The 5th edition of the Kolkata Jewellery & Gem Fair (KJGF) concluded successfully at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, reaffirming its position as a key platform for the region’s jewellery industry. Organised by Informa Markets in India, in partnership with the Calcutta Gems & Jewellery Welfare Association (CGJWA), the 3 day event marked its return after six years, drawing enthusiastic participation from exhibitors, visitors, and industry leaders.
The inauguration was graced by notable dignitaries, including Dr. Manoj Pant, Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal; Smt. Vandana Yadav, IAS, Managing Director, West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation; Shri Ashok Bengani, President, CGJWA; Shri Siddharth Sawansukha, Managing Director, Sawansukha Jewellers; Shri Pramod Dugar, General Secretary, CGJWA; Shri Pankaj Parekh, Chairman – East, GJEPC; Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India; Ms. Pallavi Mehra, Sr. Group Director, Informa Markets India; and Mr. Pankaj Shende, Group Director, Informa Markets India.
The fair hosted over 60 exhibitors and 200+ leading brands, showcasing more than 2,000 unique designs across categories, including fine jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, gold and silver artefacts, and advanced jewellery technologies. Esteemed participants such as Senco Gold, Rasiklal Mohanlal Gandhi, Shree Rama Krishna Exports, and Jodhani Diamonds presented collections that blended tradition with innovation.
One of the highlights of KJGF 2024 was the coveted ‘Legends of East’ Awards, honouring distinguished leaders whose contributions have shaped the jewellery industry in East India. The honorees included Mr. Pankaj Parekh, Chairman – East, GJEPC; Mr. Kanti Lall Mookim, Managing Director, Harswardhan Gems Pvt Ltd; Mr. Bimalchand Jain, Director, B C Jain Jewellers; Mr. Bachhraj Bamalwa, Founder Partner, Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons Jewellers; Mr. Ramesh Parekh, Founder, Ramesh Chandra Parekh Jewellers; Mr. Rupchand Sawansukha, Founding Chairman, Sawansukha Jewellers Pvt Ltd; Mr. Suvro Chandra, Joint Managing Director, P C Chandra Jewellers; Mr. Suvankar Sen, Managing Director, Senco Gold and Diamonds; Mr. Sumeet Binodroy Khimji, Director, Khimji – K.D & Sons Pvt Ltd; and Mr. Ashok Bengani, Director, Bengani Gemz. Their resilience, vision, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring future generations to uphold the legacy of excellence in the region.
Insights and Industry Dialogues
Beyond the exhibits, the fair featured insightful knowledge-sharing sessions, fostering meaningful dialogue on key issues impacting the jewellery sector. One of the key sessions, ‘Unlocking Growth in Retail Expansion,’ moderated by Mr. Pritesh Desai of Growing Quest Inc., featured an engaging discussion with panelists Mr. Vishal Bamalwa, Partner, Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons; Mrs. Jaita Sen, Director, Senco Gold & Diamonds; and Ms. Sandhya Roy, Bengal Jewellers. They explored strategies for driving retail growth and expansion in emerging markets. Another critical session, ‘Essentials of Diamond Trading: Key Challenges in the Diamond Industry,’ was led by Mr. Sathi Nair, Managing Director of Rapaport India. The panel included insights from Mr. Amitabh Saraogi, Mr. Bhavesh Rajodiya of Narola Diamonds Pvt Ltd, and Mr. Anand Kumar Gupta of Haripriya Jewellers, who shared perspectives on navigating challenges in the diamond sector and leveraging global opportunities.
Speaking about the fair’s significance, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India, said, “The Kolkata Jewellery & Gem Fair is a testament to East India’s rich heritage and craftsmanship. We are proud to bring this impactful platform back after six years, creating opportunities for stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and grow. The event not only celebrates the artistry of the region but also positions it as a key player in the global jewellery landscape. With the anticipated growth of India’s gem and jewellery market, KJGF plays a vital role in driving connections and fostering innovation.”
KJGF is part of Informa Markets in India’s larger portfolio of jewellery fairs, which includes the Delhi Jewellery and Gem Fair (DJGF) and the Hyderabad Jewellery Pearl and Gem Fair (HJF), along with several road shows and industry connects that engage with industry professionals in different markets throughout the year. These events are instrumental in providing insights, fostering business growth, and strengthening the industry’s ecosystem.
As East India continues to grow in prominence within the jewellery sector, initiatives like KJGF are pivotal in connecting regional players with global markets. With India’s gem and jewellery market projected to grow from USD 43.71 billion in 2023 to USD 133.96 billion by 2030, East India is set to play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future.
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