India which has lately become the cynosure of all eyes in the world of gems and jewellery because of its fast-track multi-pronged precious progress, stands in sharper forum today as virtually all rounds are leading to Mumbai, India�s trade and commerce capital, where the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has organized the annual India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) the 25th edition of the country�s premier precious expo which is also Asia�s second largest and the world�s fifth B2B glittering extravaganza. Carefully planned and rescheduled to this comparatively safer weather period, the global attraction that expects to draw nearly 30,000 visitors from the foreign as well as domestic regions, including delegations from France, China, Hong Kong, Germany, Poland, Belgium, USA, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Mexico, Kuwait, Cyprus, Turkey, Hong Kong, Thailand, Korea, etc., is to be staged from May 4 to 8, 2006 at the NSE Complex, Goregaon on outskirt of the Mumbai metropolis on a sprauling ground of 46,000 sq. metres where 1,500 well-appointed stalls have been provided for participating trade operators.

IIJS 2006 is the only trade platform that showcases India�s strength in the gems and jewellery sector all under one roof. Some of the highlights of the latest event will include a marvelous range of studded (Diamond and Colored Gemstone) and plain (Gold, Silver and Platinum) jewellery, loose diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls and Jewellery Mounting. Apart from all of this you will also find machinery and accessories; in depth information on the industry can be gained as there is participation from trade publications, educational institutes, associations and web portals. This only gets better with an exclusive bonus of award winning designs and forthcoming design trends.

Standard & Quality Upgradation :
Commenting on the upcoming IIJS 2006, Bakul Mehta, Chairman, GJEPC says, �IIJS has become the largest B2B event for the gems & jewellery sector in the South-East Asian region. This year at IIJS 2006, the real advancement is not merely in terms of scale of the Show but a special emphasis on raising the quality and standards of the event. This year our main focus is to provide greater value to all participants including our exhibitors and visitors.�
Navin Jasnani, Convener IIJS Committee, GJEPC added, �In an era where knowledge is power, the fortunes of many organizations are increasingly decided by the knowledge bank at their disposal and skill � competitiveness of their human resources. Seminars and workshops at IIJS 2006 are specially designed to fulfill this specific need of the gems and jewellery industry.�
Fool-proof Safety :
Taking lesser from previous unpalatable experience to ensure safe exhibition, various measures have been adopted this year such as Universal fire Extinguishers at 18 mts; two Fire Engines stationed at the venue and two well-equipped fire marshals for every zone. In addition, all the emergency lights, PA system, Sirens and Light Beckons are Battery operated. There is also a complete evacuation procedure laid down and measures have been taken for any bomb scare.
Another significant change is the revised timings. Keeping in view the power supply available, the new timings are from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Additional Attractions :
It�s not just business at IIJS 2006; so many special additional initiatives have been taken that include the following side events.
IIJS Golf Meet : This unique initiative would be a building block to nurturing business relationship between exhibitors & visitors thus making IIJS a preferred destination show. IIJS Golf meet is scheduled on May 3, 2006.
Seminar Spectrum : Consists of 16 seminars focusing on 21st century retailing, latest developments in skills in running a jewellery business, branding, product selection, selling online etc. Some of the prominent speakers include Sanjeev Agarwal � World Gold Council, Jean Marc Lieberherr � Rio Tinto Diamonds, Prasoon Joshi � McCann Erickson and Jignesh Shah � Multi Commodities Exchange, amongst others who would be sharing their views.
Fashion Show : The IIJS Gala Fashion Show will display the best of jewellery design.
Solitaire Design Awards: These awards are a benchmark for quality and creativity. The winning pieces will be displayed at a special stall and winners will be felicitated at a gala dinner.
IIGJ Vision 2006 : In keeping with the objective of providing excellence in education and imparting an industry, based education to its students. IIGJ initiated a jewellery design competition aptly named �IIGJ Vision 2006�. The objective is to discover and unveil the hidden talent and potential in youth and provide them a forum to present their work at �IIGJ Vision 2006�
Uniquely India : A pavilion to display India�s unique heritage in design and craftsmanship with contemporary styling got -together in collaboration with designers from the National Institute of Design, India.