By Karen Nuckols

The first Global Gem & Jewellery Fair (GGJF), held at the prestigious Atlantis Hotel at the Palm in Dubai in March, attracted 600 invited buyers from 25 countries, who attended this inaugural business-to-business show.

The first trade show featuring gems and jewellery to be held in Dubai, the GGJF was sponsored by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of India and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) of Dubai, with support from the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG).

The 134 exhibitors from India and Dubai showed top-quality diamonds, loose coloured gemstones, and exquisite gold and coloured stone jewellery in both traditional and modern styles.

There were many choices to please the most discerning buyer, who was seeking just the right pieces for their clients.

The buyers represented retail storeowners, manufacturers, distributers, and designers, and came from such diverse areas as Europe, Russia, the Gulf States, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Bangladesh.

Observing the mix of countries, the many languages spoken, and the faces and dress of buyers, exhibitors, officials, and journalists, it was clear that we were truly a global brotherhood united in the excitement of being a part of this new endeavour.

Why India and Dubai?

During speeches at the opening ceremony and later at a press conference Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC, Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, T. P. Seetharam, ambassador from India to the UAE, and Pankaj Parekh, Vice Chairman of GJEPC all explained the reasons for this collaboration.

“India’s central role as the sourcing centre for diamonds and precious stone jewellery is renowned worldwide,” noted Parekh. “For years, traders and visitors to India have enjoyed the craftsmanship, quality, and design efficiency. Now it is time we return the gesture and bring the source to Dubai—the most promising destination for the gemstone and jewellery trade in recent times.”

Shah explained that any global initiative requires two key ingredients: a large, reliable manufacturing and supply base plus a networking and channelling nerve centre. “The GGJF has brought together two of the best ingredients. India is the world’s largest supplier of cut and polished diamonds, gemstones, and finished jewellery, and these industries have the strength to make an impact in any corner of the world, while Dubai has established itself as a financial and trade gateway to the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Eastern Europe, and North Africa.”

Another Hong Kong

At the press conference, Sulayem declared that the goal of DMCC is to become the Hong Kong of this part of the world. “We have a long way to go, but we will do it,” he insisted. “The inaugural Dubai GGJF provides the ideal environment for international buyers to trade in top quality gemstones, diamonds, and couture jewellery, and we are honoured to host this world-class event in collaboration with GJEPC. Dubai has a strong track record in hosting these types of events due to its business-friendly environment and innovative spirit.”

It took over two years to shape the show, find the perfect venue, and make it all happen. All of the planning and preparations were seen in the attention to detail necessary for a world-class event. Free buffet lunches, served daily, featured an array of Indian and Middle Eastern food fit for royalty. Outdoor seating for those needing a break from buying or selling was provided on a lovely patio overlooking the hotel swimming pool against the backdrop of Dubai’s ever-expanding, ultra-modern skyline. A first-evening gala was attended by several hundred guests who were treated to an elegant buffet dinner and entertainment by a jazz piano and saxophone duo and a modern dance troupe.

The same attention to detail was evident in the show floor layout. Wide, well-lit aisles made it easy for buyers to navigate and to spend time with exhibitors to make their purchases.

Splendid Jewellery

Touring the show provided a glimpse into ancient Indian traditions. Gold and diamond jewellery was seen everywhere, but pieces studded with pearls and coloured gemstones also were popular. Some designers had adapted old traditions to produce modern, sophisticated jewellery. There were many large statement pieces, such as Kashi’s bridal jewellery. Along with its larger pieces, Kashi showed a lightweight line that was well-received. An emerald and a diamond necklace at Mohit was absolutely stunning.

Other exhibitors showcased various gold bangles, cuffs, chains, and earrings. Enamelled jewellery and tassels of all types were also noted.

Anup Bohra of Jewels Emporium introduced his Masterstrokes line. “Every piece has to be a masterpiece. All are one-of-a-kind. If I repeat a piece, it will be sold far away where the two buyers would not meet,” he commented.

“Designing jewellery is not about making money, but about appreciating art.” The Masterstrokes line was inspired by nature. In describing his Fiery Bloom earring and pendant set, Bohra explained that he used 30 carats of Mexican fire opal flowers encased in diamonds and orange sapphires to reflect the colours of the sun. A French enamelled leaf with diamond veins gently caresses the flower symbolizing the onset of spring. With 5.9 carats of diamonds, 43 carats of tsavorites, 1.7 carats of orange sapphires, and 1.32 carats of emeralds, the pendant and earring set took 36 days, from design to completed manufacture. He added that he received promising inquiries during the show, and saw a number of buyers from Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Ukraine.

Anil Bharwani of Seth Sunderdas & Sons also showed lovely handcrafted jewellery. The company makes two limited- production lines per year, which are supplemented by gold and diamond bread-and-butter pieces. He spends much time experimenting to create distinctive pieces. Many are whimsical and contain moving parts such as his umbrella half dome earrings, a popular traditional style in India, which are stylized in gemstones.

Sawansukha, designers and manufacturers of creations ranging from contemporary diamond jewellery to traditional gold sets and jadau pieces, displayed a tourmaline cocktail ring set in 14K gold. According to Siddharthaa Sawansukha, CEO, “It signifies opulence with grace and a taste for the finer things in life.” -The ring features uncut diamonds set in 24K kundan surrounded by uncut diamonds. Tourmaline set with kundan forms the second circle. Each tourmaline is surrounded by round brilliant diamonds. Baguettes encircling the entire ring complete the beautiful piece.

With buyers from all over the world, a potential question was: would everyone like the styles by these Indian companies? the answer seemed to be “yes.” A number of designers, such as Krown Jewels, featured trendy gold jewellery specifically for the Middle Eastern market. Memon A Kader Sait, Secretary General and Head of the Indian Investment Promotion Committee in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, brought a contingent of Saudi buyers to the show. He said much of what the Saudis purchased was for the tourist trade relating to the Hajj to Mecca in November and Ramadan in November. Saudi women prefer the lighter pieces for daywear, but gravitate towards statement pieces for evening and special occasions. -the tourist trade was also a factor in purchases made at the Fine Jewellery by Valentine booth, whose simple but sophisticated diamond and gemstone necklaces and earrings appealed to buyers for the Dubai tourist trade.

Reactions

Favourable comments were heard from buyers during and after the show. Abdul Qadir from Pakistan, for example, was pleased with the quality of goods available. A wholesaler from Lakhani Jewel Collection in Karachi, he said, the show was very good. I bought chains, bracelets and plain jewellery sets.”

Exhibitors also expressed satisfaction with the show. Echoing comments made earlier by Sulayem, Glenn Valentino, CEO of Business Development at Mohit, said, “Dubai is becoming another Hong Kong. As one of the first DMCC sightholders, we are seeing a big change in the last few years. Even companies in Belgium are setting up offices here.”

Panjaj Kodnani, owner of Krown Jewels, said, “-is show has great potential and will be a force to reckon with in the next couple of years.”

Haresh Pahuja of Itan Jewels in Dubai entertained new buyers from China, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Malaysia.the orders were huge and we are extremely happy with the show and its format.”

Dr. Nawal Agrawal of Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas remarked, “-the Dubai show was reasonably good for us. -is was a nice attempt by the GJEPC and DMCC to promote Indian jewellery in the Middle East countries. It was a well-arranged show with good branding for high-end jewellery. Since it was the first attempt of its kind, I hope the shortcomings will be resolved in subsequent shows.”

Another proponent of the show, Sawansukha said they like the show and would be back next year.

Amit Dhamani, CEO and Managing Director of Dhamani Jewels, producers of diamond jewellery, concluded, “-the GGJF is the culmination of the efforts of two prestigious bodies, DMCC and GJEPC. This is one of the few shows in the region with a business-to-business format and I feel the GGJF has a bright future.”

www.gjepc.org