Owing to the pandemic, buyers were not able to touch and feel jewellery before making buying decisions and as a result, actual buying had become considerably restricted. This show was truly grand in terms of setting and holiday-like atmosphere and its offline nature, which allowed buyers to touch and tryout jewellery, giving them the real feel of the jewellery, which invariably led to more buying. Thus, exhibitors and buyers both were extremely pleased with their experience at Couture India Holiday Edition.The show was inaugurated on March 19 in the midst of top retailers: Ishu Datwani of Anmol; Himanshu Shekhar of Manoharlal Jewellers, Pankaj Khurana of Khurana Jewellers, Ashish Pethe of Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers, Suhas MS of Bhima Jewellery, Mansukh Kothari, convener, GJEPC along with organisers Alok Kala and Arpit Kala.

Anand Prakash of Abhushan Jewellers said, “This was the first offline show of this grand scale which brought together choicest of manufacturers, suppliers and retailers from across India and gave them an opportunity to trade in some select jewellery. It was a great experience. With the wedding season coming up, this show was indeed timely and gave us an excellent glimpse of what is on offer and thereby we can stock up on these really mind-boggling designs. The show was really well curated.”

Speaking about their experience, exhibitors at the show -- Suken and Hema Shah of Sparsh Jewellers said, “The show was a fantastic experience. A lot of buyers came forth and they all came with their families, as the destination was indeed attractive – everyone was enjoying the show and doing business. We were very happy with the turnout. They should have one exhibition in Goa every year. We had presented Nature-based designs and we tried to bring the best in contemporary designs as well.”

This year’s show was truly different. Colour stones were in great demand– “I was happy to see the choicest of jadau, polki and diamond sets. It was truly exciting to see pieces in various coloured gemstones. We could actually pick up the pieces and could try them on before making the decision to buy,” recalls Vikram Talwar of Talwarsons Jewellers, Chandigarh.

While planning Couture India Holiday Edition 2021, the organisers gave highest importance to selecting limited exhibitors and retailers. They had to do this because of the pandemic and in order to ensure focused businessto- business deals being transacted. “We retained our core concept of the show but moved the show to a safer city -- Goa, where exhibitors and visitors could enjoy and do business,” explains Arpit Kala organizer of the show. Buyers and exhibitors resided at the same venue where the exhibition was being held, this ensured maximum convenience and perfect business cum holiday environment. Couture Show was the first offline show after a really long hiatus caused due to the pandemic. “It was very nicely organized. This platform provided us a good out reach to the right kind of clients and we were happy to be a part of the show. It was indeed grand and provided a good blend of leisure and business,” said Abhiyant Raniwala, Raniwala 1881, Jaipur.

“I was here for all three days, we got to see excellent pieces on display. The participants were handpicked, so we got to see a good variety with select exhibitors – buying decisions were easy to make and I was thrilled to spend business cum leisure trip in Goa because of Couture Holiday Edit,” explained Kailash Kabra of KK Jewels, Ahmedabad.

Manufacturers thrilled to connect with retailers face-to face
“This time it was even grander – we saw some very good and unique designs. The antique jewellery collection was superb and we really saw some exquisite designs. We could touch and feel the jewellery before buying. I was very happy to be there,” said Anil Kataria of DP Jewellers, Indore.

Couture Show always brings in a different experience every year. Says Dheeraj Menda of Studio Rêves, Mumbai, “It has a unique format, it has limited number of manufacturers and select retailers from across India – so the focus on trade is always retained. It is not like other shows where thousands of products are displayed, and hordes of customers are flocking every booth with very few inquiries really materializing. Here the keen focus ensures short and sweet format, well-meaning and really interested clients almost all of whom want to do business with you.”

The hallmark of Couture Shows has always been insightful curating and getting select, jewellers together, and offering some outstanding jewellery. Couture has made a name for being arguably one of best curated shows across the world. “This was one of the few physical shows that has happened and a premiere one at that. Niche buyers and exhibitors, premium products were put together on the same platform.We could touch and feel the products physically and interact with exhibitors on a one to one basis. It was a nice experience.It was indeed a grand experience” said Agrime Garg, Exhibitor, Estate Jewelry Ensemble. It was a show which brought together like-minded buyers and sellers with and exquisite range of products, which they could touch and feel. “Here we got to meet so many jewellers from different parts of India, it was a great experience. We could meet a lot of good suppliers and we could see some good designs. We were happy to be part of Couture India Show,” said Anupam and Rakesh Jain of Nikkamal Babu Ram Jewellers, Chandigarh.

Of Exclusivity and Exceptional Designs
According to Vikas Mehta of Achal Jewels, “Couture has always been a special show, because we have selected suppliers and buyers. The show is setup in a luxurious setting. Buyers could touch and feel the jewellery and that made a huge impact, as over the past year we only had virtual shows and buyers could not touch and feel the goods which prevented them from buying what they really wanted. The climate here was good and overall our experience has been very good.” Jewellers were exclusive. “I was happy to see physical pieces after almost a year; it was grand experience.The stalls were well displayed and we got to see a wide variety of jewellery.It was easier to pick up the pieces and place orders,” informed Karuna Jain of P B Society Jewellers, Kanpur.

Couture India Show has always been an exclusive show, displaying some of the finest designs. “Here we saw some exclusive designs, especially in jadau, polki and antique jewellery. We have seen new lightweight jewellery and new designs at the show. Interacting in a physical show with our suppliers and networking was really good – being able to examine jewellery physically brought in the pre-Covid charm to jewellery shopping. It was really nice being at the show,” said Vastupal Ranka of Ranka Jewellers, Pune. All in all, the show concluded - opening the floodgates of gems and jewellery trade once again, this time regardless of the pandemic and amidst some truly exquisite range of products traded in a safe and hygienic manner.

Business & Leisure It was not all work, of course! Goa being a destination of fun and rejuvenation, the entire industry – both retailers and manufacturers let their hair down after a hard day’s work. Day one ended with a white party, where guests where all dressed in white. Guests enjoyed the breath taking views at the roof top, where they could witness the expanse of Goa and its sheer beauty. Day two also closed with a much-needed beer night, where everybody helped themselves with some delicious cocktails crafted using different brews of beer.