IIJS Signature Witnesses Serious Buyers

The 13^th edition of IIJS Signature that opened its doors on the 13^th of February with 700 exhibitors showcasing their creations across three days, the show had 12,000 pre-registered buyers.

As the year begins, Signature is one show everybody looks forward to.  Between Jaipur Show till June, Signature is the only show that has been strategically positioned to attract quality buyers. As the wedding season and festivals come to an end, this is one show where buyers look forward to shop for fresh stock.

The first couple of days at the show were really slow as the show floor had very few buyers. However, as always, Signature has been a show that has attracted serious buyers who are focused in restocking their stores with jewellery for Akshaya Tritiya and gudipadwa. “The footfall was less but the people who came in where in serious buying mode. Even though the walk-ins were lesser than last year, those who came were quality buyers with good enquiries. Since the wedding season is ending, buyers were looking at light weight diamond jewellery for gudipadwa and Akshaya Tritiya,” said Hardik Shah of BR Designs.

One of the major concerns for quite a few exhibitors was the timing of the show. They felt that the show could’ve started on Friday and continued till Monday as Sunday attracts many buyers. “The response was pretty decent, nothing extraordinary. However, we had a number in mind and we came close to it so we are happy. The first two days buyers were focused on gold, but the last couple of days they were seriously looking to buy diamond jewellery. They were looking for something fresh, and pieces that are not found in the market and we were able to offer them the same,” said Anuj Chatterjee of Saunay Jewels.

Many exhibitors said that retailers who are not serious about buying didn’t turn up however, they were able renew their relationships with old customers and also get new leads at the show. “The show was very good for us. We participate in IIJS Signature because this is where serious business happens. We got very good enquiries. People are increasingly leaning towards smaller ticket items. Demand for large diamond necklaces and heavy pieces is gone.”

Diamond jewellery at the show received very good response, however, heavy sets as well as jadau jewellery didn’t see an uptick.

This time GJEPC had also introduced a special Crafts Pavilion to showcase India’s traditional jewellery making crafts, with the aim of helping to revive, modernise and eventually market these localised art forms. There were eye catching ornaments and gift items with complex designs and intricate detailing including handcrafted Temple Jewellery from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu, the Art of Bidri, native to Bidar in Karnataka and the delicate craftsmanship of Silver Filigree in Karimnagar district in Telangana.

Also part of the show was the exclusive Signature Club which included exhibitors like Kantilal Chhotalal, KGK Jewellery, Tanvirkumar & Co, Jewelkraft Creations Pvt. and more. The exhibitors showcased an array of collections from bridal to modern and light weight pieces. Hall 6 also had a special section for women jewellery entrepreneurs on one side as well as a section for jewellery designers on the other, who presented their exclusive creations to the visitors.