Gold exhibition dazzles audiences in Chennai

An exhibition of gold jewellery reportedly attracted large numbers of visitors during a two-day run in the Indian city of Chennai.

The Gem and Jewellery India International Exhibition (GJIIE), which was held at the Chennai Trade Centre, attracted over 150 jewellery manufacturers from India and overseas, Thaindian News reports.

Designs with gold, diamonds and other precious stones were among the most popular on show.

Jewellery manufacturer Vinod Tejwani told the news service: "The significance of showcasing the exhibition in Chennai is that it is in south India, so new designs from the entire region have been put up."

He added that he had been getting a "very good response" from retailers at the show.

India's gem and jewellery sectors are among its fastest-growing industries, accounting for almost 13.05 per cent of exports.

According to figures from precious metals consultant GFMS, India is the world's biggest consumer of gold, with annual demand for 2007 hitting 773.6 tonnes, 558.2 tonnes of which were used for jewellery.