JB Insights
KIJF 2024 : Shining Success
Exhibitors expressed extreme satisfaction with the quality of visitors and business recorded during the 3-day B2B extravaganza
The Kerala International Jewellery Fair (KIJF) 2024 commenced with a grand inauguration led by prominent industry figures. The show was officially opened by Dr. B Govindan, Chairman of Bhima Jewellers and State President of AKGSMA, South Chairman of GJC.in, in the esteemed presence of Saiyam Mehra, Chairman, GJC, Rajesh Rokde, Vice Chairman, GJC, Adv. S. Abdul Nazar, State Treasurer, AKGSMA and Convenor, KIJF, K Surendran, State General Secretary, AKGSMA and Vice Chairman, KIJF, VK Manoj, Project Director, United Exhibitions, Mohandas Kulasekaran, CEO, United Exhibitions & many other notable industry leaders from AKGSMA and GJC also graced the event, marking a prestigious start to the fair. The show was organised by United Exhibitions in association with All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association AKGSMA.
Dr B Govindan, State President AKGSMA and Chairman, KIJF, has conveyed his gratitude to all AKGSMA members who has actively taken part in KIJF and National Conference. He also said “KIJF is a jewel crown of Kerala Jewellery Industry and the show is a great success & this success is because of the selfless contribution of all my fellow members who have done the best of their service to bring large numbers of trade visitors through multiple roadshows, meetings and door to door campaigns. I thank all of them for their dedication and commitment to make AKGSMA proud” he said.
Thriving Business Environment
Throughout the event, the aisles were bustling with a large crowd of attendees, engaging in active business exchanges. The vibrant atmosphere highlighted the fair’s success in fostering valuable networking and business opportunities.
“We have come for the first time to Kerala with an idea to explore the market but the volume of business we recorded on the 3 days is a really thrilling experience and we are grateful to all the Trade Visitors from Kerala for the love they showed on us with extraordinary business.” Said Nikhil Pamecha, Director, Super Gold.
KIJF 2024 was a resounding success, marked by grand inaugurations, thriving business exchanges, insightful events, and prestigious awards. The fair not only facilitated substantial business transactions but also celebrated the achievements of the jewellery industry, making it a landmark event in Kerala’s jewellery sector
Special Events
A special event titled “Coffee with Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta” featured a captivating conversation with Dr. Bhima Govindan held in the Seminar Hall on the first day, the session offered exciting insights into the life and career of Kerala’s Jewellery King, attracting significant interest from attendees.
On the evening of July 6th, “Kerala Jewellery Awards” at the Adlux Convention Centre was held.
On the second day, GJC organized the first-ever National Jewellers Conference, which brought together representatives from the jewellery industry across the nation. This historic event featured a keynote address by Honourable Union Minister for Road transport & Highways, Shri. Nitin Gadkari.
KIJF and KJA: Pride of Kerala
The success of KIJF and the Kerala Jewellery Awards (KJA) underscored the pride these events bring to God’s Own Country, Kerala. The fair continues to elevate Kerala’s status as a significant hub for the jewellery industry. “As an industry we welcome the initiatives by United Exhibitions for bringing the B2B jewellery sourcing process into a more inclusive environment through innovation and creativity and maintaining world class standards in all the shows organised by them. We are happy to associate with them” said Adv S Abdul Nazar, Convenor of KIJF
Record Business Transactions
KIJF 2024 recorded significant business activity, with a large number of B2B transactions from trade visitors nationwide. Exhibitors expressed high satisfaction with the show’s organization and the world-class amenities provided, reinforcing KIJF’s reputation as a premier event in the jewellery industry.
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.