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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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New FTAs, New Markets: IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 Opens as India’s Jewellery Exporters Eye Fresh Global Access
- India Moves Closer to Becoming a Global Rough Diamond Trading Hub as Bill Proposing 15-Year Tax Exemption on SNZ Sales Is Introduced in Parliament
- 25 Years of IIJS: Connecting the Global Jewellery Industry with India’s Excellence
The 42nd edition of IIJS Bharat Premiere opened at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, today, against the most favourable trade backdrop the Indian gem and jewellery industry has ever known. A succession of free trade agreements — with the UAE, Australia, Oman and the United Kingdom, with the European Union and New Zealand to follow — has redrawn the export map for Indian jewellery, opening some of the world’s most valuable markets on preferential terms.
The show was inaugurated by Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Dr. Vijay Darda, Former Member of Rajya Sabha; Mr. Ananthanarayanan Hariharan, CEO, Damas Jewellery; and Mr. Pritesh Patel, CEO and President, GIA; Mr. Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ, SEZ Mumbai— alongside Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Anil Virani, Convener Accounts & Finance, GJEPC and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.
The timing is significant. The India–UK CETA came into force on 15 July and the India–Oman CEPA on 1 June, while agreements with the European Union and New Zealand await operationalisation. For the exporters and buyers on the show floor this week, the commercial map looks materially different from a year ago.
Recognised as the world’s second-largest gem and jewellery B2B exhibition, IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 spans over 135,000 sq. metres across two venues, featuring more than 2,100 exhibitors across 3,600 stalls. The show is expected to draw over 50,000 visitors, including 2,700+ international buyers from more than 80 countries.
The exhibition runs at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), BKC, from 5 to 9 August, and at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), NESCO, Goregaon, from 6 to 10 August 2026. This year also marks 25 years of IIJS as India’s premier B2B gem and jewellery exhibition.
Running concurrently at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from 6 to 10 August, the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) has established itself as the industry’s premier platform for advanced manufacturing technology. This year’s edition features 249 exhibitors across 348 stalls, presenting the latest in jewellery manufacturing, automation, precision engineering, tools and equipment — underscoring the industry’s push towards technology-enabled, globally competitive production.
Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, said:
“Maharashtra has always been the heart of India’s gem and jewellery industry, and with the State’s dedicated Gem & Jewellery Policy 2025, we are creating an ecosystem that encourages investment, generates employment and strengthens the industry’s global competitiveness. The Government of Maharashtra remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the industry to make the state the preferred destination for gem and jewellery manufacturing, exports and innovation.”
Dr. Vijay Darda, Former Member of Rajya Sabha said:
“India’s gem and jewellery industry is much more than a business—it is a reflection of our rich culture, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. While India has earned global recognition as a manufacturing powerhouse, the next step is to build world-class Indian jewellery brands that command trust and admiration across international markets.
With our unmatched artistry, adoption of technology and continued support from the Government, I am confident that India’s gem and jewellery exports can achieve far greater milestones in the years ahead.”
Mr. Pritesh Patel, CEO and President, GIA said:
“IIJS Premiere reflects India’s growing influence in the global gem and jewellery industry. Every year, it brings together craftsmanship, innovation and international collaboration under one roof. GIA is proud to support this remarkable platform that continues to shape the future of our industry. As consumer expectations evolve, trust, transparency and education become more important than ever.
India is not only a global manufacturing powerhouse but also an emerging hub of innovation, talent and leadership. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build a future rooted in integrity, confidence and lasting value for consumers around the world.”
Mr. Ananthanarayanan Hariharan, CEO, Damas Jewellery said:
“IIJS continues to demonstrate India’s remarkable strength in jewellery design, craftsmanship, and innovation. For Damas, it remains an invaluable platform to reconnect with trusted partners, discover fresh inspiration, and strengthen long-standing relationships. As consumer expectations evolve, our industry must lead through creativity, deeper customer understanding, and collaboration.
India has the talent, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit to shape the future of the global jewellery business, and IIJS is central to that journey.”
Addressing the gathering, Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said:
“IIJS Bharat Premiere has evolved into one of the world’s most influential B2B gem and jewellery exhibitions. It is where the global jewellery industry comes together to source, collaborate, discover new trends and build long-term business partnerships. As India’s flagship jewellery show celebrates 25 years, IIJS today reflects the world’s confidence in Indian craftsmanship, manufacturing excellence, innovation and our growing leadership in global trade.”
Speaking about the introduction of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Parliament, Shri Bhansali added, “The proposed 15-year tax exemption for rough diamond sales through India’s Special Notified Zones is a landmark reform for our industry. For decades, India has cut and polished the world’s diamonds without ever trading them. That is now set to change. Global mining companies and traders will bring their rough directly to India, enabling our manufacturers to source at the origin with better access, greater choice and competitive pricing. India will no longer be known only as the place where diamonds are made. India is poised to become a global hub where diamonds are bought and sold.”
Reflecting on IIJS Bharat Premiere completing 25 years as India’s premier B2B jewellery show, Shri Bhansali said, “If the last 25 years established India as a global manufacturing hub, the next 25 years must establish India as a global leader in the gem and jewellery business.” He noted that a series of reforms—including new FTAs, the nationwide hand-carriage facility for jewellery exports, and the e-commerce export framework for MSMEs and artisans—are creating new opportunities for exporters. He also highlighted India’s first-ever Pre-Auction Diamond Viewing Event and Melee Auction at the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC under the FTWZ framework as another milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global diamond trading hub.
“These reforms have created new opportunities. We must create demand for Indian jewellery, build globally recognised Indian brands, and strengthen Brand India across every major market.”
The show also features The Select Club, a curated showcase of India’s finest couture jewellery; 20 Under 40, recognising emerging industry leaders; JewelStart Demo Day, spotlighting jewellery-tech startups; and Innov8 Talks, bringing together global experts to discuss the future of diamonds, AI, technology, precious metals and the evolving gem and jewellery business.
About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays in the international markets. Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 10900+ members in the sector. With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur, all of which are major centres for the industry. It thus has a wide reach and is able to have a closer interaction with members to serve them in a direct and more meaningful manner. Over the past decades, GJEPC has emerged as one of the most active EPCs and has continuously strived to both expand its reach and depth in its promotional activities as well as widen and increase services to its members.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GJEPC
Youtube: www.youtube.com/gjepcindia
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GJEPCIndia
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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.