Kochi | Kerala can rightly be described as a “golden state” as it accounts for more than 30 per cent of the country’s gold trade and consumption, Minister P C Vishnunadh said on Friday.

The state tourism and culture Minister was inaugurating the Kerala Jewellery International Fair 2026 in nearby Angamaly.

The minister said Kerala’s leading jewellery brands have around 400 outlets spread across nearly 15 countries, underlining the state’s strong presence in the global jewellery industry.

He attributed this growth to the trust, quality standards and customer-friendly approach maintained by jewellers over several decades.

Jewellery carries an emotional value that goes beyond the market value of gold bullion, he said.

Pointing out that leading global brands market not just products but also heritage, Vishnunadh suggested that Kerala’s unique cultural traditions and stories—such as temple architecture, Kathakali, snake boat races and Padayani—should be incorporated into jewellery designs.

Such initiatives, he said, would promote cultural exchange through tourism and benefit both Kerala Tourism and the jewellery sector.

Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association State President K Surendran presided over the function.

The fair has brought together around 12,000 gold traders from Kerala and nearly 4,000 representatives from the jewellery manufacturing sector, a press release said here.

More than 300 delegates from other states are also taking part in the event, it said.