Several foreign stores and brands have started outsourcing jewellery from India, but the scale of this business was limited. Indian jewellers offered cost competitive products but issues like timely delivery and after sales service continued to be problems.
In a recent survey of retailers held in United States, retail chain managers said they were interested in working with Indian jewellery suppliers as satisfaction level about quality of merchandise had improved. Buying from Indian vendors offered value for money and were economical too.
However, three problems remained. They were issues relating to style of jewellery, timing of delivery and after sales service. These prevented rapid growth of exports from India.
Establishment of International Gemmological Institute (IGI) in 1999 had brought down the level of rejections but quality issues persisted. Quality control would have to be implemented to make significant inroads into the United States jewellery market.
Product development was needed relating to styling and designing. Creativity was in short supply. US retailers said designers were required to meet US clients before they could expect US buyers to order more. Meetings would help Indian designers understand the fashion trends.
If these issues were tackled on priority basis, Indian exports to developed markets would rise and even unsettle the top exporters today, who were based in Hong Kong, Bangkok and South America.
Nirupa Bhatt, marketing manager, Rio Tinto Diamonds, in a presentation at India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2003, expressed confidence that India had an edge on the competition thanks to withdrawal of duty on Indian imports.
India has been paying close attention to increasing jewellery exports. Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has now shifted its focus to transform India into world
