It is my great pleasure to welcome you all at the 6th IGS at Khajuraho, one of the exotic and historical places of India.

All the past National IGS and International conferences have provided me with the unique opportunities of meeting and interacting with Gemmologists from all over the country. My myriad interactions with distinguished personalities, gracious, elegant, gifted, compassionate, talented and enthusiastic members and supportive colleagues in the “Forum” made me realize that each one of us makes an impact in the world of Gemmology in our own special manner. Let us use the gift of life and our winning qualities to make a difference in the gem world.

To promote the advanced knowledge of Gemmology, Forum organizes the talks by experts and visiting Gemmologists and also arranges workshops and National Gemmological Seminars. These activities nurture our minds and enrich our spirits, and spread the knowledge of gemology throughout the country.
To promote the Gemmological knowledge the Forum publishes “Indian Gemmologist” as well as “The Bulletin” which gives a platform to talented Gemmologists to reach to the gem trade and industry and those interested in Gemmology in India.

As far as the Gems and Jewellery industry is concerned, the coming few years are going to be very very important. I am sure in another 5 to 10 years time India will be on the top of the Gem and Jewellery market in the world. There are reasons for this, of which some of the important points are as under :-
In the last 50 years, the living standards of people throughout India has improved considerably. In spite of increasing population, people earn more, spend more and also save more.

When surveying the past 50 years America acted as a first growth engine, then Western Europe and Japan. In 80’s Korea, Malaysia and Singapore dominated the world economy. But I am sure that, now onwards, for the next few decades, Brazil, Russia, China and India will be the growth engine.

The world renowned International Financial Consultancy Organization Goldman Shas has named these four countries as “Bric”. According to “Bric Third Report” by the year 2025, these countries will be contributing about 40% of share for growth in the world economy. It is further estimated that very soon India and China will alone be contributing to world growth rate more than 40%!!
This report also says for the next decade these “Bric” countries will be the main source for the energy, oil, car and market capitalization. These three fields are the main thrust areas in the global economy. In the other words these four countries will create a very gigantic and large consumer markets in the world. In short this will be beneficial for all the commodity markets and especially for the Gem and Jewellery segments, which is the luxury products.
Considering these reports, investors, policymakers and giant companies have already started concentrating their attention in these countries.

All these factors are very promising for Gems and Jewellery industry in India at large. The coming years will see India as a major force to reckon with and will play a very vital and important role in the Global Jewellery markets. India currently has only a small share i.e. less than 2% of the world’s jewellery markets. Since we have the infrastructural facilities, there are tremendous potential and opportunities for growth. India is the country now every one looks up for commercial jewellery production. Jewellers from all over the world look at India as a potential source for jewellery as well as diamonds. India has shown to the world that as in the case of diamonds it can also manufacture diamond jewellery at par with the international standards. India’s jewellery sector has shown a growth of about 35% in the last year. I am sure India will keep up the momentum in the coming years and the current 2% market share of world jewellery manufacturing will soon be like an ancient history. India will repeat the history of moving from US$ 300 million worth of Gem and Jewellery exports in 1991 to more than US$ 1 Billion in 10 years later.

There is no time like present time for Indian diamond industry. “Made in India” everyone wants it. I am sure, soon “Made in India” will be the Brand that is most sought after. Indian diamond companies have undoubtedly contributed towards that, but what is of concern is sustaining and taking the business further by constant re-investment in order to meet future demands. Understanding international trends Indian Jewellery products should envelope the entire range from classic to contemporary designs, thereby catering to a highly dynamic world of the jewellery market.

India has the most creative designers who are winning international jewellery awards. Indian merchandisers are well travelled and in touch with trends abroad. During the last 4 to 5 years younger designers have been exposed to international markets. In India, there are lots of courses in schools and institutions teaching design and their numbers are growing. Many jewellery manufacturing companies in India are investing a lot of money in promotion and brand-building. Indian Gem and Jewellery industry can proudly say that they have everything from the latest diamond cutting technology to the most modern jewellery manufacturing methods. India is capable and equipped with everything to co-operate in the international market.

Summing Goldman Shas; Indian entrepreneurs feel that China is predicated to surpass the U.S.A. as the world’s largest economy and consequently will be emerging as a major market for jewellery. Today China is one of the largest centers for diamonds; it is going to become an even bigger jewellery manufacturing centers than it is now. I am sure that in a few years time most of the western world’s gold jewellery manufacturing and studded jewellery will be done in India and China.

However Indian manufacturers are not much worried about losing markets share to China. The reasons as mentioned included India’s lead in technology, finance and the skilled artisans.

Under these circumstances and considering the present scenario, Indian Gemmological seminars will be playing a major role in bringing together the people from various fields and share their knowledge. This is especially important for younger generation who are just entering this field, in addition through these seminars, Forum also provides a large stage every year for everyone to share the knowledge and interact with each other, in all the aspects of Gemmology and allied subjects.
Lastly, let us echo Sir Winston Churchill’s words :

“We make living by what we get,
we make life by what we give”.
So friends, let us also share our knowledge.

Thank you