This year, the Jewellers Association Show-2008 (JAS-08), is conceived to bring forth Jaipur’s edge in gemstone and gemstone jewellery through a theme ‘A Legacy on Colours’, to the world. The show is scheduled to begin on 28 August 2008, with Chief Minister Smt. Vasundhara Raje performing the inauguration at Birla Auditorium. To grace the event as guests of honour will be Minister of Industries Dr. Digambar Singh, Public Grievances Committee chairman S.N. Gupta and Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council chairman Sanjay Kothari. %% The organisers, Jaipur Jewellers Association have made an effort to deliver an expansive variety of gemstones and gemstone manufacturers, especially from Jaipur, the Pink city also known for its leadership in gemstones. Seven halls have been set up across 1.5 lakh sq.ft., housing 273 booths. The halls have been divided according to the varied genres of gemstones Diamond Hall, Tanzanite Hall, Emerald Hall, Rubellite Hall, Topaz Hall, Grand Hall and Tucson Hall, the latter being the new addition this year to promote the art and sale of coloured gemstone jewellery and colour gemstones. The jewellery portfolio is expected to include gold and silver jewellery, Jaipur’s famous Kundan Meena jewellery and more. Around 2800 members are expected to participate. %% %% Also, the entire exhibit space has been divided basis the need for business, exhibition etc. Business interest is being captured at the Grand Hall with around 80 branded jewelers setting up their booths and a Business Centre for transactions in gemstones. The Centre would be supported with infrastructure like fax, internet zone and credit card machines. %% An award ceremony will be hosted for a jewellery design competition held earlier on an all-India level, inviting designs in two categories namely Casual Wear Jewellery and Fashion Accessories Design based on theme of A Legacy of Colors’. Jewellery manufacturers were also invited to participate for the Bridal Wear Jewellery Award. An award for Photography in jewellery will also be presented, the first such award of its kind organised by any Indian trade show. This competition too is themed on Legacy of Colors with entries in two categories - colour stone and jewellery. Interactive sessions like a seminar has been orgainsed on- ‘Challenges of Gem Stone Industry’ and lectures by industry veterans Rajendra Soni on ‘New Technique of Plating’, and Gemmological Institute of India’s branch head Jaishree Panjikar on ‘Discovery of new Gem Stones and New Treatment’. A raffle draw is also planned wherein the lucky winners would be awarded jewellery worth Rs.50000 everyday, and a mega prize on the last day would be jewellery worth Rs.1 lac. %% In comparison to the JAS -07, this year, the event has increased in scale- number of stalls from 182 to 250, exhibition area from 1965 sq.mt. to 3000 sq.mt., non-business visitors from 3200 to 5000, and total number of visitors from 15,000 to 25,000. To promote the show, the JAS Committee appointed its ambassadors at Brazil, China, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand and America, apart from advertisements in over 15 Indian and international jewellery magazines, hoardings, radio, inetrnet. Completing the package of a well designed show, the organisers have kept in mind the security and logistic aspect. %% Jaipur has been at the forefront of gemstones, globally, Its total exports of gems and jewellery increased from Rs 1913 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.2044 crore in 2007-08. The JAS-08 has been conceived as a ‘A Legacy on Colours’ to bring forth Jaipur’s edge not only in gemstone but also in gemstone jewellery on the international map.