The Industry’s Crowned Jewel
The Hyderabad Jewellery Pearl & Gem Fair (HJF) 2024, held from June 7-9, showcased the brilliance and innovation of the gems and jewelry industry. Organized by Informa Markets in India, the 16th edition took place at the renowned HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. The event underscored South India’s significant impact on the industry, as it accounts for 40 percent of the country’s total jewelry demand.
Celebrating its 16th year, the Hyderabad Jewellery Pearl & Gem Fair 2024 exemplifies continuous growth and innovation. Each edition has brought new insights and improvements, ensuring the event remains a premier destination for top industry players and B2B trade visitors.
“We've dedicated significant time to engaging with both our buyers and sellers, curating the perfect blend. After all, the audience mix shapes the success of the event,” Pallavi Mehra, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India, shares. “I’m very proud to say that this is currently our biggest Hyderabad Gems & Jewelry Fair to date.”
A Fine Venue for Fine Craftsmanship
An event as monumental as HJF 2024 deserved a venue capable of hosting it. The newly constructed Hall 4 stands as a beacon of modernity, offering facilities that seamlessly blend with the fair’s objective of providing a superior event environment.
“We were eagerly anticipating the upgrade at HITEX. The new facility surpasses our expectations; it’s truly state-of-the-art,” she expresses with utmost positivity.
The event featured over 350 exhibitors and displayed over 750 brands within a sprawling exhibition space of more than 120,000 sq ft. With an extensive and diverse exhibitor portfolio, the event drew over 8,000 trade buyers who experienced a remarkable display of more than 200,000 of the latest designs.
Gems of Growth: Tradition to Innovation
With a nearly 40 percent increase in participation compared to the previous edition, this year’s event is experiencing remarkable growth. Through close engagement with exhibitors and buyers, the fair is attuned to the dynamic trends shaping the jewelry, pearl, and gem industry.
While traditional jewelry retains its timeless allure, there's a noticeable shift towards Polki and lightweight designs, reflecting the evolving tastes of the Hyderabad market. “One notable trend is the emergence of lab-grown jewelry, which has garnered substantial attention,” Mehra states. “This year, we’re proud to host over 20 exhibitors specializing in lab-grown pieces, indicating a clear direction for the future of the industry.”
Trends in Transition
Serving as a driving force for the industry, the fair supported India’s goal of achieving gems and jewelry exports of US$ 75 billion (INR 6.2 lakh crore) by 2030, building on the already impressive US$ 40 billion (INR 3.3 lakh crore) milestone.
Moreover, as the jewelry industry progresses, the role of modern technology becomes increasingly significant, reflecting a dynamic balance between supply and demand. Insights from seminars and industry experts highlight the necessity of aligning with consumer preferences, particularly as lightweight jewelry and lab-grown gems gain popularity.
Embracing trends is crucial, a philosophy deeply embedded in the industry. “Exhibitions serve as more than mere transactions; they are opportunities to grasp emerging trends, foster community engagement, and elevate one’s standing within the industry,” she asserts.
From Mine to Mindful: Sustainability in Jewelry
The event is exceeding expectations with regard to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the jewelry industry. “Sustainability is now the focal point in discussions about jewelry production,” Mehra explains. Therefore, a key focus was on lab-grown jewelry, which offers an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional mining methods.
By avoiding the ecological damage associated with conventional practices, lab-grown pieces are redefining industry standards for sustainability. The fair also focused on recycling initiatives, underscoring its commitment to an eco-friendly future. These efforts collectively aim to revolutionize the industry’s approach to sustainable jewelry production.
A Complete Run Down
Day one commenced with a panel discussion moderated by Sumesh Wadhera, Managing Director, AOJ Media Pvt Ltd, focusing on the ‘Power of Young & Jewellery Legends of South India’. This engaging session provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the jewelry industry. The evening continued with the first round of the fashion show, highlighting exceptional creativity, followed by a second round showcasing the timeless craftsmanship of South India’s jewelry legends. The event also presented awards to artisans, recognizing their pivotal role in preserving tradition and driving innovation.
Day two focused on the empowering journey of daughters-in-law, who play a key role in preserving family jewelry legacies. A thought-provoking panel discussion, moderated by Hetal Vakil, delved into the significance of these women in maintaining and evolving cherished family traditions. Additionally, an insightful jewelry trends presentation by Fashion Scoop provided a glimpse into the latest innovations and styles shaping the industry.
The Future Shines Bright
The anticipation and energy pulsating through the exhibition halls are invigorating for the organizers of the Hyderabad Jewellery Pearl & Gem Fair 2024. This enthusiasm fuels their ambition to grow further, inviting more exhibitors to join their ranks. “Our vision extends beyond merely showcasing new products; we are committed to enriching the exhibition with insightful knowledge sessions,” she articulates.
The fair aims to honor industry veterans while also embracing newcomers, fostering unity by creating a convergence point for all stakeholders. Furthermore, the organizers aspire to elevate the overall participant experience by imparting valuable insights and knowledge for attendees to carry forward. This, in turn, makes the event one for the books, to be remembered in the industry for years to come.
