The last couple of year’s reports and analysis on silver, and silver jewellery, constantly remind us of rise in silver demand, rise in silver jewellery fabrication, and to use the cliché SILVER IS THE NEW GOLD.

World Silver Survey 2023 states all major silver demand categories achieved record highs in 2022, pushing total silver demand to a new high of 1.242 billion ounces (Boz) last year. Jewellery, silver artefacts and silverware rose by 29 and 80 percent, respectively, leading to the total global silver demand milestone.

Reading facts and figures is one thing, but actually seeing the frenzy with regard to silver on the ground is another experience altogether. At the SILVER SHOW OF INDIA(SSI), silver is truly in the spotlight.The shine and shimmer of silver is clearly visible in the marvellous and magnificent jewellery, artefacts and silverware on offer.

The exhibitors, retailers and all others in the value chain are overwhelmed by the demand for jewellery and artefacts. This bullishness is triggered by rising gold prices, consumers want a wide variety of jewellery at affordable prices, ever-changing fashion trends… and finally the sheer elegance of silver.

SSI saw the biggies in retail- Kalyan, Bhima, Thangamayil, and other—going on a buying frenzy, to the delight of the major manufacturers like Purple Jewels, Emerald Silver, Silver Empire, R V Agarwal, Derewalla Industries.

As we went around chatting with some of the big buyers, it hit us that purchases of one tonne.. and more was the flavour of the day.The top of the pyramid were blown away by the range, variety and pricing. “I am stunned by the variety and range of silver jewellery available under one roof. Visiting SSI, we realized the variety of silver jewellery available in India. I see a major trend in popularity of silver jewellery — a new trend of consumers purchasing silver artefacts and decorative articles. Besides silver jewellery there will growth in silver furniture, silver in pooja rooms”, said Rajesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director – Kalyan Jewellers.

I have never seen such a beautiful jewellery trade event, with especially one dedicated to silver jewellery, with such wide variety.For two days I have been constantly meeting with manufacturers exhibiting at SSI and placing firm orders”, said BA Ramesh, Joint MD-Thangamayil Jewellery Ltd, one of the biggest, and most respected players, in the jewellery fraternity.

Purple Jewels whose portfolio consists of large variety of Temple jewellery and mix range of fusion jewellery, saw buyers swarming at the stall. The ornamental royal sword, statue of Padmababhan Swamy were the cynosure of all eyes. Ditto at Silver Empire: the masterpieces in jewellery, exquisite idols, and the magnificient statue of Shivaji Maharaj showcased unparalleled craftsmanship in indias silver jewellery segment.

It is not just about growing demand, increasing sales, but about respect and recognition. “SSI has been revolutionary for the silver jewellery and artefacts segment.It has brought recognition to the silver industry, in India and internationally.This is silver’s moment”, says Dharmesh Sheth, Proprietor, Om Jewels.

At the end of our journey through the aisles of SSI we can just say, at the risk of sounding repetitive: Silver is truly in the spotlight.