The 7th edition of the Hyderabad Jewellery Pearl and Gem Fair (HJF) was a marvellous showcase of skills that go into designing an aesthetic and splendorous array of jewellery. The fabulous range of gems and pearls on display were a feast for the eyes and attracted the Who’s Who of the business. Exclusive interview with G. V. Sridhar, Regional Director (South), All India Gems & Jewellery Federation (GJF), below Jayashankar Menon | @TheDollarBiz

A gateway to the Indian jewellery market, HJF 2014 provided an excellent platform for buyers and suppliers to connect, network, exchange ideas, discover upcoming trends and generate business opportunities. At the trade fair, exhibitors presented a wide spectrum of merchandise including diamonds, pearls, gemstones, exquisite gold jewellery and the latest machinery and equipment used in the manufacturing process.

The exhibition, since its debut in 2008, has created right business opportunities for the industry and has been attracting exhibitors and buyers from both domestic and international markets. And this year wasn’t different. Many prominent players in the jewellery business including Emrals from Coimbatore; Krizz from Chennai; Peeyar Manufacturers, Sanghi Jewellers and P. Mangatram from Hyderabad; and Hari Krishna Exports, Mukti Gold and Shanti Gold from Mumbai among others, showcased their designs.

The seventh edition of Hyderabad Jewellery, Pearl and Gem Fair (HJF) was held at HITEX exhibition centre between June 7 and June 9, 2014 

“Despite having a global footprint, the Indian gems & jewellery industry has so far been a laggard when it comes to the use of technology,” a participant told The Dollar Business. Well, it is discrepancies like this that trade fairs like HJF should now start addressing. “It’s time we take that next big leap.” he added. 

“Cut duty from 10% to 2%”

G.V. Sridhar, Regional Director (South), All India Gems & Jewellery Federation (GJF), has huge expectations from the new government. On the sidelines of HJF-2014, he spoke to The Dollar Business on a whole host of issues concerning the gems and jewellery industry in India. Excerpts:

TDB: What promotional activities are you conducting in South India?

GVS: Our primary goal is to bring the entire industry on one platform to maintain unity and integrity. The second objective is to educate jewellers, craftsmen, designers and help them move to the next level. We want to ensure that jewellery is sold as a product and not a commodity. Now that the new government is in power, we have a lot of expectations from it. In fact, now things are starting to look up. As far as southern region is concerned, it’s witnessing a boom. Right from Kerala to Tamil Nadu, from Andhra to Karnataka, the demand for gems and jewellery is increasing like never before. Now that awareness about compliance is spreading, it is good for the industry. GJF is confident that India is going to be the number one in the world in production of jewellery, given the proactive approach of the new government.

TDB: Have you made any recommendations to the government?

GVS: Yes. We have requested the government to withdraw the 80:20 rule and cut customs duty from 10% to 2%. Apart from this, we are also supporting the government on every issue. We are with the government to solve all outstanding issues.

TDB: You were talking about making Hyderabad a hub for manufacturing jewellery. Can you elaborate?

GVS: Basically, Hyderabad specialises in ruby, flat diamond and Chakri diamond jewellery. This has been restricted only to the South India. It has not really made inroads into the North. Through these kind of events, we are trying to increase awareness. Footfalls are certainly increasing year after year. This is a serious business meet, where buyer-seller interactions also happen.

TDB: What about training local jewellers?

GVS: GJF is trying to educate the entire industry, especially jewellers from the hinterlands to observe compliance. If that happens, the entire jewellery industry will become transparent. And once it becomes transparent, we will go to the next level. Now we have the hallmarking system, which is a value added service. This gives lot of confidence to jewellers.

TDB: Could you shed more light on skill counselling?

GVS: We have various training modules. A few years ago, a worker used to work under extreme conditions in a highly disorganised way. Today things have changed. Now proper infrastructure, convenience, clean environment and more are provided. So, even youngsters are opting for jobs in this industry. In fact, it is more like a laboratory and they are treated like metallurgists unlike a menial in the past.