The 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show wrapped up successfully, drawing some 80,000 buyers from 150 countries and regions, according to organizers. The twin shows, held under the “Two Shows, Two Venues” format by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), saw the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show welcome over 28,000 buyers from 125 countries and the Jewellery Show attract over 51,000 buyers from 140 countries. Growth in buyer attendance from the Philippines, Korea, Australia, and Switzerland underscored the events' international standing, with over 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries participating.
Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, noted that the shows hosted over 30 industry seminars and events, highlighting market trends. Three new pavilions debuted: the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, the Zhushan Turquoise Pavilion, and the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Pavilion. An on-site survey of 1,509 exhibitors and buyers revealed cautious optimism, with 44.3% expecting sales increases in the next one to two years. Respondents identified Korea (73.2%), ASEAN (71.8%), and Chinese Mainland (68.5%) as key growth markets. Technology, including AI (66.1%), social media (43.7%), and big data (41.5%), is expected to impact the industry significantly over the next three years.
Product trends highlighted strong growth potential for trendy fashion jewellery (57.3%), precious jewellery (35.1%), and designer jewellery (21.1%). Karat yellow gold (40.1%) and diamonds (28.8%) were the most popular metal and gemstone, respectively. The Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, led by the World Gold Council, featured 10 Chinese Mainland exhibitors and attracted significant orders. Regional CEO Roland Wang emphasized the show's role in connecting Chinese gold manufacturers with international buyers, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and India. YueHao Jewellery, a Shenzhen-based exhibitor, reported establishing connections with Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Sales exceeded expectations for many exhibitors. Korean exhibitor Soyou connected with buyers from Chinese Mainland, Africa, and the UK, projecting a 30% sales growth. Hong Kong's SimStar Asia Limited secured multi-million-dollar orders from Europe and the US, projecting a 10% annual sales increase. Turkish exhibitor Zen Diamond attracted buyers from the UK and US on the first day. The Hall of Fame grew by over 40%, reflecting strong demand for branded jewellery.
Designer jewellery gained traction, with over 50 designer exhibitors, including 10 Korean debuts. A Korean designer received enquiries from Europe, including Poland. The shows also hosted design competitions, including the inaugural International Fei Cui Jewellery Design Competition. Uzbekistan made its debut, with Fonon Jewelry House showcasing Central Asian-influenced gold pieces. Alisher Romanov, Head of Foreign Economic Affairs, reported connecting with buyers from Chinese Mainland, Malaysia, and the Philippines, expecting sales of approximately USD 50 million. Another Uzbek exhibitor secured a USD 35 million order from a Hong Kong buyer. The Uzbekistan delegation signed an MOU with the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Jewellery Manufacturers' Association to promote bilateral trade.
Buyers sought diverse offerings. Turkish buyer Kasapoglu Jewellery allocated over USD 900,000 for loose diamond sourcing. US-based David Abraham & Co discovered services from certification to repolishing and met 35 exhibitors in one day. China National Gold Group sourced turquoise and fine jewellery, with a procurement budget of USD 200,000. Golden Silver Z.L S.A., a Latin American silver supplier, confirmed orders exceeding USD 1.9 million. To address geopolitical challenges, the HKTDC facilitated over 100 online business matching sessions and supported affected buyers. The shows adopted the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format, enabling AI-powered matching via the HKTDC Marketplace App. E-commerce partnerships with Taobao Tmall and Douyin generated over 35 million impressions and sales exceeding USD 20 million, while a Korean influencer sourced close to USD 700,000 in products.
