grading
- CAD and 3D jewellery design
- Retail management and consumer psychology
- Digital marketing and brand storytelling
- International trade compliance and tariffs
- ESG and sustainability frameworks
Institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America and the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery have played a key role in formalising education pathways, helping transform traditional artisans and retailers into globally competitive professionals.
Trend Watch: Rise of Tech-Integrated Learning
One of the strongest education trends shaping the industry is technology integration.
- CAD & CAM Training: Digital prototyping reduces costs and speeds up product development cycles.
- AI in Retail Forecasting: Data-driven inventory planning is replacing intuition-based buying.
- Blockchain Awareness: Traceability in diamonds and coloured gemstones is becoming a compliance requirement rather than a luxury.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Expertise: As lab-grown diamonds gain market share, understanding grading, pricing dynamics, and consumer positioning has become critical.
Educational programs now increasingly blend online modules with hands-on workshops, enabling faster upskilling for working professionals.
The Bridal Economy & Consumer Education
India’s bridal jewellery segment continues to drive demand, but the modern bride is informed and research-oriented. She compares:
- Natural vs lab-grown diamonds
- Hallmarking standards
- Ethical sourcing claims
- Design originality
Retailers who invest in staff education see higher trust conversion rates. Well-trained sales professionals are no longer “salespeople” — they are consultants guiding life-defining purchases.
Financial Literacy in Jewellery
Another emerging area is financial education within the industry itself. With gold functioning as both adornment and asset, professionals must understand:
- Gold monetisation frameworks
- Hedging strategies
- Commodity price cycles
- Working capital management
Structured knowledge helps businesses move from being inventory-heavy traders to strategically managed enterprises.
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing
Global buyers increasingly demand proof of ethical sourcing and environmental compliance. Education around responsible mining practices, supply-chain transparency, and ESG reporting is becoming central to export competitiveness.
Industry bodies such as the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council regularly conduct seminars and workshops to align Indian exporters with evolving global standards.
The Future: Hybrid Skills Will Win
The next generation jewellery professional will not be defined by a single skill. The future belongs to those who combine:
- Design sensibility
- Technical expertise
- Business acumen
- Digital fluency
- Ethical awareness
For a sector contributing significantly to India’s exports and employment, education is the bridge between heritage and high growth.
Knowledge is the new luxury. As the jewellery industry transitions into a more organised, tech-enabled, and globally integrated ecosystem, continuous learning will determine who leads and who lags. The sparkle of the future will not just come from diamonds — it will come from informed minds shaping the industry.
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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.