An international exhibition of jewellery machinery will begin in Dhaka on Thursday (July 04, 2024) to promote technology integration in traditional jewellery-making to turn the country's gold industry into an export-oriented one. Bangladesh Jeweller's Association (BAJUS) in association with Indian partner KNC Services is organising the International Jewellery Machinery Expo Bangladesh (IJMEB), the first of its kind in the country, said a press release. The expo will be open for three days from 11am to 7pm at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) with the theme 'Technology for excellence in jewellery'. Thirty companies from 10 countries, including India, Italy, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, China and Thailand, have confirmed their participation in the first edition of the expo. About the international expo, BAJUS President Sayem Sobhan Anvir said Bangladesh will have to focus on the jewellery industry, which has been neglected over the years, to march with developed countries. Read more: No more 24-carat gold under baggage rules "Jewellers need policy support to fetch new investment to transform Bangladesh into a prosperous 'Sonar Bangla'. To add value to technological innovation, the private sector should come forward along with public entities,” he added. BAJUS President expressed the hope that the IJMEB-2024 will enrich the Bangladeshi jewellery industry through sharing knowledge among the participating countries. "The expo will introduce modern machinery among the sector people. We aim to bring back the golden days of Bangladeshi jewellery ornaments. To realise the dream, we have to up-skill our goldsmiths with the changing technology in the jewellery sector around the world," he said. Sayem Sobhan Anvir said the jewellers have to march forward with technology to foster gold exports from Bangladesh. "The jewellery sector will grow if there are new factories. Our main objective is to create a new horizon in the export market by boosting the gold industry of Bangladesh. The integration of machines is important to tap the export potential," he said. Read more: BAJUS wants a 10-year tax holiday for gold refiners Indian KNC Services founder and chief executive officer Kranti Nagvekar said her company supported Bangladesh in hosting such an international expo after Saudi Arabia, the UAE and India. "When we roam around the world, we hear appraisal of ornaments made by Bangladeshi goldsmiths. When machines add value to the works of goldsmiths, Bangladesh will excel in global gold markets in style," she said. Among the participating companies, Tishya CNC Engineering Works, Neo Instruments, Solanki Mechanic Works, Ira Corporation, Quantum Equipment, ACZET Solutions and Pacio Traders registered from India. From Italy, two companies JTE and FASTI confirmed their participation. OTEC and GUVENIS from Turkiye while Chinese company DO IT Industries are representing their respective countries. Five companies from Bangladesh Dreamz Instrument Technology, RAJAISWARI, Expert Instrument Technology, Trust Instrument Bangladesh and RAT's BD are participating in the expo. Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal

Robbers looted 80 tola of gold from three jewellery shops at Hemayetpur in Savar early today (November 22, 2023). Dipak Chandra Saha, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, said a group of masked robbers, with the help of three security guards, stormed three jewellery shops at Lalon Tower and Shopping Complex near Hemayetpur bus stand and looted 42 tola of gold from Sonakkhi Jewellers, 35 tola from Mamata Jewellers, and 3 tola from Gitanjali Jewellers. The incident came to light this morning after the market was opened. Gold, diamonds worth Tk 46 lakh looted from gold shop in Chandpur Police have visited the spot. In another incident, robbers also looted mobile phone sets worth Tk 20 lakh from seven mobile phone shops in Savar Bazar bus stand. 1 killed, 3 including gold trader injured as robbers loot shop in Laksmipur

Gemstones, the beautiful creations of mother nature, have fascinated humans for centuries. These alluring stones have been treasured, often finding their way into exquisite jewellery pieces to adorn people. In ancient civilizations, gemstones were believed to possess mystical properties that bring good health, fortune, prosperity, etc. Even today, the enchantment of gemstones persists, and they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of jewellery enthusiasts. What Makes a Stone Precious? Beauty Beauty elevates a gemstone's preciousness. The mesmerizing inner reflection of light, aura and color grading of gemstones captivate hearts. For example, sapphire is renowned for its intense color and brilliance. It is one of the most precious gemstones used for making unique jewellery pieces worldwide.  Rarity One of the most crucial factors that make a gemstone precious is its rarity. Gemstones that are found in limited quantities are highly sought after and command higher prices in the market. The pink diamonds' scarcity has elevated its value, establishing it as a prized and precious gemstone. Read more: Gold vs Diamond: Which Should You Choose for Investment? Clarity The clarity of a gemstone refers to the absence of internal flaws. Stones with excellent clarity are considered more valuable as they allow for better light reflection and a more dazzling appearance. For instance, blue topaz is popular for its exceptional transparency. Durability Durability adds to a gemstone's preciousness, ensuring that it can withstand the test of time and wear. Diamonds, known for their exceptional hardness, are not only shiny but also a symbol of enduring love, making them highly valued and cherished gemstones. Acceptability Acceptability is another component of a gemstone's preciousness as it gains recognition and admiration among jewellery enthusiasts. Ruby is cherished for its deep red hue and historical significance. Its widespread appeal and cultural significance have made it a precious gemstone. Cut The cut enhances a gemstone's preciousness by maximizing its brilliance and visual appeal. A perfectly cut diamond exemplifies this. It reflects light in a brilliant display of beauty. A skillfully executed cut gemstone is prized for fine jewellery. Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal What are the Most Precious Gemstones in the World? Diamond Diamond, the king of gemstones, is renowned for its unmatched beauty and durability. Its clarity and exceptional light dispersion make it a symbol of purity and eternal love. 

In broad daylight, a group of armed and masked robbers stormed into a jewellery shop on the Dhaka-Mawa highway in Keraniganj and fled with 500 bhori gold Wednesday, police said. "Six motorcycle-borne men entered Al-Amin Jewellers at crowded Abdullahpur Bazar around 2pm. They fired about 15 bullets in the air and threw 12 bombs before and after committing the crime to terrorise the locals," Additional Superintendent of Police (Keraniganj circle) Shahabuddin said. After barging into the shop, the robbers also threatened the shop owner Shwapon (50) and his staff to remain mum and not to resist. "The robbers left the area after committing the robbery in five minutes. As Shwapon tried to catch one of them, they shot him in the leg," Shahabuddin said. "Legal actions will be taken against them," he added. Also read: Narayanganj: 6 highway robbery gang members held; 2 victims rescued

Fashion consultant Madhuree Sanchita Smrity's jewellery exhibition began at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Friday. The "Pleasantness: The Story of Madhuree" has been arranged with pieces of jewellery crafted out of seeds from different trees, soils, oysters, joists, conches, pearls and other natural resources along with golds, silvers, steels, irons, coppers, and brasses. Madhuree, now working for fashion house Rang, was born in Jhalakathi. She completed her honours from the Faculty of Fine Art of Dhaka University in 2006. "The Pleasantness: The Story of Madhuree" is Madhuree's first solo jewellery exhibition. It is devoted to her immense interest in finding the beauty of nature, and nature's impact on her life and contemporary thoughts. "The nature that surrounds me is my inspiration. From the beginning of creation, people consciously and subconsciously nurtured nature in different ways. Since childhood, I have been fascinated by nature's beauty, smell and rhythm," the fashion consultant said. Read: Curtain rises on Shilpo Bangla Art Exhibition "Leaves' colour, shapes of roots, ocean waves, riversides, colours of the sky, and the way they change in different seasons moved me. I coloured my work with natural colours as well." "I use seeds with yarns, wooden beads, clays, conches, pearls, coppers, silvers and golds. Seeds are the source of life, the root of all creation. Using seeds with other elements, I convey my love for nature, and want to give life to my creations," Madhuree said. The exhibition will be open to all till July 8, Monday to Saturday, from 3pm to 9pm.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said the goldsmiths of Bangladesh are skilled, their works are very beautiful and they can make world class ornaments. There is huge potential to export gold ornaments using the advantage of Bangladesh’s goldsmiths’ handwork as such ornaments demand is increasing in the global markets. The minister came up with the remark while addressing the chief guest of the new office inauguration ceremony of Bangladesh Jeweller’s Association (BJA) in the Bashundhara City Shopping complex on Tuesday. READ: CIP cards awarding: Businesses should prepare to compete in post-graduation period-Tipu Munshi Tipu Munshi also agreed on the necessity of gold bank in the country to assist the gold industry related people and expand the business of such pricy matters. “If the gold industry stands once, the country can earn huge forex currency as the value addition of gold is very high,” the minister added. The minister said the value addition of some gold jewellery is around 30 to 50 percent while value addition in the garment industry is 5 to 8 percent. Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan was the special guest in the function while BJA President Sayem Sobhan Anvir presided over the function. BJA General Secretary Dilip Kumar Agarwala moderated the function. READ: We need to strengthen SMEs, agro-businesses for expanding economy: Tipu Munshi Tipu Munshi also said, "Bangladesh's reputation will be spread in different parts of the world through the handiwork of the country's goldsmiths and traders. I believe this sector would generate huge revenue for the country.” Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, owner of the country's lone gold refinery said Bangladesh’s export volume will jump to a new height if the gold export is started in the Chinese and European markets. A number of jewellery traders were also present in the function.