A sparkling affair at Zak Expo

CHENNAI: At a time when the cost of precious metals and stones is escalating and with the wedding and festive season round the corner, this October seems to be an apt choice for a jewellery exhibition. At the 101st edition of the Zac Jewels Expo at Taj Connemara, a large number of women were seen spending hours together examining prospective jewellery purchases.“After 13 years, this is the first time we are hosting the expo thrice in the same year,” says Syed Zakir Ahmed, Managing Director, Zak Trade Fairs and Exhibitions. He adds, “People are looking for a safe investment.”  With over 20 jewellers now, Zak expo started off with just seven jewellers, 13 years ago.  Tracing their journey since 1998, Syed says, “It has been a long journey since the first edition of jewels. Our company is always on the move doing innovative exhibitions and trade shows.”  He adds, “When I planned to start exhibitions, other jewellers questioned the seriousness of the norms of security, credibility and quality.”  With his knowledge of jewels, designs and the market, Syed has been creating a brand for his company and the expo.At the exhibition, the cost of the jewellery ranged from `2,000 for a small pendant up to `3 crore for bigger ones.  “It depends on the numbers and the size of the stones,” Syed explained, referring to the majority of diamond jewellery that was on display.  The themes at most of the stalls were flower-centric and the use of coloured diamonds was predominant.    As the saying goes, the bigger the better.  Design Source by Archana Agarwal displayed an enchanting flower-design piece of jewellery, studded with rubies and diamonds.   Araska Diamonds from Mumbai had some intricate and simple designs on their rings and bracelets, using coloured diamonds. The stalls with gold jewellery focused on minakari and kundans, going the antique way.Hosting 20 jewellers from different parts of the country, Syed had to take the necessary precautions to keep his merchandise safe. “We have arranged for clearance at airports, installation of CCTVs, armed security and police escorts,” he says.  Speaking about Chennaiites’ choice of jewellery, he comments, “Chennai has a very distinct taste in jewellery, especially when it comes to quality and design.”  He also believes that Chennai women will pay a high price for good quality jewels rather than buying something off the rack just for the sake of having big stones around their necks at weddings. The exhibition is on till Monday and every 500th visitor will get a diamond pendant/ring free.