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.

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.