At the glittering inauguration ceremony industry stalwarts including Anand Shah, Propreitor at Anand Shah, G.R. Anand Ananthapadmanabhan, Co-Managing Director, GRT Jewellery, Princeson Jose, Chairman & MD at Prince Gold & Diamonds, Alok Kala, Publisher, Indian Jeweller, and Arpit Kala, Co-publisher, Indian Jeweller together lit the auspicious lamp.Set in scenic Goa, Couture India Show 2022 galvanized the Indian gems and jewellery industry into action, and how! Crème de la crème jewellers, handpicked brands, sensational designers and high-end jewellery connoisseurs showcasing their exceptional and picking up ensembles for their grand wedding collections at the Taj Convention Centre located at Goa’s scenic Donna Paula. Ah, what a fine mix of business and vacation! India’s premiere, and solitary, highjewellery, by-invitation-only Boutique Show Couture India Show launched on March 14 to culminate after a grand party on March 16. Fifty-four handpicked, high-end couture jewellery houses of repute from across the nation presented their art across an array of five special displays screening the artsy and traditionally handmade open Polki and Jadau jewellery, designer couture jewellery and high-end designer or couture diamond jewellery by the finest craftsmen in the industry. Evening pleasures were another story altogether. Soirees themed ‘Colours in the Woods’ and ‘Night Under the Stars’ had the guests grooving to the choicest music, wine and dine.

At the glittering inauguration ceremony industry stalwarts including Anand Shah, Propreitor at Anand Shah, G.R. Anand Ananthapadmanabhan, Co-Managing Director, GRT Jewellery, Princeson Jose, Chairman & MD at Prince Gold & Diamonds, Alok Kala, Publisher, Indian Jeweller, and Arpit Kala, Co-publisher, Indian Jeweller together lit the auspicious lamp. Arpit Kala, Organizer of the show said, “I am delighted to welcome our esteemed guests to Couture India Show. I am positive that the event will prove to be a very good opportunity for buyers to re-stock their supplies and take advantage of this dynamic networking opportunity.”

A cheerful looking Ananthapadmanabhan confessed, “This is my first time at the Couture Show. Earlier, we thought that this is too small or too focused, but I am pleasantly surprised and delighted to be here. Looking forward to attending many more Couture shows, I would like to describe this event in three powerful words: ‘Design’, ‘Wow’ and ‘Learning.’” Vatsal Shah Owner at JB & Brothers said that the show was a brilliant experience. “Couture India Show 2022 is different in its quality and that gives it the upper hand over other regular events. We appreciate it all the more for being show buyer focussed unlike other events where a lot of time and energy is wasted.” Shweta Tatiwala, Creative Head at Tatiwala’s Gehna from Jaipur was among the first-timers at the event. “This is my first visit to the Couture India Show and I am finding it totally relaxed and organized. The concept of mixing business with fun is such a wonderful concept.” Suken Shah, proprietor of House of Sparsh said, “The buyers are genuine and if they want to buy, they will sit to contemplate and definitely buy, not wasting time of either party.”

elon-shaped emeralds are trending. Other than that, pink tourmaline and light colours are preferred by the artist’s eye. Then there is the turquoise, which comes from Mexico and America, that is in high demand; light green coloured Russian emeralds are the highest selling stone.SALES & DESIGN TRENDS
There was a marked trend at the show in selection of design that drove sales. Indian jewellers and designers are fond of melon beads in navy blue colour, tanzanites, amethyists, citrines, morganites, in fact all the colours are favoured by many a young designer said Mukim, ‘‘these beads and stones are used in polki or high-end handmade diamond designer wear. Coloured stones compliment diamonds; the colours of these beads enhance the beauty of polki jewellery and handmade diamond jewellery.’’ Coloured gemstones are best crafted in Jaipur and if the stones are semi-precious the stock comes from Africa he informed. “There are stones which come from Brazil and Burma too. Melon-shaped emeralds are trending. Other than that, pink tourmaline and light colours are preferred by the artist’s eye. Then there is the turquoise, which comes from Mexico and America, that is in high demand; light green coloured Russian emeralds are the highest selling stone. They look very beautiful in Indian design, especially in Kundan, Meena and Polki which is trending thanks to Neeta Ambani who wore them for her daughter’s wedding.”

THE FINAL RECKONING
Ananthapadmanabhan quips, “On a personal level, GRT is very happy. This is definitely a well-curated, superbly organized event. The hosting team has done an excellent job, excellent followup, excellent service; everything was well done from Chennai to Goa, Couture India Team has done a good job. We are happy with the selection of goods and we met vendors and dealers who we were honoured to work with. Being here, I can say, ‘India has come a long way; there is always scope for improvement.’ I personally believe in three words, ‘Kaizen, Everyday, Improvemen