As preparations gather pace for IIJS Bharat Signature 2026, JewelBuzz spoke with Nirav Bhansali, Convener – National Exhibitions, GJEPC, to understand what lies ahead for the industry’s first major show of the year. From record-breaking scale and expanding international participation to deeper integration of technology, sustainability initiatives and the new ‘IIJS Bharat’ identity, NiravBhansali shared how the upcoming edition is set to open 2026 with renewed confidence and global momentum for the Indian gems and jewellery sector.

IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 is shaping up to be the largest edition of the show to date, setting a confident and forward-looking tone for the Indian gems and jewellery industry at the start of the New Year. With preparations in their final stages, the upcoming edition promises unprecedented scale, stronger international participation, deeper technology integration, and a renewed focus on sustainability.

Largest-Ever Signature Edition

The 2026 edition marks a milestone in the evolution of IIJS Signature, emerging as the largest Signature show ever organised. Hosted across two venues—Jio World Convention Centre and BEC NESCO, Mumbai, the exhibition will feature approximately 1,500 companies spread across 3,100+ booths.

Every section within the show has expanded significantly, underscoring the growing depth and diversity of the Indian jewellery ecosystem. The silver jewellery section has grown from 60 booths in earlier editions to over 110 booths, while the Select Club, showcasing fine jewellery, has expanded from 97 to 159 booths and has been relocated to the Jasmine Hall at Jio, aligning with the positioning introduced at IIJS Premiere.

The machinery section has been shifted to a newly revamped Hall 6 at BEC NESCO, expanding to 250+ booths, making it one of the largest dedicated machinery showcases in the country. Gold and diamond jewellery sections continue to grow, while the lab-grown diamond segment has also expanded, reflecting rising industry interest and adoption.

With its current scale, IIJS Bharat Signature is already the second-largest jewellery show in India, closely approaching IIJS Premiere, and is on track to rank among the largest jewellery exhibitions globally.

Stronger Visitor Growth and Global Participation

Visitor targets for IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 are set over 20% higher than the previous year, with registrations already tracking ahead of last year’s figures. The show expects to welcome more than 25,000 domestic visitors and 1,500–2,000 international visitors, including official delegations.

International participation is being bolstered by more favourable show dates, resulting in stronger overseas engagement. Delegations are expected from GCC countries, the Indian subcontinent (Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka), and the Far East, including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Korea. Additional visitors are also anticipated from Europe and the US.

Technology, AI and Digital Innovation Take Centre Stage

IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 marks the second phase of the show’s innovation journey, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven technology and digital integration. Building on earlier initiatives such as facial recognition and unified venue entry, the focus now shifts to enhancing business efficiency and visitor experience.

Key technology-led features include:

• QR codes at every booth, enabling visitors to scan, save notes and receive a consolidated visit summary
• AI-powered visitor–exhibitor matching, improving relevance and discovery
• App-based appointment scheduling and engagement tools
• Advanced data analytics to better understand visitor behaviour and preferences

These initiatives aim to make visits more productive while extending business engagement beyond the exhibition floor.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability continues to be a central pillar of IIJS. All booths at IIJS Bharat Signature are now 100% sustainable, with PVC flex materials largely eliminated in favour of digital and eco-friendly alternatives. Paper usage has been removed entirely, physical badges phased out, and venues are operated using green energy.

A pilot initiative for boxed water is also planned, with the aim of reducing single-use plastic further. In a long-term commitment, GJEPC is working with sustainability consultants to make all exhibitions 100% carbon neutral by 2030–2035.

‘IIJS Bharat’: A New Identity, A Bigger Vision

The rebranding to IIJS Bharat reflects a broader shift in the global jewellery landscape. At a time when several international markets face headwinds, India has emerged as a key growth driver for the global gems and jewellery industry.

The ‘Bharat’ identity is positioned not merely as a name change, but as a declaration of India’s growing leadership in manufacturing, design, retail and consumption. Over the next decade, India is expected to play a defining role across all jewellery categories, and IIJS Bharat aims to serve as the platform through which the world recognises this transformation.

Adapting to Changing Consumer Mindsets

The evolving preferences of younger consumers are also shaping the industry’s approach. Shorter trend cycles, faster product refreshes, new materials, digital communication, and experiential retail are becoming essential. Manufacturers and retailers alike are responding with agile production, updated branding, and sharper storytelling—areas that will also be reflected in IIJS seminars and knowledge sessions.

A Confident Start to the Year

With its expanded scale, global participation, technological innovation and sustainability leadership, IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 is poised to deliver a strong start to the year for the Indian gems and jewellery industry—positioning India as one of the most dynamic and influential jewellery markets in the world.

As IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 prepares to open its doors, the exhibition stands as a reflection of the Indian gems and jewellery industry’s scale, resilience and forward-looking ambition. With record participation, growing global engagement, advanced use of technology and a clear sustainability roadmap, the show is positioned not just as a marketplace, but as a statement of India’s leadership in the global jewellery ecosystem. For exhibitors, buyers and stakeholders alike, IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 promises to set the direction and momentum for the year ahead.