The twin gem and jewellery shows, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), attracted record numbers of buyers and exhibitors at the March 2018 edition. CYNTHIA UNNINAYAR reports.
Hong Kong has definitely become the capital of global gem and jewellery shows, and the March show can claim the title of the world’s largest jewellery marketplace. Because of lack of space, the show is divided into two shows. Opening first, on February 27th, was the five-day 5th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show taking place at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) near the airport, with 1,970 exhibitors. The 35th edition of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show began its five-day run on March 1st at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) with 2,580 exhibitors. Both shows combined attracted 4,550 exhibitors from 52 countries and regions, a record over last year, which was a record over the year before that. The participation of buyers was also in record territory, numbering more than 87,000.
Commenting on the record numbers, Benjamin Chau, deputy executive director of the HKTDC, stated, “With improving global economic conditions, the jewellery industry has also steadily recovered. Consumers are increasingly looking for product diversity.” He added that to increase business opportunities, the HKTDC organised 115 buying missions comprising more than 8,000 companies from 75 countries and regions, including department stores, speciality stores, retail chains and e-tailers.
To help industry players meet demand, this year’s jewellery show launched an “IT Solutions for Jewellery zone”, showcasing the latest technology and solutions for inventory management, design, production and e-commerce. “The new zone aims to help industry players leverage new technologies and applications to develop innovative designs and services to enhance competitiveness,” said Chau. Among the exhibits were the “mTray”, presented by Hong Kong’s Megasoft Ltd. This smart jewellery tray can monitor stock status and track stock location in real time and transmit product information to the customer’s smartphone through near-field communication (NFC). Another Hong Kong exhibitor, SSIWO Technologies Limited, displayed its “Augmented Reality” solution that lets customers try on different jewellery pieces through a smartphone app.
The Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show at AWE comprised several pavilions, including the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association, Colombia’s ACODES, Antwerp World Diamond Centre, International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), Israel Diamond Institute, Tanzanite Foundation, and the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of Liaoning from the Chinese mainland, a first-time participant. Special product zones comprised the Hall of Fine Diamonds, which gathers the world’s top diamond suppliers. Treasures of Nature was dedicated to precious and semi-precious coloured gems, while Treasures of Ocean showcased quality pearls.
At the HKCEC, several themed zones hosted a range of elegant exhibits, plus national pavilions that displayed jewellery from around the world, of every type, from inexpensive mass-produced silver and gold-plated silver pieces to luxurious one-of-a-kind pieces in gold and platinum, as well as gold-plated items. The Hall of Fame gathered about 40 high-end brands while the Hall of Extraordinary displayed exquisite, valuable and unique jewellery from nearly a hundred exhibitors. The Designer Galleria featured trendsetting jewellery pieces from 58 local and overseas designers. True to form, there was something for every taste and budget.
INDIA PAVILIONS FEATURED 83 EXHIBITORS
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) organised the India Pavilion at the 5th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show at the AWE and HKCEC. About 50 Indian exhibitors showcased loose diamonds and gemstones in Hall Nos. 2, 7 & 11 at AWE, and 33 Indian companies displayed finished jewellery at HKCEC.
GJEPC chairman Pramod Agarwal noted that Hong Kong shows have been an important platform for the Indian gem and jewellery industry. “The shows not only help us to expand our reach in the Hong Kong market, but also give access to the key Asian markets.”
India’s overall gem and jewellery exports for the period April 2017 – January 2018 accounted for $33,903.28 million, of which a staggering $10,932.78 million or 32% were to Hong Kong.
One of the highlights of the show was the 19th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition, whose theme this year was “The Vibrant Hong Kong”. A total of 166 entries were received and the winners were announced during the show (featured alongside).
Trends… or not
In terms of trends, companies showcased very diverse products, both jewellery and gems, making it difficult to determine any specific trends. Everything seemed to be available. Having said that, however, many manufacturers were offering smaller, more affordable jewels, which nonetheless were in keeping with their brand DNA. In the Designer Galleria, several brands that had previously offered more traditional jewels were featuring beautiful titanium designs. Many exhibitors featured floral and animal themes, with the butterfly as the single most popular motif. Exotic ear wear, such as ear cuffs and climbers, were less obvious than last year, although asymmetrical designs were seen at several booths.
In the diamond, gem and pearl hall, stones ranged from inexpensive beads to multi-million dollar coloured diamonds and gemstones to creative carvings. Widely available gems included spinel and garnet, as well as the big three. Popular in smaller sizes but scarce in large sizes was Paraiba tourmaline. Just about all other gems and a number of minerals rounded out the gem offering at the AWE. In the diamond pavilion, some dealers indicated that sales were below expectations, but, anecdotally, those selling coloured diamonds seemed busier.
From a sales perspective, nearly all dealers I spoke with stated that the show was “decent” or at least “better than last year”, and a few reported “good” sales. Price-wise, the very high end and the low end were selling better with stable or slightly increased prices. The mid-range continued to stagnate. Several dealers indicated that this edition attracted fewer Chinese buyers, perhaps due to the closeness to the Chinese New Year celebrations, with many people still on vacation.
Some of the many beautiful jewels and gems seen at the 2018 edition of the HKTDC-organised show are featured on these pages. (hktdc.com)
