Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 40^th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 10^th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show gathered over 4,000 exhibitors from 44 countries and regions. The Jewellery Show concluded at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today and the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show closed at AsiaWorld-Expo on Saturday, marking the successful return of the “two shows, two venues” format for the first time since the pandemic.

The shows attracted some 81,000 buyers from 137 countries and regions. The Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show drew over 31,000 buyers from 125 countries and regions, while more than 49,000 buyers from 132 countries and regions joined the Jewellery Show. For the two shows together, buyers from Mainland China, India, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and the United States ranked top in terms of non-Hong Kong visitors, underscoring the shows’ leading world position. 

Exhibitors and buyers were optimistic about a thriving jewellery market. An on-site survey of 1,435 respondents found 62.3% anticipated growth in overall sales in the next one to two years while 31.3% expected stable sales and only 6.4% predicted a decrease.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “The twin jewellery shows successfully attracted buyers from around the world to return to Hong Kong, and it is very encouraging. Exhibitors stated that buyers had shown a positive sentiment on purchasing, and had connected with new clientele, including those from emerging markets, which is crucial for business growth.”     

“For the upcoming exhibition peak season, the HKTDC will present some 10 business fairs next month, encompassing a wide range of industries including innovation, electronics, gifts, home products, fashion and packaging. These events will serve as platforms for buyers and suppliers to make business and connect, and in turn solidify Hong Kong’s position as a global exhibition centre and bring substantial economic benefits to the city.”

Under the hybrid EXHIBITION+ format, the twin jewellery shows combined in-person access at the venues with online negotiations via HKTDC’s Click2Match smart business-matching platform, which will be available until 11 March, and buying through hktdc.com Sourcing. The HKTDC launched the self-authentication service at this year’s twin shows, enabling buyers to verify identities and obtain electronic badges (eBadges) in advance for rapid, seamless access to venues, greatly enhancing the trade show experience. Most buyers welcomed this eBadge arrangement, including the self-authentication feature and entry arrangements.

The HKTDC surveyed exhibitors and buyers on-site, with key findings below:       

Market and industry outlook      

• Of the respondents, 62.3% anticipated growth in overall sales in the next 12 to 24 months, 31.3% foresaw stable sales and only 6.4% expected a decrease.
• On revenue, 44.4% of exhibitors expected FOB selling prices to rise this year while 69.9% believed production or sourcing costs would go up.

Product trends:

• In terms of product categories, interviewees expected trendy fashion jewellery (59.5%), precious jewellery (41%) and designers’ jewellery (31.1%) to have the greatest market potential.
• Karat white gold (47.3%), karat yellow gold (44.5%) and karat rose gold (24%) were the most popular precious metal products this year.
• Diamond (53.3%) was the most popular gemstone, followed by ruby (28.6%) and pearl (21.5%).

Exhibitors reported higher sales than last year         
Trading at the twin shows was promising. e Hong Kong exhibitor, Jessica Kwan, Director of Universal Jewellery Design Centre Limited, said: “We have been participating in the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show since its inception. Over the past 40 editions, our business grew together with the show and our jewellery products are exported worldwide today. During the fairs, we met with new buyers from Mainland China, the Philippines and the Middle East. We expect the sales turnover generated by this year’s show to increase by 20%.”

At the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem, and Pearl Show, one of the exhibitors, Rosaria Borriello, Manager of Borriello Massimo from Italy said: “We love the Hong Kong show very much. It’s the perfect place to do business and meet customers from everywhere. Our Mediterranean red coral showcased this year has again attracted strong buyers’ interest. Customers from Mainland China, India and the Philippines are still our biggest buyers.”
From a buyer’s perspective, Nezar J. Mukhtar, Managing Director of Jamla Jewelry from Saudi Arabia, said: “The Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show draws a large number of industry players from all over the world and serves as the best sourcing platform. Talks are now underway with three exhibitors from Hong Kong and India for loose diamonds in different sizes, colours and shapes. I’ve also looked for new suppliers and expected to conclude at least US$10 million worth of business. The fair is the perfect place for business expansion.”