The two shows attracted a record-breaking number of exhibitors in 2014, hosting more than 3,850 exhibitors from 53 countries and regions, and welcoming over 74,000 visitors from 145 countries and regions.
Following the tremendous success of the 2014 shows, the second edition of HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show will open its doors from 2-6 March 2015 at the AsiaWorld-Expo, while the 32nd edition of HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will take place from 4-8 March 2015 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Exports of precious jewelry and jewelry raw materials have remained resilient in Hong Kong this year despite an uncertain economic climate. Total exports of fine jewelry reached $6.1 billion during the first 10 months of 2014, a 2.9 percent year on year increase. Likewise, total exports of pearls, precious and semi-precious stones by value grew 18 percent to reach $16.2 billion in the first ten months of 2014.
The March shows present golden opportunities to exhibitors and buyers to explore new business relationships and source products with business contacts from around the world.
“We have participated in the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show since the establishment of our company. It is an effective platform for us to demonstrate our new designs, attract new customers and receive new orders. The show is one of the major sources of income for our company because it generates considerable sales every year. In fact, more than 60% of our existing customers come from the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show. We also sold stocks to new customers from the Chinese mainland, Indonesia, Turkey and Ukraine,” Kim Chan, sales director of Akima Jewellery Limited from Hong Kong, said.
“Attending the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show offers an excellent alternative channel for our sourcing. I was especially happy to see so many exhibitors with a great variety of diamonds. Some of the new suppliers at this show may help our company to stay ahead of the competition. I will definitely come again next year to look for pearls and more stones for our customers,” said 2014 buyer Richard Perrier, co-owner of Jules Perrier Artisan Inc. from Canada.
Around 4,000 exhibitors are expected to gather at the twin shows in 2015 that will have 30 different pavilions. Among exhibitors that have already confirmed participation in are renowned companies including Dehres, Kuwayama, Lili Jewelry, Roberto Coin, Waskoll, A. A Rachminov Diamonds, Dimexon and Novel Collection. New country pavilions to participate in the Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show include Australia and Colombia.
Discerning international visitors are expected to be lured to two new zones in 2015. The Treasures of Craftsmanship showcases decorative arts at the Jewelry show, presenting the masterpieces of carvings from gems, gold or silver as well as precious ornaments. Hong Kong has evolved into a leading trading and distribution center for pearls in recent years. The Treasures of Ocean uncovers the nature’s magic in Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show, featuring a variety of top-notch pearls. The debut of these new zones will be another great attraction for international buyers this year.
The jewelry show features eight themed zones for key market segments to meet buyers’ needs and targets. Hall of Fame brings together top-tier international brand names in a prestigious and elegant setting. Hall of Extraordinary is an elite section exclusively for high-end fine jewelry pieces. World of Glamour highlights the expertise in jewelry manufacturing of Hong Kong-based exhibitors. Antique an Vintage Jewellery Galleria showcases the glamour of classic jewelry from bygone times. Other special themed zones are Designer Galleria, Hall of Jade Jewellery, and Hall of Time.
In Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, Hall of Fine Diamond shows carat-size loose diamonds to best advantage as well as provides a discreet trading ambience. Treasures of Nature features a rich source of precious stones in many different cuts.
A highlight of the show - the Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition - provides a platform for the local jewellery designers to showcase their strengths and talents. The theme of this year’s competition is “Green Living”, reflecting the increased attention being paid by people to environmental protection and simpler lifestyles, and translating this trend into simple yet elegant and fashionable designs. We have received 254 entries and the winning pieces will shine in a display during the fair period.
The biennial International Jewellery Design Excellence Award (IJDE Award) returns in 2015 to bestow honors upon creative and outstanding international jewelry designers. Ms Carina Lau, an international renowned award-winning actress from Hong Kong, has been invited to be on the judging panel this year. We gathered 194 pieces of works from champions from 31 countries and regions, a 3 percent increase compared to 2013 edition. Entrants for the IJDE Award are winners of worldwide jewelry design competitions, competing for the highest honor, “champion of the champions”. Other outstanding entries will compete for the aesthetic award, craftsmanship award, innovative and uniqueness in design award, distinction awards and merit awards. The winning pieces will be unveiled during the networking reception on the first day of the Jewelry show and featured in booklets and displayed at the jewelry show.
A kaleidoscope of events adds color to the shows, including the opening ceremony, cocktail reception, gala dinner, mini-parades, seminar series, buyer forum and industry experts’ presentations.