THE Diamond World Jewellery Show 2005 began to a glittering start at the only five-star hotel in Surat Holiday Inn today. Miss India-World 2004 Sayali Bhagat inaugurated the exhibition by lighting the auspicious lamp and cutting the ribbon to the exhibition hall on October 7. Bigwigs of the diamond industry including Chandrakant Sanghavi of Sanghavi Exports, Govindbhai Dholakia of Shree Ramkrishna Exports; and Pravin Nanavati, the Vice-President of Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Alok Kala, the organiser of the event and editor of Diamond World, gave away the inaugural address. In his speech he said: The grand success of this annual show of diamonds, gems and studded jewellery is largely attributed to the elite and jewellery-loving citizens of Surat. The participants and traders of the show have especially chosen the Navratra for this years show because it is during this time that Gujarati NRIs come down to India. It is during these auspicious days people celebrate the festival with fanfare, finalise weddings and indulge in shopping. We are expecting a larger crowd this year.

We are especially thankful to the exhibitors who have contributed in a big way towards the success of this show. The many decorative stalls have added charm to the show. If you look at the magnanimity of this show it looks more of an international standard, said Arun Jain from the organizing committee. Sayali Bhagat, the chief guest on the occasion, said: I seek something that enhances my beauty. Something that is delicate and pretty.
The first day drew moderate crowd with moderate sales. Exhibitors saw movement of small diamond jewellery sets and many visitors who did the rounds. Unlike last year, there were many foreign visitors from Greece, the US and the UK on the very first day. Maria Michailidou, a gemologist from Greece, said that she heard of the Diamond World Jewellery Show and hence made it a point to visit. I thought it was an even bigger fair but it is very nice. The show is expected to draw more crowds in the next three days.