The 37^th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and seventh HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will run from 25 to 29 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This is the first time for the shows to be held in a hybrid format with both a physical exhibition and an online business matching service. The latter will run until 5 August, allowing global jewellers to make business deals through online video conferences. The physical fairs welcome industry buyers and, for the first time, members of the public with a passion for fine jewellery.

Fine jewellery exports climb 82.3% in first five months of 2021

The twin shows, the first two physical trade fairs to be staged by the HKTDC since the start of the pandemic, have attracted more than 400 exhibitors, the majority of which are local companies as travel restrictions are still in effect between Hong Kong and the rest of the world. However, some overseas exhibitors are sending their local representatives to participate in the fairs, representing companies from Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Italy and India.

Speaking at a press conference to introduce the twin shows, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said: “The pandemic situation has remained stable in Hong Kong while quarantine and immigration control measures continue to be in place globally. I believe the physical and online hybrid format will become the new trend for trade fairs. This HKTDC-organised one-stop exhibition and sourcing platform is showcasing a huge range of quality jewellery to suit the needs of buyers from around the world, helping exhibitors to build connections and make more business deals.” 

In the more than one year since the pandemic first hit, the impact on the jewellery sector has been significant. However, global demand has begun to rise this year, leading to a 29.4% increase in exports for the first five months of 2021. This compares to a low base in the same period in 2020 but it is clear that the export market is showing signs of recovery. Hong Kong’s exports of fine jewellery registered a sharp increase of 82.3% year-on-year to HK$28.65 billion for the period from January to May this year. Exports to the largest market, Mainland China, skyrocketed nearly 230% while Asia regions including Macao, Taiwan and Malaysia also showed a significant increase. For raw materials, the gross export value of pearls, gemstones and rough diamonds climbed 83.1% in the same period this year.

The figures clearly show that the pandemic pressure on the jewellery sector is easing. HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee Chairman Winston Chow said at the press conference that local companies may wish to take a more diverse marketing approach in the long run amid continuing global economic uncertainty. In addition to tapping into emerging markets, companies should explore online sales channels and sourcing platforms or participate in virtual fairs in order to capture new business opportunities. Meanwhile, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups need to seize opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as well as exploring markets in the mainland.

Wide variety of precious jewellery and modern pieces

Different product zones are being set up at the twin shows this year, including the World of Glamour at the Jewellery Show that has attracted several well-known jewellery companies to showcase a selection of refined and precious pieces. Numerous modern design pieces will be available at the fair including:

• A magnificent Jadeite and Diamond Pendant Necklace from On Tung Company (Booth 3E-A14).
• The g monogram collection from Just Gold (Booth 3E-B02) highlights the company’s intricate yet classic designs with fine lines and a delicate hollowed-out pattern. This collection marks a new direction for this classic brand.
• The Sapphire Necklace from Legrand Jewellery (Booth 3E-C02) comprises an oval-shape sapphire necklace with diamonds set on 18K white gold. The waterfall design adds a sense of dynamism to this precious piece.
• The Amethyst, Diamond & Gem-set Puppet pendant from Young’s Creation Co Ltd (Booth 3E-D09) was inspired by famous fairytale character Pinocchio.

In addition, products zones such as Fine Jewellery, Antique & Vintage Jewellery and Silver and Finished Jewellery highlight different kinds of accessories from high-end pieces to casualwear items, including jewellery made with rubies, Fei Cui, antique pieces, trendy designs and more. 

The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show showcases a fine assortment of raw materials including diamonds, gems and pearls. Different zones include the Hall of Fine Diamonds, which showcases prime quality diamonds of different shapes, cuts, grades and rare colours. The Treasures of Nature zone displays various glittering precious gemstones, semi-precious gems and other natural raw materials, while the Treasures of the Ocean zone houses the highest-quality pearls from Tahiti, the South Seas and other pearl-producing areas around the world.

An impressively large number of special exhibits will be on display:

• RMC Gems Limited (Booth 3G-C02) will showcase a fine-cut Paraiba Tourmaline with a water-drop shape whose reflection highlights the condition of the gem. The stone has an extraordinary neon blue colour.
• CK Crystal Limited (Booth 3G-F18) will feature a meteorite ring that includes genuine pieces of meteorite from outer space and displays a unique Widmanstätten pattern.
• SM Gems Limited (Booth 3G-E27) will display a Pink Morganite, that highlights the beauty of nature. This is a very durable and dazzling gemstone belonging to the Beryl family.