Solitaire International - February 2019

One Body, One Voice.
The launch of the Domestic Council for Gems & Jewellery by Suresh Prabhu, the union minister for commerce & industry and civil aviation, is a landmark joint initiative by the government and trade. For the first time ever, the export and domestic segments have come together on one platform to address and fulfil the long-term vision of India becoming “jeweller to the world” and making the industry more organised and unified. This, in turn, will fuel economic growth for the country and generate jobs for millions of people.
The Domestic Council will be all-encompassing, and will work to fulfil the aspirations of small and big associations from across the country. The core committee comprises the following members: Chairman, GJEPC; Chairman, All India Gems & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC); Chairman, India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA); Chairman, Bhartiya Swarnkar Sangh (BSS); and Chairman, Association of Gold Refineries and Mints (AGRM). The Domestic Council will be operational from May 1st this year.
Our Cover Story by renowned diamond analyst Pranay Narvekar delves into the complex world of diamond-backed cryptocurrency, and exposes the flaws of this unregulated form of investment.
In Design Corner, Anup Bohra, managing director of Jewels Emporium, Jaipur, talks about his pioneering efforts in introducing French enamelling techniques in fine jewellery in India.
As we go to press, the 12th edition of IIJS Signature looks set to welcome an estimated 18,000 trade visitors from 325 Indian cities and 55 countries. With gold prices looming around I34,000 per 10g, exhibitors expect to see heavy demand for lightweight jewellery.