Jewelry Buyers Guide – Based on a visit to MACEF Italy
In September, I was on an official visit to MACEF’ 2008 which took place in Milan, Italy. The fair had the worldwide participation of exhibitors of home decoration items, kitchenware, costume jewelry, costume jewelry and accessories, costume jewelry and goldsmiths and other items. Well, my area of interest is jewelry, particularly fashion jewelry and beaded jewelry, and I’ll stick to that after a brief introduction to the event.
The Fiera Milano City exhibition center, where MACEF is held every year, is an ideal place for exhibitors and visitors. In terms of infrastructure, accessibility, food and of course the products on display, this is the place to do business and see the latest trends in different products.
During the course of the fair, a large number of visitors can be seen rushing to the fairgrounds in cars, buses, trams and subways. Arriving at the fairgrounds, visitors are always greeted by the smiling and helpful staff who are more than ready to help you with anything: fair directions, transportation, food, etc. The trading, the music, the atmosphere, the cultural programs added to the hustle and bustle during the fair.
The fair was also attended by several Indian and Chinese companies. I remember MK Exports from Agra – India and Banaras Beads, who were selling glass beads. They were satisfied with the response they received at the fair. A Chinese company whose stall I visited sold fashion watches, bracelets, necklaces that were decorated with small stones. A watch was priced at 7 euros. Not much if you’re after the glitter and artistic design.
Jewelry and accessories exhibitors displayed their products in pavilion No. 11. All the other pavilions (I tried to visit all of them) were full of visitors. If I remember correctly, Pavilion No -8 exhibited costume jewelry and jewelry.
Italians are famous for their fashion. It is not wrong to say that they are synonymous with fashion. I watched the buyers, they were more interested in oversized beads, glass and plastic beads. Most of them were seen wearing just one large piece of jewelry, be it a necklace, bracelets or earrings. They weren’t laden with jewelry.
Seeing the fashion mood of the people who visited the fair, I could easily realize that jewelry or costume jewelry is in fashion these days. It’s inexpensive and eye-catching and made from less valuable materials like glass, plastic and stones. The unique and beautiful designs, the shine and the trendy and wearable look were enough to tempt anyone to buy them all. There were imitation jewelry, artificial jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones, stone-encrusted jewelry, and other fashion accessories.
The fashion trend has also caught up with India. People are ready to wear eye-catching and beautifully designed watches and fashion accessories. Many buyers at MACEF used to own stores in Italy and sell jewelry and beads (of all kinds). I talked to some of them about the products they are dealing with and they told me they are buying from India or China.
I was lucky enough to visit such a grand event where products from different industries were exhibited at the same time. For those who have missed the opportunity, they can wait until next year.
At the show the b2b guys were wonderful and helped people learn how they can do business using a b2b website. His booth was visited by numerous visitors who inquired about doing business with India through a website. B2B portals like tradeindia distributed free bags and CDs from exporters. I was lucky to catch one.
One more b2b portal from China showed its services at the fair. So, to all the people who have missed their flight, I suggest you use a b2b portal to do business. These services are affordable, save time and help you grow your business, without having to move from the comfort of your office or home.
A word of caution though, take care of all your belongings.
Until next time bye.