The four-day Sparkle-2011 gem and jewelry exposition opens today in Surat, one of the anchors of India's diamond industry.

According to the Times of India, Sparkle-2011 is one of the largest gem and jewelry industry events in the state of Gujarat and draws major figures from the local diamond trade. The 2011 expo is being held at Surat's newly-built convention center and booths and pavilions extend over a 2,511-square meter area.

While most of the participants in Sparkle-2011 are diamantaires and jewelers from Surat and south Gujarat, special space has been allotted for international exhibitors – diamond and diamond jewelry companies as well as industry consultants like Rapaport.

Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ajoy Bhattacharya said over 10,000 visitors were expected and that he expected Sparkle-2011 to break all past records of counter sales.