Friday 13 December 2013

Tremendous Response to KGJS 2013 in the New Venue

The 6th edition of Kerala Gem and Jewellery Show (KGJS) which was held from December 7-9, 2013 at CIAL Trade Fair and Exhibition Center, Cochin received overwhelming responses. The prestigious B2B event, which was held in Cochin, after a gap of two years, recorded a high footfall of trade visitors and business delegates from across India.

The three-day mega exposition, unveiled amidst a galaxy of senior government officials and dignitaries from the industry also reaffirmed Cochin’s importance as the commercial centre of Kerala.

A huge stream of trade visitors attended the show which had more than 225 stalls displaying a mind-boggling variety of gold and diamond jewellery and allied equipments at CIAL Trade Fair and Exhibition Center, very close to the airport.

KGJS 2013 was formally inaugurated by K Babu, Minister for fisheries, ports and excise, Govt of Kerala in the presence of K.P Dhanapalan, MP, Anwar Sadath, MLA, P C Nateshan, state general secretary, AKGSMA (All Kerala Gold & Silver Merchants Association), Sunny Chittilapilly, chairman, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, P V Varghese, Panchayat president, P V Jose, convener- KGJS 2013 and president, Jewellery Manufacturers Association (JMA) and Sumesh Wadhera, organiser-KGJS 2013 and managing director, AOJ Media Pvt. Ltd 
Speaking on the occasion K Babu said, `'Kerala is well known for its jewellery traditions and has thriving jewellery business. Generating huge employment opportunities, the GJ industry in Kerala has been growing and events like KGJS help to highlight the capabilities and skills of this dynamic market to the outside world.'’ 

The event also organised seminars, an awards function and a fashion show which was formally inaugurated by P K Kunhalikutty, minister for industries and information technology, government of Kerala. He said, `'KGJS is a prestigious jewellery event, the only one of its kind in Kerala showcasing Kerala’s  craftsmanship and the potential of its jewellery entrepreneurs and karigars.'’ 
After a glittering fashion show displaying the latest jewellery trends, awards were distributed to local jewellers and craftsmen in recognition of their professional achievements.  The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Jos Alukkas, group chairman of Jos Alukkas Jewellers. Two special awards for significant contribution to the jewellery industry was given to T S Kalyanaraman, CMD of Kalyan Jewellers and Joy Alukkas, Chairman of Joyalukkas Group. The Highest VAT payer award for the year 2012-13 in multiple store category was given to Kalyan Jewellers. A special exports award was given to Rajesh Exports and a special award was given to Mallapuram district.

KGJS 2013 was organized by AOJ Media Pvt. Ltd, the publishers of The Art of Jewellery – India’s No. 1Jewellery Magazine, and presented by the Department of Industries and Commerce - Government of Kerala, in association with the Jewellery Manufacturers Association (JMA), and was supported by the All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA), Kerala Jewellery Federation (KJF), Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, and the Indian Jewellers of Excellence (IJE).


Wednesday 11 December 2013

Art Of Jewellery December 2013 Month Issue

Art of Jewellery  India's Number One Jewellery Magazine check out what's main in December Month Issue
 
                                  

                           Appetite for gold sparks vibrant jewellery industry

 Kerala with its palm infringed beaches, flowing rivers, and plantation covered hills  has emerged as the gold capital of the country with its swanky retail showrooms and dynamic jewellery  business. A `must-see’ destination for tourists is also the hotspot for jewellery retail. Kerala, the epicenter  of gold consumption, accounts for just three per cent of the country’s population but nearly 20 % of its gold  market. With a per capita consumption of gold at four grams, said to be the highest in the world, Kerala is a  jewellery retailer’s paradise.


                                   Thrissur: Jewellery  manufacturing hub


Thrissur originally known as Thirusivapperoorand previously known by its anglicized form
as Trichur, is the fourth largest city in Kerala.Besides being the cultural capital of Kerala, it is a major financial and commercial hub of the state.However, what puts Thrissur on the global map is its jewellery making skills.

                                     Jewellery Specialties of Kerala



The jewellery of Kerala has always been reputed for its artistic perfection. Elaborate, heavy and painstakingly created by master craftsmen and traditional goldsmiths (called Thattans in the local Malayalam language), who belonged to the Hindu vishwakarma community, the jewellery designs were exclusive. Although women from all communities used to adorn themselves with varied ornaments, there were some typical designs for each caste or community.

 Subscribe Here  at  online@aojmedia.com





Tuesday 10 December 2013

Sixth edition of KGJS 2013 receives overwhelming response in Cochin

The 6th edition of Kerala Gem and Jewellery Show (KGJS) which was held from December 7-9, 2013 at CIAL Trade Fair and Exhibition Center, Cochin received overwhelming responses. The prestigious event which showcased scintillating jewellery exhibition, knowledge sharing education seminars, and a momentous awards distribution ceremony and glamorous fashion shows.

Presented by the Government of Kerala, and supported by all major trade bodies such as All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA), Kerala Jewellery Federation (KJF), Dubai City of Gold, Jewellery Manufacturers Association (JMA-Kerala), and Indian Jewellers of Excellence (IJE), the event is organized by AOJ Media Pvt Ltd.

                             


The three-day exposition was inaugurated by K Babu, minister for fisheries, ports and excise, govt of Kerala in the presence of Dhanapalan, MP, Anwar Sadath, MLA, P C Nateshan, state general secretary, AKGSMA, Sunny Chittilapalli, chairman Dubai Gold Group, P V Vargheese, Panchayat president, P V Jose convener- KGJS 2013 and president JMA and Sumesh Wadhera, organiser-KGJS 2013 and managing director, AOJ Media.

Speaking on the occasion K Babu said, 'Kerala is well known for its jewellery traditions and has thriving jewellery business. Generating huge employment opportunities, the GJ industry in Kerala has been growing and events like KGJS help to highlight the capabilities and skills of this dynamic market to the outside world.'

The event also organised an award function and the fashion show which was formally inaugurated by P K Kunhalikutty, minister for industries and information technology, govt of Kerala. He said, 'KGJS is a prestigious jewellery event, the only one of its kind in Kerala showcasing Kerala’s craftsmanship and the potential of its jewellery entrepreneurs and karigars.'

The new venue at CIAL also attracted more visitors generating good business and active participation from both the exhibitors and the visitors.

The exhibitor profile includes manufacturers and traders of plain gold and studded jewellery, diamond jewellery, platinum jewellery, fine jewellery, loose diamonds and gems, jewellery watches, silverware and silver jewellery, machinery and equipment, technology services. Suitably timed to capture the wedding, Christmas and New Year festive season demand, the event will also have dazzling fashion show, awards night and educational trade seminars.

Saturday 7 December 2013

Sixth edition of KGJS 2013 begins tomorrow at Cochin

The 6th Kerala Gem and Jewellery Show (KGJS) which will commence from December 7-9, 2013 at CIAL Trade Fair and Exhibition Center, Cochin.

Presented by the Government of Kerala, and supported by all major trade bodies such as All Kerala Gold & Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA), Kerala Jewellery Federation (KJF), Dubai City of Gold, Jewellery Manufacturers Association (JMA-Kerala), & Indian Jewellers of Excellence (IJE), the event is organized by AOJ Media Pvt Ltd.

The three day event will witnesses India’s finest jewellery manufacturers and technology service providers showcasing their latest products and designs to discerning business visitors from across India and overseas.

The exhibitor profile includes manufacturers and traders of plain gold and studded jewellery, diamond jewellery, platinum jewellery, fine jewellery, loose diamonds and gems, jewellery watches, silverware and silver jewellery,

machinery and equipment, technology services. Suitably timed to capture the wedding, Christmas and New Year festive season demand, the event will also have dazzling fashion show, awards night and educational trade seminars.

Monday 2 December 2013

Jewellery sector ows require urgent attention: AOJ Chief Editor said in face-to-face interview

                                                    



Sumesh Wadhera, the Chief Editor of The Art of Jewellery (AOJ), in an exclusive interview to SME Times, shed light on a number of serious issues that are hindering the progress of the Indian jewellery sector and put forward some key demands, including giving 'industry status' to the jewellery sector, focussing on improving the industry infrastructure and working condition of the artisans, and removing the recent restrictions on gold imports that has resulted in rampant smuggling of the yellow metal and also raised concern about pulling India's jewellery exports down 50 percent lower than the last year's figures.

He pointed out the fact that more than 10 million people are working in the jewellery industry and the above issues will have a negative impact on the employment generation prowess of the sector as well as the livelihood of millions of workers engaged.


He pointed out the fact that more than 10 million people are working in the jewellery industry and the above issues will have a negative impact on the employment generation prowess of the sector as well as the livelihood of millions of workers engaged.

                  Excerpts of the interview...Sir...Please tell something about your journey for The Art of Jewellery, India's No.1 jewellery magazine.

Sumesh Wadhera: The Art of Jewellery started its journey in 2002, to address a need for a quality magazine in the jewellery sector. It was the same time when the jewellery industry in India was going through a transformation. It was becoming a more organised segment and new corporate players entering the jewellery sector. Over the years we have worked very closely with the trade and evolved our role as a facilitator and catalyst added value through our various services and products. Today besides publishing "The Art of Jewellery" we have launched its Hindi edition..We have four trade shows in various parts of south India, a special cell for taking delegation to International trade shows. We also have a very strong online presence and were the 1st company to launch Daily e-news for the sector which has more than 50,000 subscribers today.

What kind of challenges you have faced during this success story? Please share few.

Sumesh Wadhera: Being a nascent and niche Industry the magazine had challenges in the initial years. Finding the right talent to reach out the main customer base to a large extent concentrated in Mumbai and in the Western Indian Region. Moreover to source out information for an industry, which is still not completely organised and is family run was a challenge. But gradually we got the right kind of human resources and practices to streamline the whole functional. In-spite of all challenges we never comprised on our quality and values.

How you see the gold jewellery market in India both domestic and exports?


Sumesh Wadhera: India is the world's largest consumer of Gold and Gold Jewellery. Last year we consumed close to 900 tones which is mostly met by imports, as we don't have any major gold mining in India. Gold is so integral to our culture and is considered a hedge against inflation. More than 10 million people are working in the jewellery industry in our country. But recent restrictions and government policies have made a negative impact on gold business. Even the gold jewellery exports have suffered and may end up 50 percent lower volume compared to last year.

Media reports that the gold jewellery exports fall 6.9 percent in October, moreover report adds that it's exports likely to dip by 50 percent in FY14. What is your said on this?


Sumesh Wadhera: As I mentioned due to restrictions and shortage of Gold metal in India, the exporters have suffered and have not been able to meet their export obligations. Moreover volatile gold prices have added to the negative sentiments.

Low availability of raw material is one reason. Second, in Dubai, gold is 21 percent cheaper than in India. There are reports that about half tonne of gold is coming into India from Dubai. In this case don't you think it will give rise to smuggling of gold in India?


Sumesh Wadhera: Already Gold smuggling has become rampant in some part of the country. Smugglers are using the Dubai, Colombo and Bangladesh Route. This will harm the jewellery industry in long run and anti-social and anti-national element will get involved in the business.

What will the best possible step that should be taken by the government to support gold jewellery exports? Your suggestion.


Sumesh Wadhera: First of all Government should make Gold Metal available to exporters on top priority, efforts should be made to enhance the value addition. Bodies like Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) should create awareness and brand India Jewellery across the world. The significant feature of India jewellery being handmade and unique in craftsmanship should reach out to global consumers. Besides basic incentives and infrastructure from Government will go a long way to unlock the full potential of this sector .

You are associated with the leading industry chambers and association. How you analyze the role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in jewellery sector?


Sumesh Wadhera: Industry association like All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), GJEPC are doing a wonderful job and working very closely with all the players. Recent issue of excises duty on jewellery was resolved by unity of the Industry under the umbrella of these trade bodies. MSME is the back bone of jewellery sector, 80 percent jewellery is made by this sector by traditional karigars who have worked very hard and contributed to the growth of this sector. But lack of infrastructure, poor working conditions and passing on the skill to next generation remains a challenge.

What are the major issues of MSMEs in jewellery sector?


Sumesh Wadhera: Still this sector is not recognized and not given Industry Status. Hence it misses out on benefits from Banks and Government bodies. Need for skill development and ability to attract quality human resources. Government restrictions and regulations need to be liberalized to make MSMEs more competitive with neighboring markets like Dubai, Thailand and Hongkong.

Would you like to give some suggestion to small entrepreneurs to cope-up with those challenges?

Sumesh Wadhera: There are lot of new changes happening in this industry and technology should be leveraged to meet those changes, younger customers needs and preferences are very different from what it used to be earlier hence every entrepreneur in jewellery industry has to constantly improve and innovate their products and services. Jewellery business run on trust and values that should always be forefront of your business. Hard work and perseverance pays in long term.