International News
Tonnage demand in China for gold jewellery stays tepid, consumer spending on gold jewellery was robust:WGC
In the first two months of 2025, during the Chinese New Year festive season, gold bars, coins and ETFs saw an uptick in demand driven by several factors – such as gold’s global stability as an investment asset & China’s sluggish economic growth coupled with the Yuan’s volatility. While gold jewellery demand also showed some improvement, it remained weak when measured in tonnage.
During the lunar new year period, jewellery stores anticipated higher consumer interest as compared to previous months, according to the World Gold Council.
About 125 tonnes of gold was withdrawn from the Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) in January 2025. This represents a 3% rise month-on-month but well below the same period in the previous years, highlighting the soaring gold price’s negative impact on the tonnage of gold jewellery demand.

“Elevated gold prices pushed consumers more towards lightweight pieces. While tonnage demand for gold jewellery may have stayed tepid, consumer spending on gold jewellery was robust,” Roland Wang, China CEO, World Gold Council said. In China, weddings play a notable role in gold sales. However, this year may see the lowest number of marriages take place in China in 10 years and that could negatively affect gold jewellery consumption. “Mass-appeal jewellery products with lower labour charges but finer craftsmanship will continue to attract consumers,” says Wang.
So far, Chinese consumer behaviour towards gold in 2025 mirrors 2024 trends. Up until November 2024, gold reigned as the best-performing investment asset in China, with its RMB (Yuan) value appreciating nearly 28%. Gold thus drew more investors and less jewellery buyers last year. Gold bar and coin investment in the first three quarters of 2024 reached its highest level in 11 years. In contrast, demand for gold jewellery dropped to its lowest level in 14 years.
However, last year total gold consumption in China fell 10% year-on-year. As weak demand was anticipated due to slow economic growth, China imported 14% less gold in 2024 as compared to 2025, and 16% below the pre-Covid five-year average.
To uplift China’s economic condition in 2025, the Chinese government has made consumer spending its topmost priority.In a parliamentary session in Beijing, earlier this month, Chinese Premier Li Qiang promised to vigorously boost domestic consumption as the country set a 5% growth target.
This year, China has raised its budget deficit to 5.66 trillion Yuan ($780 billion) or around 4% of gross domestic product, the highest level in almost 3 decades, according to various news agency reports.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Bloomberg’s median forecast China’s GDP to grow at 4.5% in 2025, year-on-year; economic growth in China, according to the World Gold Council, will be the biggest driver for gold investments and consumption of jewellery.
As an investment asset, bar and coin sales could continue gaining momentum and any gold price adjustment could be considered a good opportunity to enter for investors in 2025.As China looks to navigate through its slow economic growth, it is exploring increased investments in assets that offer stable yields.
A new programme launched earlier in February by the National Financial Regulatory Administration of China allows the country’s insurers to invest 1% of their assets in bullion. Ten insurance firms in China including China Life Insurance Co. will be able to invest their assets in precious metals like physical gold. China is the world’s second largest insurance market, and this pilot project could unlock up to $27.4 billion in investment
International News
Singapore Launches Diamond & Jewellery Week As Record-Breaking SIJE Ushers In A New Era For The Region’s Jewellery Industry
The Largest SIJE In The Show’s 21-Year History Anchors The Inaugural Singapore Diamond & Jewellery Week, Alongside The Return Of The World Diamond Congress After 38 Years and Major Industry Announcements Shaping The Jewellery Trade.
Singapore today reinforces its standing as the region’s foremost jewellery and luxury trade destination with the opening of the Singapore International Jewellery Expo (SIJE) 2026, the largest edition in the exhibition’s 21-year history, and the launch of the inaugural Singapore Diamond & Jewellery Week (SDJW).



The Official Opening Ceremony this morning was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of National Development, underscoring the strategic importance of the jewellery and diamond industry to Singapore’s international trade and luxury retail ecosystem.

Held from 9 to 12 July 2026 across three exhibition halls at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, SIJE 2026 brings together more than 460 exhibitors and brands from 26 countries across more than 10,000 square metres of exhibition space. Over the four day exhibition, SIJE 2026 is expected to welcome approximately 18,000 trade buyers and public visitors, reaffirming Singapore’s enduring appeal as a trusted gateway for the international jewellery, gemstone, diamond and luxury watch industries.


This year’s edition marks a defining milestone in SIJE’s evolution. For the first time, SIJE serves as one of the two cornerstone events of the inaugural Singapore Diamond & Jewellery Week (SDJW), alongside the 41st World Diamond Congress, which returns to Singapore from 12 to 15 July 2026 after an absence of 38 years, having last been held here in 1988.
Together, SIJE 2026 and the 41st World Diamond Congress establish Singapore as the meeting point for the global jewellery and diamond industry, bringing together international jewellers, gemstone dealers, luxury watchmakers, diamond manufacturers, traders, retailers, designers, collectors, investors and industry leaders for a week of business, innovation, craftsmanship and international collaboration.
The 21st edition of the show this year is also marked by a refreshed brand identity, featuring a refreshed logo and an updated visual identity, including brand colours and contemporary imagery, reflecting SIJE’s commitment to creating an inviting and discovery-driven experience for visitors and exhibitors alike.
Largest edition in the history of SIJE
Building on the success of its landmark 20th-anniversary edition in 2025, SIJE 2026 enters a new chapter as its largest and most internationally diverse exhibition to date.
Despite continuing economic uncertainty and geopolitical headwinds affecting global trade, SIJE has attracted strong international participation, reflecting sustained confidence in Singapore as a stable, trusted and business-friendly hub for the jewellery, gemstone and luxury watch industries.
Major international contingents from Italy, Hong Kong and Uzbekistan, alongside exhibitors from across Asia, Europe and beyond, reinforce Singapore’s growing importance as the gateway connecting international brands with Southeast Asia’s expanding luxury market. The Italian Pavilion is presented by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and supported by Vicenzaoro.
Visitors to SIJE 2026 can expect an exceptional showcase of:
• Fine jewellery by internationally renowned brands
• Rare diamonds and coloured gemstones
• Gold and precious metal creations
• Contemporary and bespoke jewellery
• Luxury mechanical and contemporary watches
• Jewellery manufacturing technology and machinery
• International product launches and exclusive regional debuts
Singapore Diamond & Jewellery Week Ushers in a New International Recognition This year’s exhibition also marks the launch of the inaugural Singapore Diamond & Jewellery Week (SDJW), a week-long celebration of jewellery, diamonds, craftsmanship, luxury retail and international trade taking place from 9 to 15 July 2026.
Anchored by SIJE 2026 and the 41st World Diamond Congress, SDJW extends beyond the exhibition halls through island-wide retail experiences, jewellery showcases, industry networking events and consumer promotions, creating a unified platform that brings together both trade professionals and consumers.
The introduction of SDJW represents a significant milestone in Singapore’s ambitions to strengthen its position as the region’s premier jewellery and diamond hub, while fostering greater international collaboration across the jewellery value chain.
World Diamond Congress Returns to Singapore After 38 Years
The return of the 41st World Diamond Congress to Singapore marks one of the industry’s most significant international events. Widely regarded as the diamond industry’s premier global forum, the biennial Congress convenes senior leaders from across the international diamond value chain, including mining companies, manufacturers, diamond bourses, traders, retailers and industry associations.
Its return to Singapore after 38 years highlights the Republic’s continued relevance as a trusted international centre for high-value trade and reflects growing confidence in Asia’s role within the global diamond economy.
Together with SIJE 2026, the Congress reinforces Singapore’s role as a platform where business, policy, innovation and international partnerships converge to shape the future of the jewellery and diamond industries.
Industry Comes Together to Strengthen Consumer Confidence
At the Official Opening Ceremony, the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), Singapore Jewellers’ Association (SJA), and Singapore Pawnbrokers Association (SPA) jointly issued a consumer announcement and advisory regarding the ambiguous use of the term “gold-wrapped” jewellery, also marketed as Gold-Wrapped Silver (GWS) – reflecting the
industry’s collective commitment to transparency, consumer protection, and high industry standards.
The announcement is particularly timely against a backdrop of record-high global gold prices and increasing consumer interest in more affordable alternatives. Greater transparency and clearer product descriptions are essential to safeguarding consumer confidence, protecting product integrity and reinforcing Singapore’s reputation as a trusted destination for jewellery purchases among both local consumers and international visitors.
The joint initiative sent a strong message to exhibitors, jewellers, buyers, foreign visitors, and all stakeholders at SIJE that Singapore remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in its jewellery industry.
Strategic Collaboration to Further Internationalise SIJE
Another key highlight at this year’s Official Opening Ceremony is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Singapore Jewellers’ Association (SJA) and IEG Asia Pte Ltd, witnessed by Guest-of-Honour Minister of State Mr Alvin Tan.
The strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to further internationalise SIJE, strengthen international industry partnerships, and elevate Singapore’s standing as the region’s leading jewellery exhibition and business platform.
By bringing together the expertise and global networks of both organisations, the collaboration aims to enhance SIJE’s international profile while creating new opportunities for trade, investment and cross-border industry collaboration.
A Rare Historical Treasure Makes Its SIJE Debut
Adding a unique historical dimension to this year’s exhibition is the display of the replica of the Crown of Carlo di Borbone, showcased at the Diamond Exchange of Singapore (DES) Pavilion.
Originally created for Charles III of Spain, who was also King of Naples and Sicily, the original crown was widely regarded as one of Europe’s most magnificent royal jewels before it was lost centuries ago. The meticulously reconstructed replica, created using the original 1732 design drawings preserved in the Naples State Archives, represents a remarkable achievement in historical craftsmanship and restoration.
The crown is closely associated with the legendary “Perfect Colour of Violet” diamond – a celebrated 41.5-carat violet diamond once considered among the most extraordinary gemstones of its time.
Its presence at SIJE 2026 offers visitors a rare opportunity to appreciate an important piece of European royal jewellery history while underscoring the exhibition’s growing reputation for presenting exceptional and culturally significant showcases alongside contemporary luxury collections.
A Journey Through the World of Fine Jewellery, Luxury Watches and Craftsmanship
Beyond showcasing exceptional jewellery, SIJE 2026 offers visitors a comprehensive journey through the world of fine jewellery, luxury watches and the artistry behind their creation. Complementing the exhibition experience is the ÁTIPICO Bar Lounge in Hall C, offering handcrafted beverages and light bites in a relaxed environment for visitors throughout the four day show.
This year’s exhibition presents a carefully curated collection spanning three key pillars of the industry:
1. Jewellery
From rare gemstones and natural diamonds to bespoke high jewellery and contemporary creations, SIJE 2026 showcases exceptional craftsmanship from internationally renowned jewellery houses, designers and manufacturers. Visitors can discover everything from timeless classics and bridal jewellery to statement pieces featuring coloured gemstones, pearls and precious metals.
2. Luxury Watches
Complementing the jewellery showcase is an impressive collection of luxury mechanical watches, heritage timepieces, contemporary watchmaking and independent watch brands, reflecting the enduring appeal of horology among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Jewellery Manufacturing & Machinery
Recognising the importance of innovation throughout the jewellery value chain, SIJE 2026 also features the latest jewellery manufacturing technology, precision equipment and production solutions that continue to advance modern craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence.
Together, these curated showcases reflect the breadth and diversity of today’s jewellery industry – from traditional artistry and heritage craftsmanship to contemporary design, innovation and manufacturing technologies.
Connecting Global Buyers Through BuyerX Programme
Further reinforcing SIJE’s position as an international business platform is the BuyerX Programme, the exhibition’s dedicated hosted buyer initiative designed to facilitate high-value business matching between international buyers and exhibitors.
Through curated business meetings and a digital business-matching platform, BuyerX Programme connects qualified trade buyers with leading jewellery brands and manufacturers, creating opportunities for new partnerships, regional expansion, and cross-border collaboration across Singapore, Southeast Asia, and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
The programme reflects SIJE’s growing importance not only as a showcase of exceptional jewellery, but also as a strategic marketplace where meaningful commercial relationships are established, and new business opportunities are created.
The two pillars – SIJE 2026 and the 41st World Diamond Congress – mark a defining moment for both the exhibition and Singapore’s jewellery industry. Together, these events create an unparalleled platform for international business, innovation and collaboration, while reinforcing our commitment to elevating SIJE’s global profile and strengthening Singapore’s position as the region’s premier jewellery hub.
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