Stefan Hafner Confirmed For India International Jewellery Week

(IDEX Online News) - India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) today formally launched the second edition of its pioneering India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) in Mumbai.

Speaking at the launch press conference, GJEPC Chairman Rajiv Jain announced that riding on the success of last year’s show, the 2011 edition of the IIJW has a vastly expanded exhibitor base and increased buyer participation. This, Jain pointed out, is evidenced by the fact that international designer jewelry brand Stefan Hafner is a confirmed visitor at the IIJW.

In another first, Jain also announced that Indian film star Sonam Kapoor would be the brand ambassador for this year’s IIJW. Kapoor has previously been the brand ambassador for the Indian generic diamond jewelry promotion campaign, Anant.

Intended as an initiative to establish the design credentials of the Indian gem and jewelry industry and move it further downstream, this year’s IIJW will run from July 31 to August 4. It will feature offerings from 32 Indian design houses and is expected to be well received by both domestic and international buyers.

The last day of the IIJW will intentionally overlap with the opening day of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) and is intended to provide a high-end showcase for the kind of products the trade show will feature.

While talking to the media, GJEPC Vice Chairman Sanjay Kothari said the IIJW initiative was unique in the world. All other fashion weeks, including the iconic Milan and Paris shows, are centered on clothes, with jewelry playing a secondary role. IIJW is the only one to focus primarily on jewelry.