Held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from March 21, 2025, to March 24, 2025, the third edition of IIJS Tritiya opened on a grand note with the announcement of a potential mega jewellery park near Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. 

M B Patil, Minister of Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, proposed the allocation of land for the park during the opening ceremony, describing it as a move to create a vibrant hub for the gem and jewellery sector in the region.

"We remain committed to creating a supportive ecosystem for the jewellery sector, and I invite the industry to explore the opportunities Karnataka offers. This strategic location, combined with Karnataka's progressive policies and world-class infrastructure, together create a vibrant hub for the gem and jewellery industry," said Patil. 

A Show of Strength and Scale

Organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), this year’s IIJS Tritiya witnessed participation from 500 new companies, and is estimated to have attracted over 15,000 retailers from more than 500 cities. The four-day show also saw over 300 international buyers in attendance, with a rich product profile that included gold, diamond-studded jewellery, silver, coloured gemstones, lab-grown diamonds, and international jewellery.

A concurrent India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) featured cutting-edge machinery and packaging innovations, showcasing over 100 stalls by 80+ companies.

A B S Sanjjay, AVR Swarna Mahal, Salem,  said, “IIJS has always been a significant platform for collaboration, innovation, and showcasing the craftsmanship of our artisans. With each edition, it grows stronger, attracting more participants, and inspiring the next generation of jewellery entrepreneurs. I believe this year's event will be a resounding success, opening up new opportunities and sparking fresh innovation.”

B A  Ramesh, Joint MD, Thangamayil Jewellery, offered a perspective rooted in continuity. “I have been attending the IIJS exhibition for the past 30-40 years, though it has only been in Bengaluru for three years. I am here primarily for purchasing gold, diamond, silver jewellery, etc., and I'm thrilled to see the growth and opportunities it brings.”

Industry Optimism Amid Global Challenges

Despite the current headwinds faced by the sector — ranging from fluctuating gold prices and global geopolitical concerns, to shifts in consumer buying behaviour — industry captains  remained upbeat.

"Despite global challenges like geopolitical uncertainties and tariff issues, India’s gem and jewellery sector has shown remarkable resilience," said Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, adding, "With expanding FTAs and proactive government support, we are  confident of reaching our ambitious export target of $70 billion by 2030."

Mahendra Kumar Tayal, Regional Chairman (South), GJEPC, and Dr Chetan Kumar Mehta, President of the Jewellers’ Association Bengaluru, also reiterated Karnataka’s strategic role in shaping the future of the industry.

What the Exhibitors Observed

Jewellery manufacturers showcasing their latest collections reported a steady stream of interest. Some, like Aureza by Sangam Chains and S.K. Seth Jewellers, experienced consistent engagement, particularly from returning clients.

Girish Shah of Aakar Jewels noted, "Retailers were cautious, but they knew what they wanted. Orders were placed — measured, but meaningful. This kind of clarity from buyers is always encouraging, especially in times when the market sentiment is unpredictable."

For others, however, the timing of the show brought logistical challenges. Girish Chaudhary of Vero Stella Jewels, Mumbai, pointed out, "The proximity to financial year-end and Akshaya Tritiya makes it tough for timely order fulfilment, especially for exports. Many international clients also plan their orders in advance, so tighter timelines are a hurdle. Still, regular buyers from South India showed up, which is reassuring."

Kapil Nischal of Zayna Exports, which is based in Amritsar, but has operations in Delhi and Mumbai as well, described the event as promising, albeit tempered by global volatility. "IIJS Tritiya concluded on a positive note. While a mix of geopolitical and economic factors — including the surge in gold prices — meant that buyers were understandably cautious, the event still saw solid engagement. 

“Footfalls may have been higher in a more favourable climate, but overall, it was a good show. We observed that retailers were making selective, considered purchases — focusing on collections that offer originality and cater to a more discerning clientele. Our unique designs clearly resonated with this mindset, reaffirming our belief that thoughtful craftsmanship continues to stand out, even in a measured market."

Vikram Jain of Kanakratna, Mumbai, added that his  focus on lightweight 18ct jewellery helped his company maintain traction. “People who missed buying at Rs 50,000 or Rs 60,000 are still comfortable buying at Rs 90,000 — they are  averaging out their investment. There is  also a mindset among certain buyer segments that gold, regardless of price, continues to hold long-term value.”

Mahesh Seth of S.K. Seth Jewellers, Mumbai,  said, “Gold is still selling when rates are high. The key is stability, not just price. Counters are not  empty, transactions are just more deliberate. We continue to innovate on design to meet current demand. It is  up to retailers to translate the value to consumers through design, buyback policies, and long-term perspective.”

Retailers React

For retailers, IIJS Tritiya is an opportunity to stock up ahead of Akshaya Tritiya and the upcoming wedding season. Tanvi Singhi from Konika Jewellery, Chennai, was on the lookout for versatile inventory. "The designs are perfect for millennials and Gen Z. We have  noticed a shift towards versatility in pieces — something that can be styled differently across occasions. It is  a short show — a week would have been ideal — but the quality and variety have been impressive," she said. 

Ridhi Kapoor Gala of Kashi Jewellers, Kanpur, noted how well-structured the event was. “We were here for Akshaya Tritiya gold buying, and found exactly what we needed. The layout and logistics were seamless, which made it easier to explore new collections. We even discovered some new vendors,” she said.

Jay Mehta from Pooja Diamond, Gujarat, which caters to bridal buyers, said, “Tourmalines, tanzanites, and emeralds are trending. The fusion of classic diamonds with vibrant stones adds freshness to bridal jewellery. Bridal jewellery in 2025 will see more of this as the market embraces more playful luxury.”

Some buyers like Goutham Challani, Director, Challani Jewellery Mart, Chennai, were looking for very specific, high-ticket items. “This is a great networking platform, and we found exactly what we came looking for. Shows like IIJS Tritiya help us benchmark our expectations for the year ahead, both in terms of product and pricing,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Bangalore-based Vijay Goklaney, Proprietor, Ravs Myra, said the show was a great way to stay ahead of trends. “It is  not peak season, so business is steady rather than bustling, but the exposure is valuable. The diversity of participants makes it worthwhile, especially when you are  aiming to stay updated with global trends.”

Insights from the Innov8 Talks

IIJS Tritiya 2025 also featured a robust knowledge-sharing segment. At the Innov8 Talks, Sandeep Kohli, CEO of Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, emphasized the importance of the "Three Cs" for every retailer: Customer, Cost-Consciousness, and Care. "Jewellery is not just business; it is  fashion, investment, and emotion," he said, adding, “I am  constantly amazed at how the Indian jewellery trade has mastered the jigsaw puzzle of Trends, Tech, and Trust — our industry’s global edge comes from this unique combination.”

Sessions included topics ranging from AI-driven business scaling, and alternative funding for startups, ecommerce exports, to skill-building for retail staff. Speakers included industry veterans like Bijou Kurien, Varghese Alukkas, and executives from DHL, eBay, GIVA, Limelight, and Fiona Diamonds.

Cultural Touches and Closing Notes

This year’s theme, "Classical Indian Dance Forms: Rhythms of India", brought a vibrant cultural energy to the show. The "Jewels in Motion" showcase celebrated this spirit through intricate designs inspired by classical Indian dance, with standout pieces from designer jeweller Anand Shah. Among the most talked-about were his dancing dervish earrings and Kathakali dancer earrings — both featuring gold skirts composed of fine strands. 

A smooth visitor experience was enabled by face recognition entry, digital badges, interactive floor plans, and the IIJS app. Connectivity was further enhanced by the Madavara Metro Station next to BIEC.

To unwind, attendees were treated to a high-energy performance by Bollywood singer Nakash Aziz at the IIJS Tritiya Celebration Night.

As IIJS Tritiya continues to grow, both in scale and significance, industry leaders hope for even greater global engagement and more strategic support from state and central governments. With the proposed jewellery park near Bengaluru airport, and a renewed focus on exports, IIJS Tritiya 2025 may well mark a turning point in India’s jewellery trade landscape.

As Nirav Bhansali, Convener - National Exhibitions, GJEPC, who played a key role in orchestrating the event, remarked, “It is truly a moment of pride to witness how IIJS Tritiya has grown over the past three years, thanks to the trust and support of our exhibitors and buyers. This year’s phenomenal response reflects the industry’s confidence in this growing platform. Looking ahead, we aim to make IIJS Tritiya even bigger and better, strengthening its role as a premier export-focused platform connecting Indian jewellers with the world, driving innovation, and unlocking new opportunities.”