Kranti Nagvekar, Group Director, UBM India, stated, “We are thrilled on receiving such a response from the industry and look forward to conduct several such events in future. The gem and jewellery industry should tap Kolkata since many are unaware of the potentiality of the artisans here”.
Kolkata connected itself with the jewellers of Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, Bengaluru, Chennai and even Nepal, Singapore and Malaysia, simply through its product portfolio which included handcrafted rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces and bangles made of gold and other precious stones.
Kamal Kulthia, Partner, ND Diamonds, quoted, “Kolkata never marketed itself in such a fashionable manner and with the help of adequate and accurate follow- ups, more than Rs. 300 crore business prospects can be generated. This fair could even act as a game changer for the jewellery business in eastern India.”
Ashok Kumar Bengani, President, Calcutta Gem & Jewellers Welfare Association (CGJWA) said, “The business-to-business (B2B) congregation, with around 160 exhibitors, and a footfall of around 7,000-8,000 buyers and international participants can easily give a business opportunity of approximately Rs. 300 crore. The state Government also showcased the upcoming three lakh square feet gems and jewellery park at Ankurhati in Howrah district meant for all the class of jewellers. “The project is located within the gold manufacturing cluster of the eastern region and when developed, it will have all the facilities,” Bengani added. He continued saying “Bengal has a rich and continuing tradition of craftsmanship. The handmade jewellery is famous around the world for its intricate designs and quality of workmanship. Moreover the production cost of stunning handmade jewellery in Kolkata is around 20 per cent less as compared to other markets and if we can showcase this, the region holds ample opportunities,” he concluded.
Krunal Modi, Director, Krunal Gems & Jewellers expressed his views by saying,” The first day of the exhibition was disappointing whereas the second day, being Sunday was comparatively better. Jewellers were queuing up at the outlets in order to view the traditional and light weight jewellery.” Vinod Soni, CEO, L Gopal & Sons, added saying, “Retailers from South India were looking for plain gold jewellery whereas others preferred antique and 'rajwara' designs.” Retailers at BC Jain surveyed solitaries apart from coloured stones and ‘jarau’ sets. A Kolkata based whole seller was heard stating,”In the coming few years, Kolkata Jewellery & Gem Fair will be more popular and successful than IIJS.”
Whereas, Vivek Saraogi of Shree Swastik Jewels considered Kolkata Jewellery & Gem Fair as the best opportunity to interact with major players on the same day and under a same roof. “To explore the prospective market here, 15 jewellers from Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Surat among other jewellery hubs participated in this fair”, said Shantibhai R Patel, President, Gem & Jewellery Trade Council of India. He further added, “Even in Rajkot, the jewellers make plain gold jewellery but those are light weight and since Kolkata leads other locations in terms of production quality, jewellers have come in order to explore such pieces.”
While Ahmedabad based NS Jewellers said, “The jewellery pieces are unique and look great. “ Whereas on the other hand, players with intricately designed diamond studded jewellery along with coloured stones and cocktail rings welcomed the diamond world in Kolkata. Amit Soni, Director, KIK Jewellers, a unit of Mahavir Danwar Jewellers showcasing his optimistic thoughts along with the jewellery line said, “It was a good opportunity to display designs to the retailers of Nepal, Bihar, Bangladesh, Orissa and Assam. Though the marriage season will begin after few days, we expect 2014 to be a good year for the industry. With the government expected to announce some policy level changes this year is likely to be better than the last year.”
When Ajeet Sethia, Manager of B Sethia & Sons was questioned about the price range which the retailers from other places are looking at, he answered, “Generally the budget is between Rs. Two lakh to Rs. Five lakh, but price is not the factor if a buyer comes across any attractive designs which they wish to possess.” Meanwhile manufacturers, who come to display their art pieces for the very first time, were taken aback by the shift in trend in the eastern region. “Now we will touch base with these retailers on regular basis and plan more business trips in near future,” said a manufacturer from Surat.
For few jewellers from outlying areas, the event proved to be extremely fruitful since they got to see plethora of designs and work of some well known jewellers and designers like Diagold. On the other hand Mumbai based Red Exim, which has forayed into the eastern region market for the first time, did not receive a good response from the Kolkata market. “There is no footfall at the Kolkata Gem & Jewellery Fair. It is rewarding even if we spend more on the stalls at the IIJS Fair.” said Eshan Mehta, sales executive, Red Exim. RP Jewellers, which had fusion work and silver contemporary designs on display shared, “With economic downturn, high inflation and not-so-conducive job environment; some customers shifted to silver ornaments which was well received.”
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