Jewellery lovers in Chennai were treated to a weekend-long display of luxury baubles at the Gem and Jewellery India International Exhibition (GJIIE).

More than 150 exhibitors from India, Mumbai and Thailand and Malaysia presented their platinum, gold and diamond wares to both retailers and customers at the two-day event, held at the Chennai Trade Centre.

GJIIE Chairman Uday Kumar Vummidi told The Hindu that this was the fourth time the exhibition was being held, and each year it had grown significantly.

"We started with just 50 stalls in 2005, this year we have more than 150," he added.

One visitor to the exhibition told Cheer magazine: "I've found many varieties here. Everything is so fashionable and nice. Rates are also reasonable. Diamond jewellery is very exclusive here."

Meanwhile, a recent report on thehindubusinessonline.com stated that younger generations of Indian women were expressing a preference for platinum jewellery over traditional gold pieces.