International News
Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fairs celebrate the power of colour
New programmes spotlight coloured gemstones through industry dialogue, next-gen leadership recognition and inclusive jewellery design ahead of Hong Kong’s flagship jewellery fairs.
The year 2026 is set to be a defining chapter for the coloured gemstone industry, with two of the world’s top B2B jewellery sourcing destinations − Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA) in June and Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) in September − placing coloured gemstones at the centre of their showcases, event organiser Informa Markets Jewellery announced today.
In the months leading up to JGA and JGW, three exciting programmes are kicking off, accentuating the diversity, vibrancy and community spirit of the coloured gemstone industry. These are ICA Plus − a three-day conference jointly powered by the International Colored Gemstone Association and Informa Markets Jewellery, the NextGen Coloured Gem Excellence Awards and the Gender-Fluid Coloured Gem Jewellery Design Challenge. All three attractions will come together in a grand presentation at JGW.
“These events are shining a spotlight on coloured gemstones by addressing three key dimensions of the industry: Unlocking demand opportunities in markets such as China, Southeast Asia and beyond, while exploring how buyers are engaging in innovative and dynamic ways.

These events are celebrating design as a powerful medium that underscores the versatility and creative potential of coloured gemstones, and championing the next generation of leaders poised to drive the industry forward. These initiatives serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, stimulating innovation and collaboration,” said Celine Lau, Director of Jewellery Fairs.
This pivotal moment for coloured gemstones is marked by the debut of ICA Plus in Hong Kong, positioning Asia as a powerhouse of opportunity. While the ICA’s biennial Congress serves as a prestigious forum for the coloured gemstone industry, ICA Plus offers a more regionally focused platform, zeroing in on Asia-specific dynamics − from market demand outlook and live-selling channels to the shifting preferences of a new generation of consumers, whose attitudes towards gemstone purchases and ownership diverge from those of previous generations, Lau continued.

The NextGen Coloured Gem Excellence Awards, in a complementary vein, represents the industry’s vision for the future, highlighting the next wave of gemstone professionals as they step into leadership roles. As an integral part of the Jewellery World Awards (JWA), this programme carries deep symbolic importance. Its primary aim is to ensure the long-term growth of the industry by fostering a seamless transition of leadership, preserving valuable knowledge and engaging the next generation of consumers. With the luxury market undergoing significant transformation, the focus is on adapting to modern trends while securing sustainable growth for the next 10, 20 years and beyond.

Meanwhile, the Gender-Fluid Coloured Gem Jewellery Design Challenge is a two-pronged initiative. First, it expands the market for jewellery as universal and inclusive, breaking free from traditional stereotypes to appeal to a broader audience. Second, it celebrates coloured gemstones as a spectacular medium for self-expression, pushing boundaries and inspiring creativity, Lau added. “With new initiatives and ideas emerging, the coming months are anticipated to bring interesting opportunities for the coloured gemstone industry,” she said.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Awards Name | NextGen Coloured Gem Excellence Awards by Jewellery World Awards |
| Purpose | To honour rising stars in the coloured gemstone trade who are bringing fresh ideas, bold energy, and a future-focused mindset to the industry. |
| Eligibility | Entrepreneurs and professionals aged 45 years and under working in the coloured gemstone sector. |
| Key Focus | Recognising individuals modernising traditional practices, solving industry challenges, and driving innovation in the trade. |
| Recognition Themes | • Leadership and innovation in traditional gemstone practices • Commitment to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and transparency • Business expansion and market development attracting new customers |
| Awards Ceremony | The awardees will be honoured on 17 September during the JGW Fair Reception. |
| Venue | Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) |
| Additional Programme | A panel discussion featuring industry voices will explore how the younger generation is shaping the future of the coloured gemstone industry. |
| Industry Impact | The programme aims to spotlight next-generation leaders and encourage progressive ideas that will influence the future of the coloured gemstone sector. |
Making its debut in Hong Kong, ICA Plus is set to be the ultimate networking event in 2026 for the coloured gemstone industry. Jointly powered by Informa Markets Jewellery and ICA, this event will run from 19 – 21 September during JGW and bring together ICA members from nearly 50 countries, alongside JGW buyers and exhibitors and industry stakeholders. Unlike other ICA gatherings, ICA Plus will explore how the coloured gemstone trade can adapt to evolving business landscapes and seize new growth opportunities, with a special focus on Asia.
The event kicks off with a Welcome Reception, followed by a conference, creating a dynamic platform for exhibitors, trade buyers, gemstone entrepreneurs and jewellery design talents to connect, collaborate and gain practical insights.
Gender-Fluid Coloured Gem Jewellery Design Challenge
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Challenge Name | Gender-Fluid Coloured Gem Jewellery Design Challenge |
| Objective | To celebrate emerging design voices, unlock the market potential of gender-neutral jewellery, and highlight the storytelling power of coloured gemstones. |
| Design Theme | Jewellery designs that reflect gender-fluid aesthetics, creativity, inclusivity, and innovative use of coloured gemstones. |
| Finalist Showcase | Finalist designs will be unveiled at Jewellery & Gem Asia. |
| Evaluation Process | Designs will be assessed through a dual scoring system consisting of: • Judging Panel Scoring • Public Voting |
| Winning Opportunity | Winning designs will be produced in collaboration with industry sponsors, bringing the concepts to life as finished jewellery pieces. |
| Global Presentation | The completed jewellery pieces will be showcased at Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong in September, giving designers international exposure. |
| Key Prizes | • Sponsored trip to JGW 2026 • Ownership of the finished jewellery piece • Editorial coverage and additional recognition opportunities |
| Industry Impact | Encourages innovation in jewellery design while promoting inclusivity and expanding the market for gender-neutral coloured gemstone jewellery. |
International News
Vicenzaoro September 2026 Closes With Stronger International Footprint
The Five-Day Trade Show Recorded A 4% Increase In Total Visitors Compared With The September 2025 Edition, While International Attendance Rose By 9%.
Vicenzaoro September 2026 concluded on 8 September with further growth in visitor traffic and international participation, reinforcing its position as a key global meeting point for the jewellery, gemstones, precious metals and technology industries. Organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), the five-day trade show recorded a 4% increase in total visitors compared with the September 2025 edition, while international attendance rose by 9%.
The edition marked the first major presentation of the expanded Vicenza Expo Centre following the opening of the new Hall 2. The upgraded infrastructure, combined with the show’s Boutique Show format, brought the jewellery supply chain together under one roof—from manufacturing technologies and machinery at T.Gold to finished jewellery, gemstones, packaging and related services.
International attendance reaches new markets

Vicenzaoro attracted visitors from 136 foreign countries, a 4% increase compared with September 2025. Attendance from Europe grew by 9%, while non-European participation also rose by 9%, reaching 91 countries. Visitors from the United States increased by 2%.
The largest international visitor groups came from:
- The United Kingdom.
- Germany.
- China.
- India.
- Romania.
- Switzerland.
- Spain.
- Denmark.
- Colombia.
- Belgium.
The strongest growth in visitor numbers was recorded from South Korea, Singapore, Kuwait, South Africa, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Indonesia, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia.
India’s presence among the top five international visitor markets underlines the importance of the country to Vicenzaoro’s global strategy and reflects the continued strength of business links between Italian manufacturers and the Indian jewellery trade.
“This growth confirms the work carried out during the transitional editions when construction of the new Hall 2 was underway,” said Matteo Farsura, head of IEG’s Jewellery & Fashion division. He noted that international attendance has risen steadily since September 2024 and, boosted by T.Gold, is now 12% higher despite an increasingly complex global environment.
MAECI and ICE programme delivers 910 buyers
The show’s international business programme, organised in collaboration with Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency, brought 700 hosted international buyers to Vicenza. A further 210 Italian buyers participated, taking the total number of hosted trade visitors to a record 910.
The buyers represented 73 countries and were reported to be 33% higher in number than at the September 2025 edition.
Farsura said the programme was designed not only to increase visitor numbers but also to identify buyers according to the profiles of exhibiting companies and the markets they serve. The network of approximately 70 Italian Trade Agency offices worldwide played a significant role in supporting the initiative.
New Hall 2 reshapes the exhibition
The opening of Hall 2 represented a significant milestone in IEG’s development of the Vicenza Expo Centre. The two-storey facility covers approximately 23,000 square metres and connects Halls 1, 3, 4 and 6, improving movement across the exhibition complex and creating a more integrated environment for exhibitors and visitors.
The expanded layout hosted 1,300 exhibiting brands from 40 countries, with international exhibitors accounting for 45% of the total. T.Gold, the specialised exhibition dedicated to jewellery manufacturing technologies and machinery, was brought inside the Expo Centre for the first time, strengthening the show’s ability to present the complete value chain in a single location.
In a period marked by uncertain demand, margin pressure and changing consumer expectations, the format enabled Vicenzaoro to combine commercial activity with a focus on innovation, production efficiency and future market trends.
CIBJO centenary adds global relevance
A major feature of the September edition was the centenary congress of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. Led by President Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO brings together the international jewellery industry around standards, nomenclature, responsible business practices and consumer confidence.
Held in Vicenza to mark the organisation’s 100th anniversary, the congress attracted more than 600 delegates, including representatives of luxury groups, mining companies, retailers, laboratories and other parts of the global supply chain.
The congress addressed several of the industry’s most pressing issues, including sustainability, market transparency, the classification of natural and laboratory-grown diamonds and coloured stones, and the need to strengthen consumer trust. Its presence further positioned Vicenzaoro as a forum where businesses, associations and institutions can discuss the structural changes shaping the jewellery sector.
Networking remains central to the show
Beyond its exhibition and sourcing functions, Vicenzaoro continued to emphasise the value of professional relationships. The event provided a platform for companies, buyers, institutions, associations and international industry leaders to exchange views and develop new commercial connections.
This networking-led approach has become one of the show’s defining characteristics, allowing business discussions to extend beyond individual transactions to wider conversations on market development, technology, distribution and consumer behaviour.
The September edition also featured the ninth edition of VO Vintage, which brought together 53 selected exhibitors specialising in vintage and modern jewellery and watches. The event, open to the general public, combined sales with an educational programme featuring expert speakers and initiatives aimed at strengthening interest in watchmaking culture.
Broad industry support
Vicenzaoro’s strategic partners include MAECI and the Italian Trade Agency. Its international partners are CIBJO, GJEPC India, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association and Francéclat.
National partners include Confindustria Federorafi, Confcommercio Federpreziosi, Confartigianato Orafi, CNA Orafi, Club degli Orafi Italia, Confimi Industria’s Gold and Silver Category, Assogemme, Assocoral and AFEMO. The regions of Sicily and Campania also participated as institutional representatives.
IEG’s jewellery calendar will continue with JGTD—Jewellery, Gems and Technology in Dubai—from 27 to 29 October 2026. Italy’s jewellery industry will meet next at the Valenza Gem Forum on 22 October and the Italian Jewellery Summit in Arezzo on 3 December.
The next edition of Vicenzaoro and T.Gold will take place from 15 to 19 January 2027, while VO Vintage is scheduled for 15 to 18 January 2027.
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