Imitation jewellers come under one roof

Imitation Jewellery Manufacturers' Association (IJMA) is consolidating its 1,200-odd members by bringing majority of them under one roof at a complex in Malad (Mumbai). The aim is to present all conceptualised thoughts and designs before the world more attractively.

Built at a cost of Rs 45 crore, Imitation Jewellery Manufacturers International Market Arcade (IJMIMA) aims to facilitate buyers lookout for suitable designs, cutting down consumption of their time and resources.

"Now, buyers can find a wide variety of designs at lesser costs under one roof, which is a big achievement for us," said Nagendra Mehta, an IJMA spokesperson.

The complex that houses 427 exotic showrooms has been designed and planned to provide a range of amenities such as a conference hall, a well-equipped communication centre, cafeterias, a fitness centre and banks, among others, for the use of both visitors and members.

This state-of-the-art edifice is ready with a glamorous fashion show in a specially erected shamiana for inauguration on January 16, to be attended by prominent citizens, celebrities and dignitaries.

Started in 1986 by a group of enthusiastic entrepreneurs from the imitation jewellery fraternity, Indian fashion jewellery, empowered with excellent creativity, craftsmanship and artistry, has acceptance in markets all over the world.

India is one of the leaders in imitation jewellery with a wider variety at lower costs and a set of exemplary craftsmanship skills.

But despite all this, the Indian imitation jewellery industry has so far failed to access the western markets on account of policy snags "" as well as different in consumer preference. Indian jewellery is a market favourite in the Middle-East, Arabian and African countries.

Producers from Korea, Japan and China produce nickel-free jewellery, which is free from irritation, while India produces nickel-free jewellery in limited quantity, which has failed to attract buyers from European and American regions "" the potential markets "" that we are eager to penetrate in near future, said Narendra Soni, president of IJIMIMA.

In spite of the fact that this industry has seen spectacular growth of over 25 per cent in the last few years, the government paid little attention to it, he added.

The industry is seeking government support in the areas like finance, technology and tax exemption, among others, said Mehta.

Despite having Rs 1,000 crore-plus turnover, it is categorised under the unorganised sector because of fragmentation. The present consolidation would attract government's attention and bring the industry the organised sector status, hoped Mehta.