International News
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones
Gemfields Group Limited has expressed strong support for the Zambian government’s decision to suspend the 15% export duty on precious gemstones and metals, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s emerald industry. The suspension, announced by Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, is effective immediately, meaning the duty will no longer apply to emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited. The company is majority-owned by Gemfields (75%) with the remaining 25% held by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation.
Gemfields CEO, Sean Gilbertson, lauded the government’s swift action, stating, “We express our sincere thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema’s government for their prompt and impressive action in addressing the 15% export duty on precious gemstones. The Zambian emerald sector has experienced exceptional growth over the past 16 years and is now the world’s largest emerald exporter. This decision signals a clear commitment to fostering growth and job creation in Zambia, putting our industry back on track for continued success.”
International News
The HK International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opens today; The HK International Jewellery Show starts Wednesday
The twin shows reinforce their position as the world’s largest one-stop jewellery marketplace
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opens today and will run for five consecutive days at Asia World-Expo. The 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will be held from 4–8 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai.

Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “As the world’s largest one-stop jewellery marketplace, the HKTDC’s twin jewellery shows return under ‘Two Shows, Two Venues’ format, presenting an extensive spectrum of product categories. These include diamonds, gemstones and pearls, as well as showcasing the finest finished jewellery pieces, designer brands, mounting components, product packaging and identification instruments and technologies. This year, the twin shows bring together some 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions, with 70% coming from outside Hong Kong, reinforcing the highly international nature of the events.”
International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show showcases top-tier raw materials
The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show features more than 20 pavilions representing various countries, regions and trade organisations, such as Germany, Italy, Colombia, the United States, India, Thailand, etc. Notably, the Zhushan Turquoise Pavilion is making its debut. Zhushan County in Hubei Province of Chinese Mainland, is known as the “Hometown of Chinese Turquoise” and is one of the world’s renowned production regions for high-quality turquoise. The pavilion brings together 11 exhibitors showcasing natural treasures formed in the Qinba Mountains.


The Tanzanite Foundation, a long-time favourite among buyers, once again participates in the show. The International Colored Gemstone Association presents 37 exhibitors with a wide array of rare coloured gemstones. Cody Opal (Australia) Pty Ltd (Booth: AWE 8–E01) features Lightning Ridge black opal.
Three major product zones at the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show—the Hall of Fine Diamonds, Treasures of Nature, and Treasures of Ocean—highlight materials including high-end diamonds, natural gemstones and pearls sourced from around the world. Hong Kong exhibitor Arihant Star (HK) Limited (Booth: AWE 5–C15) showcases a fancy intense pink VVS2 diamond. U.S. exhibitor Emco Gem Inc. (Booth: AWE 7–H01) presents an 11-carat cushion-cut Colombian emerald. French exhibitor Alain Boite S.A.S. (Booth: AWE 1–A20) exhibits a freshwater pearl strand measuring 14 to 15.8 mm.


This year, around 10 exhibitors are featured in the GIA Hong Kong Laboratory Limited (Booth: AWE 9, offering jewellery authentication services. GIA Hong Kong Laboratory Limited (Booth: AWE 9–M03) will launch a new coloured gemstone report that presents clearer information on a stone’s type, processing and origin, helping the industry and consumers understand the unique value of each gem. Hong Kong Limited (Booth: AWE 7– laboratory and research institution, provides professional testing services and actively promotes H26), a leading-laboratory and research institution, provides professional testing services and actively promotes origin technologies to enhance accuracy and transparency in gemstone identification.
Exciting events to uncover market trends
Throughout the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, multiple industry seminars, jewellery parades, networking receptions and other activities will be held. Highlights include:
| Date | Theme | Seminar |
| 2 March (Monday) | Diamonds | Forever Forward: Igniting Desire for Natural Diamonds Representatives from De Beers analyse trends and developments in the natural diamond market from multiple perspectives. |
| 4 March (Wednesday) | Jewellery origin-tracing certification | Sustainable Gem Practices: Provenance & Ethical Traceability from Gem LabGübelin Gem Lab Limited, will , a gemological laboratory, will introduce integration of scientific testing and blockchain records. |
| 5 March (Thursday) | Turquoise from Zhushan | Special Promotion Conference for Zhushan Turquoise The speaker will share the process of how Zhushan Turquoise is mined and transformed into jewellery, and will explain how to appreciate the beauty of turquoise. |
International Jewellery Show to shine on Wednesday
In addition to the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will open this Wednesday and showcase a wide array of finished jewellery pieces. The fair will feature 20 group pavilions from around the world. Notably, the World Gold Council will debut the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, bringing altogether 11 exhibitors to promote innovative gold craftsmanship from Chinese Mainland. Also making its debut is the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Pavilion, highlighting exquisite jewellery and timepiece craftsmanship.
The creative design zones, including Designer Galleria, will feature about 50 designer exhibitors. Meanwhile, the Hall of Fame has expanded by more than 40%, presenting an even broader selection of magnificent international jewellery brands.
To facilitate buyer visits to both shows, the HKTDC will arrange free shuttle bus services between Asia World-Expo and urban areas (including the HKCEC in Wan Chai). Special measures have also been continued this year to facilitate Muslim buyers visiting the shows. These include the provision of dedicated prayer rooms at both exhibition venues, providing shuttle buses to and from local mosques, as well as offering a list of Muslim-friendly hotels and restaurants.
Additionally, to enrich the sourcing experience for international buyers, the HKTDC has partnered with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and various enterprises to offer exclusive buyer privileges, including dining, air tickets, hotels and more, allowing visitors to enjoy Hong Kong’s unique charm while attending the twin jewellery shows.
Digital platform helps participants explore business opportunities around the clock
This year’s twin jewellery shows continue to adopt the Exhibition+ online and offline hybrid format. The AI-powered Click2Match will provide online business matching for exhibitors and buyers from 23 February to 13 March. Physical buyers can use Scan2Match to scan the QR codes of exhibitors, enabling them to continue discussions with exhibitors online during or after the show. Buyers can also enhance their efficiency by completing registration and buyer verification in advance through the HKTDC Marketplace App and the official websites of the two fairs.
The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and Hong Kong International Jewellery Show have attracted some 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions. The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show features over 20 national, regional and industry pavilions, and three high-end product zones – the Hall of Fine Diamonds, Treasures of Nature and Treasures of Ocean – to showcase top-quality diamonds, gemstones, pearls, and jewellery raw materials from around the world. Zhushan Turquoise Pavilion from Hubei Province makes its debut at the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, showcasing high-quality turquoise with rich, vibrant colour to global buyers. German exhibitor Caram e.K. (Booth: AWE 8–F05) is showcasing a 7 carat Mozambique ruby —a particular rare find. French exhibitor Alain Boite S.A.S. (Booth: AWE 1–A20) exhibits a freshwater pearl strand measuring 14 to 15.8 mm
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