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Expert Panel at Jewellery and Gem WORLD Hong Kong Upholds the Platinum Advantage Amid Global Surge in Demand
Price Differential, Product Diversification and Technical Advances Fuelling Growth
A distinguished international panel of jewellery experts highlighted platinum’s present and distinct advantages of price and technical brilliance at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong 2025. Presented by Platinum Guild International (PGI) on Friday, 19 September 2025 as part of the prestigious five-day trade show, the event advocated capitalising on platinum’s strong business potential as the cost of gold soars and innovation opens new avenues for expansion into emerging markets and varied product lines.
A significant price differential with gold is fuelling the growing global demand for platinum. However, as the panel speakers affirmed, this is far from platinum’s sole advantage. The role of exploring new consumer segments, developing new technology like electroforming and novel alloys, and establishing a digital footprint for sourcing are among the factors enhancing its intrinsic strength, resilience and shine.
The PGI panel was a key draw of the annual jewellery fair, held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, and this year welcomed the largest representation of platinum jewellery in a decade. PGI also hosted the Platinum Pavilion, showcasing cutting-edge collections by producers in China and India, and co-sponsored “Sublime Shine: Metal Innovation in the Art of Jewellery”, a large-scale exhibition detailing the alloy’s achievements in ethical sourcing and technical ingenuity.
Titled “The Platinum Advantage: Markets, Business and Innovation”, the hour-long panel discussion attracted a packed crowd at the Grand Hall Main Stage, including honoured guests Gaetano Cavalieri, President of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), and Likui Zhang, Deputy General Secretary of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China (GAC). Moderated by PGI’s Global Director of Innovation and Product Development, Tai Wong, the insightful exchange underlined platinum’s value as a priority choice for jewellery manufacturers, and suggested strategies to boost platinum portfolios beyond the traditional bridal ring segment and established geographical regions.
Reflecting both the current global surge in platinum’s allure and the industry’s diversity, the panel united industry leaders from Asia, Oceania and America. It comprised Andy Zhou of Kingli Group in China, Avinash Pahuja of ORO Precious Metals Pvt Ltd from India, Jason Brimelow of Brimelow Group operating in Australia and Southeast Asia, Josh Helmich of Helmich Luxury Group in the USA, and Noriyuki Kamei from Kuwayama Corporation based in Japan. Speakers noted that platinum is now poised to gain market share in other product areas, particularly men’s jewellery, and is penetrating territories traditionally dominated by gold. Emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East are deemed ripe for investment.
Zhou perceived a shift in focus towards platinum at the fair, spurred by high gold prices. Invigorated by the interest shown in new technology from Japan and Italy adopted by Kingli, he was bullish about the future of platinum exports from China. Pahuja spoke glowingly of India’s growing appreciation of platinum and outlined compelling new opportunities in Bangladesh and the UAE, with the latter serving as a conduit to supply other markets.
Kamei, similarly, noted the growth potential outside Kuwayama’s home market, especially in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East. Brimelow concurred, pointing to the historic opportunity to open the platinum market in Southeast Asia, where wearable gold has been preferred but sentiment is now swinging to jewellery for adornment, driven by younger, internationally minded consumers.
The panel also spotlighted the benefits of product diversification. For instance, Kuwayama’s strategy of expanding product offerings beyond chains and bridal rings to men’s and fashion jewellery, and ORO’s move into highly engineered products that include mixed materials, bi-metal, and mechanised components are gaining traction and momentum in sales.
Helmich offered insights into the impacts of US trade tariffs on the global jewellery market, noting that industry players have started to diversify their export market beyond the US, such as to Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. To facilitate the transition from gold to platinum, he called for greater understanding of manufacturing advancements, and further emphasis at the retail level of platinum’s unique attributes, such as its superiority in holding diamonds.
The “Sublime Shine: Metal Innovation in the Art of Jewellery” exhibition, which offered evidence of platinum’s beneficial facets, was viewed by more than 900 fair visitors per day. Underscoring that technological innovation is the key to scaling platinum jewellery production, the 430-square-metre display featured updates on Digital Product Passports (DPP) and blockchain-based traceability – vital to meet consumers’ demands for transparency and sustainability. A separate showcase for men’s jewellery also proved popular.
Melding technology and aesthetics, PGI’s Platinum Pavilion presented outstanding creations by six innovative producers from China and India: B.N. Jewellers India; Guangdong Jinbotong Technology Co Ltd; Jewelex India; Kingli Jewelry; Kinch Jewelry; and ORO Precious Metals. Other platinum powerhouses from Asia and Europe, including egf – Eduard G. Fidel, Kuwayama Corporation, Nagahori Corporation, Schofer Germany, and Shenzhen Longjia Jewelry, showed their collections elsewhere at the fair.
PGI’s Global Director of Innovation and Product Development, Tai Wong, who served as the panel discussion moderator, spotlighted the acceleration in platinum innovation over the past few years, and the product diversification generating new segment growth.
“We had the largest representation of platinum at the Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong show in a decade, and made new connections every day at the show for retailers and manufacturers to enter into platinum production. The advantage of platinum to create new incremental business is front and centre.” said PGI’s Tai Wong.
“Driven by the increasing price delta with gold, and supported by new technology, platinum is in a strong position to create better business in traditional bridal jewellery, as well as capture new market opportunities with new products for new consumer segments. By promoting new technology, product development and education in marketing, PGI collaborates with our global trade partners to enhance profitability and efficiency in the transition of their white metal business to platinum.”
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Jewellery Eminence Awards 2026 Celebrates Excellence In Indian Jewellery Design
Anurag Singh Thakur Graces Gala Night as Chief Guest
Jewellers Association Jaipur (JA) successfully organised the grand 18th Edition of the Jewellery Eminence Awards (JEA) Gala Night 2026 on 4th July at Novotel Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura, celebrating outstanding creativity, craftsmanship and innovation across the Indian gems and jewellery industry. Organised alongside JAS – The Premium B2B Show 2026, the prestigious evening brought together leading jewellers, designers, manufacturers, exporters, retailers, artisans, industry veterans and dignitaries from across the country.
The evening was led by the office bearers of Jewellers Association Jaipur including President Shri Raju Agarwal Mangodiwala, JAS Convenor Shri Ashok Maheshwari, Honorary Secretary Shri Ajay Godha, and JEA Coordinator Shri Naresh Agroya, who welcomed distinguished guests and members of the jewellery fraternity.
The Gala Night was graced by Hon’ble Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines & Steel, as the Chief Guest. His esteemed presence added immense prestige to the occasion as he felicitated several award winners and recognised exceptional talent from the jewellery industry. The celebration was further elevated by the presence of renowned actress Yuvika Chaudhary as the Celebrity Guest, whose participation added glamour and excitement to the evening.
One of the most touching moments of the ceremony was the presentation of the JEA Lifetime Achievement Award to Shri Navrattan Kothari, honouring his extraordinary contribution, visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to the Indian gems and jewellery industry. A special audio-visual tribute highlighted his remarkable journey before the award was presented by the Chief Guest in the presence of the Association’s leadership.
Recognising the invaluable contribution of master craftsmen, the Association also presented Special Artisan Awards to Shri Avtar Singh Talwar and Shri Abiddudin, acknowledging their decades of excellence, commitment and craftsmanship that continue to preserve and enrich India’s jewellery-making heritage.
Adding an international dimension to the evening, the Association also felicitated distinguished global industry leaders for their remarkable contributions to organised jewellery retail and international trade relations. Special honours were presented to Shri K. P. Abdul Salam, Vice Chairman & GED, Malabar Group, with the JAS Global Jewellery Retail Leadership Award, and Mr. Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman, Dubai Jewellery Group, with the JAS Architect of Organised Jewellery Retail in the Middle East Award. Their recognition reflected JAS’ growing global outlook and its commitment to strengthening international business relationships within the gems and jewellery sector.
The highlight of the evening remained the presentation of the Jewellery Eminence Awards 2026, one of India’s most respected jewellery design competitions. Winners were honoured across 18 prestigious categories, recognising excellence in jewellery design, natural gemstones, craftsmanship, innovation and professional achievement. The awards covered a diverse spectrum of categories including diamond and colourstone jewellery, polki jewellery, gold jewellery, silver vogue jewellery, loose gemstone awards, accessories, minimalist jewellery, professionals’ recognition and young achievers, reflecting the immense talent and creativity of India’s jewellery industry.
The ceremony also showcased inspiring films highlighting the journey of JAS and JEA, reinforcing the vision of promoting innovation, nurturing design talent and providing a national platform for excellence in jewellery creation. Throughout the evening, sponsors, jury members, exhibitors, industry leaders and distinguished guests joined in celebrating the achievements of designers and professionals who continue to shape the future of the Indian gems and jewellery sector.
Speaking on the occasion, the leadership of Jewellers Association Jaipur reiterated that Jewellery Eminence Awards has evolved into one of the country’s most credible and prestigious platforms for recognising excellence in jewellery design and craftsmanship. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging innovation, preserving traditional artistry and creating opportunities for emerging as well as established talent through initiatives like JEA and JAS.
Concluding the memorable evening, the Association expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, Celebrity Guest, award jury, sponsors viz (Banking Partner: AU Small Finance Bank, Co- Sponosor: RMC Gems, Supporters: GJEPC, Gemfields, Bid For All, Elanzia- An IGM Initiative, Logistics Partner: Secure Global Logistics), exhibitors, designers, artisans, partners, participants and the entire organising team for making the Jewellery Eminence Awards Gala Night 2026 a grand success. As part of the ongoing JAS – The Premium B2B Show 2026, the Gala Night once again reinforced Jaipur’s stature as one of the world’s foremost centres for gems, coloured gemstones and jewellery craftsmanship, while celebrating the excellence, innovation and legacy that continue to define India’s jewellery industry.
Winners by Category
1. JEA Emerald Gemstone of the Year
- GREEN INTERNATIONAL, JAIPUR
2. JEA Silver Vogue Jewellery
- ADORE JEWELS, JAIPUR
- ATTULYA JEWELS, JAIPUR
3. JEA Bejewelled Artifact
- KINU BABA GEMS INDIA PVT. LTD., JAIPUR
4. JEA Theme of the Year – Vintage Jewellery
- ADVIT JEWELS LIMITED, JAIPUR
5. JEA Accessory (Men’s & Women’s)
- ATTULYA JEWELS, JAIPUR
- MANTHAN’S GEM LEGACY LLP, HYDERABAD
6. JEA Gold Jewellery
- N. M. KAREL & SONS PVT. LTD., NEW DELHI
7. JEA Polki Bridal Set
- PARAMPARA THE JEWELS, JAIPUR
8. JEA Polki Necklace
- JEWELS OF RAJPUTAANA, JAIPUR
9. JEA Polki Earrings
- SRD JEWELS COUTURE PVT. LTD., VADODARA
10. JEA Polki Bangle/Bracelet
- KALA JOHARE, JAIPUR
11. JEA Polki Ring
- POLKI PARADISE BY V.K JEWELLERS, NEW DELHI
12. JEA Minimalist Jewellery
- SANGEETA DIAMONDS, JAIPUR
13. JEA Diamond/Colourstone Necklace
- TIMEPIECES, JAIPUR
14. JEA Diamond/Colourstone Earrings
- MAA SATTI JEWELS PVT. LTD., JAIPUR
15. JEA Diamond/Colourstone Bangle/Bracelet
- GREENBELL, JAIPUR
16. JEA Diamond/Colourstone Ring
- JEWELS BY SEPHORA LLP, JAIPUR
17. JEA Natural Gemstone of the Year (other than Emerald)
- BIHARILAL HOLARAM, JAIPUR
- TT GEMS INDIA LLP, MUMBAI
18. Winner of the JEA Professional Category
- RASHMI ABHIJIT BAFNA
- Bafna Jewellers
19. Winner of GIA Young Achievers’ Award
- BHAWANA MAHESHWARI
20. JEA Artisans’ Award
- AVTAR SINGH TALWAR
- ABEEDUDDIN
21. JEA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
- SHRI NAVRATTAN KOTHARI
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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.