Mumbai India's premier jewellery event celebrates 25 years By Erik Missio Magnificence in The annual India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) continues to build on a 25-year history, bringing buyers from all over the world to Mumbai. T his year's India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) marked the event's silver anniversary, but gold and diamonds were the main attraction in Mumbai. This isn't surprising, given 90 per cent of all diamonds are imported, cut, and polished here and India consumes 20 per cent of the world's gold. Since its debut in 1985 as the Gems and Jewellery Fair, the annual IIJS has grown from 20 booths into a truly global gathering. More than 790 exhibitors and 28,000 attendees flocked to this city in early August from North America, Europe, and throughout Asia and the Middle East for the event. In some ways, IIJS now risks becoming a victim of its own success. This year, 200 potential exhibitors (both domestic and international) found themselves left on the waiting list due to lack of space--Mumbai simply has no larger convention centre and exhibition space is limited. 52 Jewellery Business December 2008 JB_Dec08.indd 52 11/6/08 11:10:15 AM Photo courtesy GJEPC