Leading professionals from India’s gem and jewellery industry who gathered at FICCI Conference on Gemstones and Silver Jewellery, in Jaipur, on 22nd July, 2010, spoke of a focus on development, technology and innovation to strengthen the present growth of the industry, including that of the gemstone industry in the state of Rajasthan, to compete in the global market.

The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Rajendra Pareekh, Hon’ble Minister for Industry, NRIs, Public Undertaking, Economics & Statistics, Excise, Govt. of Rajasthan, who empahsised the approach of Samarpan (dedication) and Sneh (friendliness), innovation, skill upgradation and knowledge sharing, and said the state would give special attention to setting up National Manufacturing and Industrial Zones, and boosting tourism, jewellery and renewable energy sectors.

The industry’s opinions included: Mr. Rajiv Jain, Vice-Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council expressed faith in the industry’s (worth US$28 billion) future as a major global market, appreciating its 16 percent growth in 2009-’10, and rising demand for non-gold jewellery exports and traditional artforms.

Mr. Bijou Kurien, President and Chief Executive – Lifestyle, Reliance Retail Ltd., said “The key driver of jewellery market is innovation”. Up gradation of technology – crafts and skills in gold setting, cutting stones, retailers combining efforts, and industry players moving towards high-end jewellery, were important. He also suggested the government accord industry status to gems and jewellery sector and encourage Rajasthani craftsmen.

Mr. Nirmal Bardiya, President, Jewellers Association, Jaipur, expressed the need for encouraging mass production of gemstones and silver jewellery, citing the example that India’s gemstones jewellery were cheaper than China, which had a bigger industry with greater productivity.

Jewellery Education with a focus on professionalism and popularizing artforms in India’s cultural heritage was also highlighted, by professionals like Ms. Renu Kapoor, Director, Indian Institute of Jewellery, Mumbai.

Proceedings of the conference took place with Maharaj Jai Singh, Chairman FICCI, Rajasthan State Council & Director Rambagh Palace welcoming the delegates and Gyan Prakash, Director, FICCI Rajasthan State Council as moderator. Vaijayanti Pandit, Director ,FICCI Western regional council, proposed a vote of thanks.