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RAPAPORT... Mumbai is once again the hotspot for the global gems and jewelry industry as the fifth edition of India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) kicked off at The Grand Hyatt, Santacruz. IIJW takes place from July 14 to 17 and it is followed by the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) on July 17 to 21. During IIJW, participants are treated to the crème la de of the jewelry world as well as celebrity appearances from Bollywood. The “Leading Jewellers of the World” program on the opening day showcased stunning collections from diamond brands Gili, Asmi, Parineeta, Nakshatra and Nizam. In addition, “The Bridal Collection” was showcased to introduce an array of ornaments that are meant to capture the mood of women from around the world. Show highlights included an exhibition by Surya Golds in association with Swarovski where they presented a new vibrant collection with the theme "Nature Inception." Shobha Shringar Jewellers, by Shobhana Choksey, introduced bridal jewelry line that was inspired by ethnic and antique styles from around the country, while Apala by Sumit, by Sumit Sawhney, presented "The Royal Tribe" by fusing tribal with royal jewelry styles to create an exclusive hand-crafted contemporary jewelry collection.
Additionally, Gitanjali Gems, Jewels by Preeti, Gemma, Saboo, Emerald, Mahabir Danwar Jewellers, Meeravali, P.N. Gadgil Jewellers, Dipti Amisha, Golecha's Jewels, Moni Agarwal, Farah Khan, Aks Jewels, Ganjam, Golecha Jewels, Nazraana by Rio Tinto, Birdichand Ghanshyamdas Jewllers and emerging designers from NID and IIGJ, showcased themed jewelry collections. Attendees were treated to dance performances by the girls of Seva Sadan and Bad Salsa and Bollywood actors Neha Dhupia, Ankita Shorey and Konkana Bakshi brought much glamor and excitement to the event. Those in attendance for opening day included Rashmi Thackeray, the wife of a prominent politician in Mumbai, Sanjay Kothari, the convener for IIJW, Vikram Merchant, India's representative manager for Rio Tinto, Amit Pratihari, the director for retail at Forevermark, R.K. Sharma, the CEO of PC Jeweller and Mehul Choksi, the chairman of Gitanjali Group. Executives from the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) were also present, including its chairman, Vipul Shaha, vice president, Pankaj Pareskh and executive director, Sabhyasachi Ray. Event partners include Azva bridal jewelry by the World Gold Council, Forevermark, Platinum Guild, StarPlus, Kingfisher and Signature. IIJW is being present by title partner Nazraana, in association with PC Jeweller, and organized by the GJEPC. Shah said, “IIJW, as a property, has proved to the world that India is one of the prime destinations for jewelry globally, with design talents, which are indeed world class.” Merchant added, “The event will not only showcase established design houses and designers, but will also give an opportunity to new talented, budding designers from NID and IIGJ, marking the popularity that the show has been receiving from the young designers keen to make a mark in the industry.” Noteworthy design trends on the first day: statement and cocktail rings are hot in floral and abstract designs or shields for fingers; size does matter for tribal, bridal and couture ornaments so it is all about “Bigger the Better;” the reverse Maang Tikka is now draped on the nose; ear cuffs, ear muffs, shields and multi strands looped over ear lobes give a new style to ear ornaments; adding glitter for the legs, ankles, calves with gold, antique, silver and chunky anklets; innovative pieces such as armlet-cum-ring, the harness with armour plate or earring-cum-brooch may excite adventurous women; large deities are popular in pendant designs; Haath Phools return in all shapes, sizes and designs; armlets get special treatment with pearl detailing, tassels and tribal motifs and, lastly, permutations and combinations of pearls, diamonds, rubies and emeralds still inspire designers.
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