The second Indo-US Jewellery Business Relationship Development Conference in Mumbai, was noted by the invited Indian and US representatives of the respective diamond industries, as a fruitful and enriching experience. Both sides were positive about exploring the potential each one has to offer within the broader global scope of things.

The conference concluded yesterday, with the nine US diamond retailers pleasantly surprised at the progress made by Indian diamond and diamond jewellery industry - transition in the jewellery designs and quality, which today matches the needs of the US clients, flexibility of the manufacturers to improvise and deliver what is in demand, was appreciated.

The conference was an eye opener for many participants who were visiting India for the first time. Amongst the list of US invitees were Michael Barlerin, executive director of the Leading Jewelers of the World (LJW), Beckers Jewelers and Bergstrom Jewelers, two representative retailers of the LJW, Odile de Lyrot, vice president and director of merchandising of Cardow Jewelers, Pete Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers. Some opined that India has further scope to improve its design skills, by employing innovation, experimentation with textures and techniques.

Organised by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), with Rio Tinto Diamonds as the lead sponsor, the meet concluded with the intent of building long term associations.