Marching Ahead

There can be no doubt left that the IIJS can – single-handedly – turn around the fortunes of the entire Indian gem and Jewellery industry. The 2018 edition boasts an order book worth I8,000 crore – and this at a time when the markets were subdued and expectations were at an all-time low. The Cover Story offers a detailed report on the goings-on, product categories that were in demand, and views by industry experts and key players. The success of the show has set a positive tone for the upcoming festive and wedding seasons.

The Indian gem and Jewellery industry has always responded quickly and generously towards victims of natural calamities. Following the devastating floods in Kerala, the GJEPC distributed emergency relief materials to over 3,000 people. The Council will be involved in rehabilitation efforts along with other trade bodies through the Gem and Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF). On the sidelines of the IIJS, the GJEPC, through its Jewelers for Hope initiative, held a charity dinner that donated I1 crore to three NGOs. Read more about these philanthropic activities in this issue.

Neil Ventura, executive vice president of strategy and innovation, De Beers Group, has penned a response to Solitaire’s August Cover Story, ‘De Beers: Fire in the Hole’ by Chaim Even-Zohar with Pranay Narvekar. Turn to In Focus, to read Neil’s point of view on the Lightbox issue and the future of De Beers’ diamond business.