ShowBuzz
High Attendance at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong, but gold prices and tariffs cloud order flow
The Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong show drew strong international attendance this September, reaffirming the city’s status as a global trading hub. Yet exhibitors said soaring gold prices and new tariffs cast a shadow over order volumes.
Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong among the world’s largest jewellery trade events—spanned two venues: the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, focused on finished jewellery, and AsiaWorld-Expo, which showcased diamonds, gemstones, and pearls. Demand was particularly strong for pearls, with Japanese Akoya and Chinese freshwater varieties proving popular with younger buyers.
But trade concerns dominated conversations. A new 50% U.S. tariff on jewellery from India, the world’s largest diamond-cutting hub, has forced manufacturers to rethink supply chains. Some are shifting light operations to Dubai, where exports face a lower 16% U.S. tariff, while others are routing unfinished castings through third countries to reduce duties.
Indian companies maintained a visible presence, with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s pavilion featuring lightweight gold jewellery designed to offset surging bullion costs. Diamond suppliers reported steady demand for larger stones above two carats, particularly fancy shapes.
Hong Kong manufacturers emphasized design innovation and service to counter trade headwinds, with some targeting ASEAN markets for growth. Organizers said visitor numbers rose year-on-year, though several exhibitors noted a lack of U.S. buyers, blaming tariffs for dampening demand.
The show also spotlighted broader trends, from sustainability—through the JWA Sustainability Awards recognizing companies in China, India, Italy, the U.S., and Vietnam—to the rise of livestreaming as a sales channel, particularly in pearls and synthetic diamonds.
Despite mounting challenges, the event underscored Hong Kong’s enduring role as a barometer of global jewellery trade, where economic pressures, shifting consumer tastes, and industry innovation converge.
ShowBuzz
Sydney Jewellery Fair Puts Education, Technology and Business Growth In The Spotlight
12 Expert-Led Sessions To Equip Jewellery Retailers With Insights On AI, Diamonds, Gemstones, Security, Insurance and Next-Generation Consumers
With the International Jewellery Fair in Sydney set to take place from 22–24 August 2026, organisers Expertise Events have announced an extensive education programme aimed at helping jewellery retailers strengthen their businesses and stay ahead of industry developments.
The three-day fair will feature 12 expert presentations, covering everything from AI and digital tools to gemstone education, diamond detection, business security, insurance and consumer trends.
The programme will open on Saturday, 22 August, with Vikas Sodhani of Unbridaled exploring how AI tools can boost sales and streamline daily operations. The day will also feature sessions on Australian opals, Colombian emeralds, jewellery business security and insurance.
Gemstone specialists Alyssa Cameron and Mateo Patino of GemstoneX will offer practical insights into Colombian emerald quality, treatments, origin and certification. Meanwhile, John Papadimitriou of Safeguard Locksmiths will focus on improving operational discipline and business controls, while Lachlan Renshaw of Centrestone Jewellery Insurance will address protecting jewellery businesses beyond the point of sale.
Technology will remain a key theme, with Ryan Abdullah and Isaac Schaider of CaratIQ demonstrating how AI and technology can help jewellers increase sales and simplify operations. Stephen Moignard of Australian Jade will also take attendees through the origins and characteristics of Australian jade.
Focus on Trust, Technology and Changing Consumers
The education programme continues on Sunday, 23 August, with Christina Loccisano of Searay presenting a live demonstration of diamond detection technology and examining how retailers can use trust as a competitive advantage.
The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) will address one of the industry’s most relevant areas—the distinction between natural, treated and synthetic materials, including natural and lab-created diamonds.
Other sessions will explore how outsourced manufacturing and integrated software are reshaping bespoke jewellery, while generational consultant Scott Millar will examine the trends influencing the next generation of jewellery consumers.
The final day, Monday, 24 August, will open with Mustafa Ali of Fog Bandit ANZ, who will focus on proactive approaches to jewellery business security and loss prevention.
By bringing together industry expertise, practical education and emerging technology, the Sydney Fair aims to provide retailers with actionable knowledge that can be applied directly to their businesses.
The International Jewellery Fair will be held at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICC Sydney) from 22–24 August 2026.
-
National News23 hours agoMMTC-PAMP Appoints Sidharth Malhotra As Brand Ambassador
-
International News23 hours agoGJEPC Auckland Visit Targets Growth In India-NZ Jewellery Trade
-
National News2 days agoWAMIQA GABBI Appointed First National Brand Ambassador Of EVERLITE BY SENCO
-
International News2 days agoGuyana Targets Gold and Jewellery Hub Status By 2030
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.