ShowBuzz
Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2026
Market Trends, Buyer Sentiment & Industry Outlook
The 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and ran five consecutive days until 8 March. It is held concurrently with the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show which opened on Monday (2 March) at AsiaWorld-Expo and concludes on 6 March. The two shows bring together some 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions, forming the world’s largest one-stop jewellery marketplace.

Despite subdued expectations, the fair demonstrated that the global jewellery trade remains active and disciplined. Key themes included a decisive regional shift in buyer demographics, selective but serious purchasing behaviour, the ascent of coloured gemstones, and sustained appetite for investment-grade large diamonds.
| ~80,000 Total Buyers Attended Across both shows | 1,509 Exhibitors Surveyed By HKTDC | 7 Days Event Duration 2–8 March 2026 | 2 Venues AWE + HKCEC |
Market Context & Show Environment
The 2026 show opened under pressure — geopolitical tensions and Ramadan dampened Middle Eastern attendance, tempering exhibitor expectations. The buyer base shifted decisively, with Southeast Asian and Indian retailers dominating the floor.
American, European, and Chinese participation remained subdued, the latter still significantly below pre-pandemic levels, signalling a structural realignment in the fair’s global audience.
Product Category Performance
Diamonds
The loose diamond section experienced average to slow overall activity, consistent with broader market caution. However, the segment revealed a clear bifurcation: smaller commercial goods saw limited movement, while larger, higher-quality stones commanded strong buyer interest.
Investment-grade diamonds — specifically those above 5 carats in D–G colour and IF–VVS clarity — drew disproportionate attention, reflecting buyers’ preference for assets with scarcity value and long-term appreciation potential.
Coloured Gemstones
Coloured gemstones emerged as the strongest performing category at the 2026 fair. Exhibitors reported steady footfall and a high volume of serious, actionable inquiries from jewellery manufacturers — distinguishing gemstone buyers from the more browsing-oriented traffic seen in other sections.
Pearls — Consistent Activity
The pearl segment maintained consistent buyer interest throughout the show, with buyers exploring both classic and contemporary jewellery applications. Pearls ranked third in overall popularity at 20% per HKTDC survey data, reflecting their enduring appeal across market segments.
Market Sentiment & Outlook
While serious buyers transacted throughout the event, overall sentiment remained measured rather than exuberant. Geopolitical tensions — particularly ongoing conflicts affecting Middle Eastern markets — were cited as a potential dampener on demand in the coming quarters.Counterbalancing this concern, several exhibitors noted that Southeast Asian buyers — the dominant cohort at this year’s show — appear largely insulated from geopolitical disruptions occurring in other regions.
The 2026 Hong Kong Jewellery Show signals a market defined by precision over volume. Diamond dealers should pivot to 3ct+ premium stones as commercial grades stall, while the smaller pavilion creates opportunity for focused players.
ShowBuzz
GJIIF 2026 Akshaya Tritiya Edition concludes successfully, setting new standards for India’s B2B jewellery trade
8,000+ Buyers Storm Chennai Trade Centre as gold-rush season kicks into high gear
GJIIF 2026 Akshaya Tritiya Edition — Key Highlights at a Glance
- 250+ brands and 800+ stalls sprawled across a colossal 2,75,000 sq. ft of exhibition space
- Strong participation from both established trade stalwarts and first-time exhibitors debuting bold new collections
- Unprecedented buyer diversity spanning single-store independents and major retail chains from deep across South India
- Remarkable surge in Tier II and Tier III city representation, reflecting GJIIF’s growing all-India gravitational pull
- Thought-provoking parallel programme with expert seminars on consumer trust, compliance and AI-driven retail innovation
- Flawless execution by United Exhibitions earns widespread acclaim for logistics, ambiance, and business-first atmosphere
- Majority of exhibitors have already locked in spots for the next edition — many expanding their footprint
The Gem & Jewellery India International Fair (GJIIF) 2026 Akshaya Tritiya Edition delivered its most electrifying chapter yet, closing on an extraordinary high at the Chennai Trade Centre. Hailed as India’s undisputed B2B hub for South Indian jewellery, the three-day extravaganza drew praise from every corner of the trade, with exhibitors and buyers alike calling it an unmatched sourcing experience.


The curtain was raised by the Chief Guest Pramod Agarwal, Chairman – NGJCI, joined by AM Vikiramaraja, President, Tamil Nadu Traders Federation; Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta, CMD, Laxmi Diamonds – Bengaluru; and K Surendran, President – KGSMA, alongside a distinguished assembly of the committee members of the association and jewellery trade leaders from across the nation.
Buzzing with energy from dawn to dusk across all three days, the show recorded a total visitor count surpassing 8,000+ — a testament to GJIIF’s magnetic pull within the trade community. Whether it was boutique single-store retailers from small towns or large corporate jewellery chains, aisles were packed with intent buyers eager to stock up ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, one of the most auspicious — and busiest — purchasing occasions in the South Indian jewellery calendar.

Jayantilal Challani, Convener – GJIIF & President, MJDTA:Our aim is to deliver a better show each year, and I believe we achieved it once again. The GJIIF Akshaya Tritiya Edition 2026 saw exceptional participation from manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, and we have received outstanding feedback from all segments. GJIIF stands out as the only show focusing on South Indian jewellery, and has once again proved itself as the WINNER amongst all.”
The March 2026 edition was a colossus by every measure — over 250+ exhibitors spread across 800+ stalls spanning a vast 2,75,000 sq. ft of curated trade space.
Stalwarts of the manufacturing and wholesale world rubbed shoulders with a wave of exciting new entrants, all showcasing innovations and freshly crafted designs tuned precisely to the Akshaya Tritiya buying mood.
Pramod Agarwal, Chairman, NGJCI (Chief Guest):I am very happy to be at GJIIF in Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu, which has made a significant contribution to India’s jewellery industry. There is a lot to learn from the TN trade and industry; understanding this market has helped me personally in my business

The geographical diversity of attendees underscored GJIIF’s expanding reach. A notable surge from Tier II and Tier III cities across South India highlighted how deeply the event has permeated into emerging retail markets, reinforcing its stature as the anchor sourcing event for the festive season.

B Sabarinath, President, TNJF:The feedback we have received indicates that GJIIF is invaluable because it offers a wide choice of new collections and different types of South Indian jewellery in styles that blend a contemporary and traditional look. It is a critical show, and many jewellers firm up their Akshaya Tritiya sourcing plans based entirely on what they see at this event
Participants were equally vocal in applauding the seamless event experience crafted by show managers United Exhibitions (UE). From targeted pre-show outreach to frictionless registration, and from an intuitive floor layout to premium hospitality — every touchpoint was noted as a cut above.
V.K. Manoj, Project Director, United Exhibitions:As Show Managers, the UE team has always aimed to make it easy for all participants to focus on business and networking. We have paid attention to every small detail. GJIIF is one of the largest and most important shows in India, and we ensure it is always one step ahead of all other shows taking place at the same time.”

Beyond the bustling trading floor, GJIIF delivered a richly curated programme of thought leadership sessions designed to spark ideas and deepen industry knowledge:
- A commanding Knowledge Seminar by Kaushlendra Sinha, CEO, IAGES on “Building Consumer Trust Through Transparency and Compliance” — addressing one of the most pressing conversations in today’s jewellery trade.
- A forward-looking Technical Seminar by Shaudhan Desai, Founder, DSoft Infotech (P) Ltd. on “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Jewellery Business”
— opening eyes to the transformative potential of AI for retailers and manufacturers alike.
GJIIF is proudly organised by the Jewellers and Diamond Traders Association, Madras (MJDTA) in association with the Tamil Nadu Jewellers Federation (TNJF), and professionally managed by United Exhibitions — India’s foremost B2B exhibition specialists. As the only dedicated B2B platform for South Indian jewellery in the country, GJIIF remains the singular destination where the heartbeat of the trade is felt most strongly.
What’s Next: GJIIF 2026 Festive Edition
The momentum doesn’t slow down. The next edition promises to be the grandest edition yet. With most exhibitors already confirmed — many opting to grow their space — the stage is being set for another landmark chapter in Indian jewellery trade.
Mark your calendars: the GJIIF 2026 Festive Edition returns to Chennai from 25th – 27th September 2026.
Ashika Kabra, Co-Founder – Jewel Buzz was felicitated at GJIIF 2026 which was a recognition of JewelBuzz’ contribution to the success of GJIIF




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