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Diamonds shine brightest at Hong Kong Trade Shows

Diamonds led all gemstones in popularity at 29%, with rubies second at 25% and pearls third at 20%

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Diamonds retained their crown as the jewelry industry’s most coveted stone at this year’s Hong Kong trade shows, but the broader market narrative that emerged from the events was one of measured confidence rather than exuberance — a reflection of an industry navigating uncertain global economic currents.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, which organizes the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the companion Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, surveyed 1,509 exhibitors and buyers across the two events, held March 4–8. The results, released Sunday, offer a useful barometer of where the trade believes demand is heading.

Diamonds led all gemstones in popularity at 29%, with rubies second at 25% and pearls third at 20% — a ranking that broadly tracks with the premium end of the market, where heritage and scarcity continue to command premiums. Yet the more telling signal may lie in what category exhibitors expect to drive growth: trendy fashion jewelry, cited by 57% of respondents as having the strongest near-term potential, outpaced precious jewelry at 35% and designer jewelry at 21% by a considerable margin.

That gap matters. Fashion jewelry — typically lower price points, faster turnover, more accessible to younger consumers — suggests the industry is hedging, cultivating a broader customer base even as it maintains its traditional focus on high-value stones and metals. Yellow gold reinforced that theme, cited by 40% as the most popular precious metal, benefiting in part from sustained investor and consumer interest in gold as both adornment and store of value.

The Hong Kong government’s budget, released earlier this year, may lend additional support. Authorities outlined plans to strengthen the city’s position as an international gold-trading hub — a policy signal the HKTDC noted could add momentum to the local jewelry market at a time when the city is working to reassert its role as a premier commercial gateway.

On the demand side, respondents identified Korea, ASEAN countries, mainland China, Taiwan and Australia as markets with meaningful growth potential over the next two years — a geographic spread that underscores Asia’s continued centrality to the global jewelry trade even as Western luxury demand has shown signs of softening.

The mood among survey participants was cautious rather than buoyant. Nearly half — 49% — expected overall industry sales to hold steady, while 44% anticipated improvement over the next one to two years. That combination speaks to an industry that has absorbed recent shocks but is not yet prepared to declare a clear recovery. With roughly 80,000 buyers attending the two shows in total, the events themselves suggest the trade remains active and engaged, even if dealmakers are keeping their expectations grounded.

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DiamondBuzz

Limelight Diamonds Expands Retail Presence in Pune with a New Store Launch in Baner

The Baner store marks Limelight’s continued expansion in Pune, making its signature lab grown diamond jewellery more accessible to the city’s discerning and value-conscious consumers

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Limelight Diamonds, India’s largest and most trusted lab grown diamond jewellery brand, has strengthened its footprint in Maharashtra with the launch of a new exclusive store in Baner, Pune, following the success of its store at Bund Garden Road in the city. The store was inaugurated in the presence of Karam Chawla, Director, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, Regional Partners, Tara & Prasad Jawalkar and Neetal & Hrishikesh Budukh,alongside the brand’s leadership team, marking another milestone in Limelight’s continued retail expansion across high-growth urban markets.

Strategically located in Baner, one of Pune’s most dynamic and fast-evolving neighbourhoods, the new store reflects the brand’s commitment to tapping into markets that combine aspirational lifestyles with a growing appetite for conscious luxury. With this launch, Limelight continues to build on its strong national presence spanning 60+ stores across 45+ cities and 40+ shop-in-shop formats.

The contemporary retail space is designed to offer an elevated yet welcoming shopping experience, showcasing an extensive range of CVD-studded lab grown diamond jewellery crafted using Type IIA diamonds, globally recognised for their exceptional brilliance and purity. Customers can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of classic solitaires, elegant necklaces, statement earrings, bracelets and versatile everyday wear pieces, catering to both occasion-led purchases and modern, daily styling.

Coinciding with the joyous occasion of Women’s Day, the launch holds added significance, reflecting the strength, aspiration, and growing influence of modern Indian women. The Baner store reflects the brand’s chic, premium, and minimalist design philosophy while championing the evolving narrative of diamond jewellery, catering to women who view jewellery not merely as adornment, but as an expression of individuality, achievements, and mindful choices.

To commemorate the launch, customers can avail exclusive inaugural privileges, including 26% off on diamond value and 26% off on making charges, valid for a limited period.

Pooja Madhavan, Founder & Managing Director, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, said:

“Maharashtra continues to be a priority growth market for us, and Pune is a key part of our long-term expansion roadmap. With Baner, we are strengthening our presence in high-potential urban micro-markets that demonstrate strong demand for contemporary, design-led diamond jewellery. Our focus is on building depth in existing regions while steadily expanding into progressive neighbourhoods that align with the brand’s vision.”

“It is especially meaningful to mark this launch around Women’s Day. At Limelight, we see a clear shift, more women are self-purchasing and making informed, value-driven choices. Our retail expansion is closely aligned with this evolution, as we aim to create accessible spaces where women can celebrate their achievements with jewellery that reflects both their style and their principles.”

Karam Chawla, Director, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, added:

“Pune is an important market for us strategically, given its strong base of evolved, cosmopolitan  consumers who value both quality and innovation. We are seeing increasing preference for lab grown diamonds in cities like Pune, where buyers are informed, design-conscious and open to new-age luxury formats.”

“Our expansion strategy is centred on building a robust and accessible retail network that drives awareness and reinforces trust in the category. With every new store, we are not just adding to our footprint, but creating touchpoints that enable deeper consumer education and long-term brand engagement in the lab grown diamond segment.”

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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

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