The GJEPC announced at a press conference today, August 10, 2010 that it would hold the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) from August 15 to 19 at the Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. Speaking at the conference GJEPC chairman Vasant Mehta said that it was the first such initiative taken anywhere in the world, on this scale. “Having established a pre-eminent position in the polished diamond market where we have a 70 percent share in value terms and 85 percent share by volume, we now want to showcase India’s ability in the jewellery sector,” he said. %% Mehta further elaborated that the event would focus on designer jewellery and showcase about 20 designers or design houses. Some top designer names like Farah Khan Ali, Varun D Jani, Bina Goenka, Rhea Nasta, to famed design houses like Mirari, Gitanjali, Amrapali, Tanishq, Ganjam, will showcase exquisite jewellery collections. The IIJW will also feature upcoming designers from NID, NIFT and new talent from the industry. %% India’s top fashion designers like Wendell Rodricks, Nandita Mahtani, Anna Singh, Raghavendra Rathore, Archana Kochhar, etc. will also present their collections at the event, teaming them with the jewellery. %% The inaugural slot at the IIJW will feature the Gitanjali Lifestyle collection while the Grand Finale Show will have the Best of Best on display. %% The Who’s Who of Mumbai is expected to attend this grand five-day extravaganza, including popular Bollywood Stars and other celebrities. Buyers of high-end jewellery from Europe, are also expected to attend.