IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 concluded on Monday, January 12, bringing to a close a mid-season edition that reflected a measured buying sentiment and a visible recalibration of product preferences across categories. Throughout the show, buying remained selective, with buyers prioritizing commercial viability, inventory efficiency, and price-managed collections over volume-led purchases.

The concluding day at NESCO saw a steady, but cautious, buyer movement. Retailers were focused on closing requirement-driven orders, particularly in lightweight gold jewellery, commercial diamond lines, and versatile designs suited for faster inventory turns. Conversations on the floor indicated that buyers remained engaged, but decision-making was disciplined, shaped by capital considerations and elevated gold prices.

The overall tone of IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 was set early in the show. Day One at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) began on a slow note, largely due to travel schedules and buyer check-ins — an opening-day pattern familiar to exhibitors. However, momentum improved noticeably post-afternoon, with footfalls strengthening, and buyer intent becoming clearer. Several exhibitors reported focused discussions and early closures, particularly as many buyers planned their schedules around the opening of the NESCO venue the following day.

With NESCO opening on Day Two, buyer movement shifted decisively. The bulk of footfalls moved to Goregaon, resulting in significantly reduced activity at JWCC. For exhibitors continuing at JWCC, Day Two proved challenging, with limited buyer engagement, while NESCO absorbed most of the trade attention across categories.

Day Three saw average activity levels across both venues. While overall footfalls were lower compared to the first day, JWCC experienced marginal improvement over Day Two, and buyer presence remained steady, though subdued. Across venues, buying remained selective, rather than expansive, reinforcing the mid-season character of the show.

Big-ticket items see limited traction

From a category standpoint, buying behaviour at IIJS Signature 2026 was strongly influenced by prior saturation at the Jaipur Jewellery Show. A substantial volume of polki and heavy jewellery purchasing had already taken place there, which reduced the appetite for similar categories at Signature. As a result, heavy sets — particularly 80gm–100gm pieces, and big-ticket antique jewellery — saw limited traction. Elevated gold prices further amplified buyer caution, with single-set values often entering the Rs 40–Rs 50 lakh range, leading retailers to restrict purchases to specific requirements or approval-based selections.

What emerged clearly across the show was a decisive shift in product preference. Buyers showed a stronger inclination towards lightweight and lower-ticket jewellery, reflecting a broader focus on capital efficiency. Interest in 14K gold was noticeably higher compared to traditional 18K offerings, as retailers looked to manage price points, while maintaining design appeal. The increased use of gemstones as a value-balancing element was also evident, helping manufacturers and retailers offer visual differentiation without significantly raising ticket sizes.

Designs emphasising versatility, everyday wearability, and modular use resonated strongly with buyers, particularly those catering to urban and younger consumer segments. Retailers repeatedly highlighted the importance of faster inventory rotation and commercially sustainable collections over statement-heavy assortments.

Given that IIJS Bharat Signature is positioned as a mid-season show, expectations around footfalls and buying intensity were already moderate. With limited months remaining in the buying cycle before the next major retail season, retailers approached the show with sharper intent, focusing on replenishment, gap-filling, and testing select new designs, rather than broad-based stock expansion.

In its entirety, IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 served as a relevant barometer of the current jewellery market. The show reflected cautious optimism — buyers were present, engaged, and evaluating opportunities, but with a clear emphasis on practicality and profitability. As the final leg at NESCO concluded, the overarching takeaway was evident: trade sentiment is steady, buying intent is focused, and the industry continues to move towards lighter, more commercially sustainable jewellery aligned with current market realities.