New look, new focus for IJD 2004

"IJD 2004, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year is decidedly more oriented to the trade visitor and buyer," said DWTC Director General Helal Saeed Khalfan al Marri. "Positioned as the definitive event to reach the growing Middle East market that is noted for its high spend and appetite for designer and branded jewellery, the show has proved increasingly attractive to jewellery manufacturers, traders and buyers from all over the world, a fact that is reflected in tremendous growth in space taken up and number of exhibitors."

"We have enhanced the focus on the trade aspect. While the show will be open to trade visitors and VIPs on the opening day, the next two days (Dec 7 and 8) will have exclusive sessions for trade visitors and buyers from 11 am to 4pm. The general public will be allowed in only after 4pm on these days, and all day on December 9 and 10," Mr Al Marri added

In tune with the new profile is the change in the show dates from April to December. Following extensive research and feedback from visitor and exhibitors, it was decided to make the shift to take advantage of a convenient gap in the international event calendar. December is also the month when manufacturers meet buyers from across the Middle East, as they restock to prepare for the year-end sales rush.

There has been a marked increase in interest worldwide, which is reflected in the participation of many big names for the first time. An Italian Pavilion with 27 companies and one from Taiwan will debut at IJD 2004. While countries with a traditionally strong representation like Belgium, Hong Kong, Thailand, Turkey, France, Germany and India, will all make their presence felt this year, pavilions from Korea and Pakistan have also chosen to return to the event.

In addition there will be a far greater number of sightholders - diamond buyers and manufacturers - attending the show, an indication of the growing profile of the show worldwide. Among the big names represented will be Aspeco, Dali Diamonds, Livingstone, Rosy Blue, Supergems, Tache, Intergems-Claes, SDE and AMC

On show at the five-day event will be premier products reflecting the latest trends in the industry as well as exhibits that include cut and uncut gemstones, gold, platinum and silver jewellery, gem-set, precious and semi-precious jewellery, precious stones, semi-precious stones, bullion, antique jewellery, branded costume jewellery, branded watches and clocks, silverware, part-finished jewellery, packaging and display materials and manufacturing tools and machinery.