International News
Optimism Soars at 2025 Hong Kong Jewellery Shows, Surpassing Market Expectations
Exhibitors and buyers alike are upbeat about the future, with increased participation from global markets, particularly the Middle East and ASEAN regions, despite global economic uncertainties.
The 2025 Hong Kong Jewellery Shows, held from March 2nd to 8th, exceeded expectations, with exhibitors noting strong market sentiment despite concerns over the global economic outlook. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the twin shows drew over 82,000 buyers from 141 countries, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a global jewellery trade hub.
The event was split between the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and Asia World-Expo, and attracted 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries. The Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show saw about 32,000 visitors, while the International Jewellery Show hosted roughly 51,000 buyers. According to an on-site survey, the Middle East was seen as the most promising market for growth in the coming years, with 40% of respondents expecting a sales increase and over half anticipating stable sales.
The International Jewellery Show featured new zones like Gold Jewellery, showcasing unique designs, and the Young Jewellery Designer Arena, supporting emerging talent. This year’s event also brought forward innovation with over 30 industry seminars, including a focus on local design and new opportunities in the jewellery sector.
Despite a cautious economic climate, Indian exhibitors like Venus Jewel and Tankaria experienced strong networking but reported moderate orders, mainly due to a sluggish Chinese economy. Meanwhile, exhibitors also noted the importance of expanding into markets such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
An HKTDC survey found positive expectations for industry growth in markets like the Middle East (76.8%) and India (72.6%), with technology, including AI and big data, expected to shape the jewellery landscape in the coming years. Fashion and precious jewellery were highlighted as key growth categories, with diamonds (47.6%) emerging as the most sought-after gemstone.
Notable exhibitors like Hatta Chang and HC Arnoldi saw sales exceed expectations, with some anticipating growth of up to 50%. Buyers from regions including Mainland China, the Middle East, and the United States also showed strong interest, with several planning to place large orders.
In a bid to enhance accessibility for Muslim buyers, special measures were introduced, including prayer rooms, shuttle services to mosques, and Muslim-friendly amenities. The event also embraced digital innovation, with the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format and AI-powered platforms enabling seamless online matching and discussions between buyers and exhibitors.
Overall, the 2025 Hong Kong Jewellery Shows set a positive tone for the industry, with increased buyer interest, new opportunities for design and innovation, and strong potential for continued growth in key global markets.
International News
Consortium Led By Former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny Selected As The Preferred Bidder To Acquire De Beers
Botswana is expected to play a pivotal role in the transaction. The country, together with Namibia, Angola and other shareholders, already owns a 15% stake in De Beers
A consortium headed by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny has been selected as the preferred bidder to acquire De Beers, according to Botswana’s Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa.
Speaking on the development, Mohwasa said Anglo American conducted a competitive sale process involving three shortlisted bidders before identifying the Global Diamond Consortium as its preferred choice.
Anglo American announced plans to divest De Beers in May 2024 as part of a broader restructuring strategy, driven by prolonged weakness in the diamond market and other business priorities.
The sale process has attracted significant interest from industry leaders and investors. Among those previously linked to the bidding were former De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver, Australian mining executive Michael O’Keeffe, Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal, and Indian diamond companies KGK Group and Kapu Gems.
Botswana is expected to play a pivotal role in the transaction. The country, together with Namibia, Angola and other shareholders, already owns a 15% stake in De Beers and retains important rights under the shareholder agreement. Mohwasa emphasized that Botswana has the flexibility to either join the preferred bidder as a strategic partner or exercise its pre-emptive rights independently or with another investor.
Industry observers believe the eventual owner will seek to preserve De Beers’ vertically integrated business model, spanning diamond mining, trading and global natural diamond marketing, while positioning the company to benefit from a potential recovery in natural diamond demand and prices.
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