New Delhi, Oct 27: Buyers thronged the country's largest gold and jewellery show, the 'Festival of Gold 2007', which began here today.

The nine-day show launched by the Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC) showcases the best jewellery designs from across the country.

Inaugurating the show, Bollywood actor Neha Dhupia said: "Festive spirits running high with Diwali just round the corner and New Year approaching, the gold and diamonds show adds to this mood of celebration."

The exhibition at Delhi is a part of MMTC's efforts to provide quality, hallmarked gold jewellery to customers and is in continuation of exhibitions held earlier this month at Kolkata and Bangalore for the first time.

The exhibition has over 70,000 pieces available.

The exhibition gives a unique opportunity to the customers to choose from a wide range of jewellery, medallions and silverware.

"Jewellery and diamonds on display here are certified. The jewellery here is from all over the country. In addition to this there is Sanchi Silverware range also displayed here," said Sanjiv Barta, Chairman and Managing Director, MMTC Limited.

MMTC is selling its "Sanchi" brand of silverware in the exhibition. This brand is known for its exclusive designs, purity, quality and spectacular craftsmanship.

A unique feature of exhibitions is the exclusive stall for "Bridal collection - the Saubhagya Range" and "The Traditional Collection", which highlight special pieces of jewellery.

The gems and jewellery sector is amongst the fastest growing industries in the country, while occupying an important position in the Indian economy and accounting for nearly 13.05 per cent of the country's total exports. (ANI)