IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 opened on January 8 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), Mumbai, marking the formal start of the global jewellery trade calendar for the year. The inaugural day drew strong participation from industry leaders, institutional representatives, and international stakeholders.

The opening ceremony was attended by Guests of Honour Saumen Bhaumik of CaratLane, and Harsha Bangari of EXIM Bank, with Sandrine Conseiller, CEO, De Beers Brands, and also Chair, Natural Diamond Council, present as the chief guests.  Senior leadership from GJEPC present at the event included Kirit Bhansali, Chairman; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman; Nirav Bhansali; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director.

Setting the context for the show, Parikh, who is also Convenor, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, underlined the role of IIJS Bharat Signature as the first major B2B event of the year. “IIJS Bharat Signature kicks off the global jewellery trade fair calendar as a premium platform designed to drive business growth across the industry,” he said. Highlighting the scale of the 2026 edition, Parikh noted the participation of over 1,600 exhibitors across 3,300-plus stalls, spread over 1.25 lakh sq. m, with more than 25,000 trade visitors from over 800 Indian cities, alongside around 1,500 international buyers from 40 countries supported by 12 buyer delegations.

Building on the show’s export-led focus, Bangari spoke about the joint EXIM Bank–GJEPC study, titled ‘Making Gems and Jewellery Clusters Exportable.’ “The sector’s strength lies in its vibrant clusters, which operate as integrated ecosystems,” she said. The study has identified 17 district-level clusters with high export potential, and highlights the need for improved trade-enabling infrastructure, greater mechanization, easier access to raw materials and finance, and stronger branding and marketing support.

On the product and innovation front, activity on the show floor remained strong. Dassani Brothers launched ‘Varnika’, its first-ever diamond jewellery collection, marking the company’s strategic entry into diamond jewellery, while continuing its legacy in polki craftsmanship.

Knowledge exchange also featured prominently through an Innov8 Talks session on ‘The Future of the Natural Diamond Market: Recovery, Challenges & New Opportunities’. Industry analysts Edahn Golan (Tenoris), Pranay Narvekar (Pharos Beam Consulting LLP) and Prasad Kapre (Blue Sky Business Management Group) shared perspectives on market recovery, structural challenges, and emerging opportunities for natural diamonds.

With the JWCC venue now fully operational, the second leg of IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 will commence at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), Goregaon, further expanding the show’s footprint, and offering buyers and exhibitors additional sourcing and networking opportunities in the days ahead.