Every year, the global jewellery world turns its attention to the HKTDC Twin Jewellery Shows in early March, as Hong Kong hosts these prestigious B2B jewellery events.
This year, the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the International Jewellery Show, together hosted roughly 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions. In addition to the dazzling displays on the exhibition show floors, the shows also hosted 30 industry seminars and events, on topics related to the latest market trends and developments.
The two shows together attracted 80,000 buyers from 150 countries and regions this year. This was despite the absence of many buyers from the West Asia because the geopolitical tensions in the region.
The industry outlook remains positive, with expectations of stability as well as growth in sales over the next two years. Markets in the ASEAN region, Korea, the Chinese Mainland and Taiwan are expected to lead this growth.
Overall, both shows were busy, with fashion and fine jewellery, yellow gold, diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls garnering the most attention.
Treasures of Ocean Hall at the HKTDC Twin Jewellery Shows
The HKTDC Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show’s Treasures of Ocean Hall hosted the pearl exhibitors this year and it would not be an understatement to say that the hall was buzzing with energy and activity from the very start.
Hong Kong-based Grace Pearl debuted some new Freshwater pearl products including their light, baby pink Edison pearls and their rose-gold “China Red” pearls.
Rio Pearl HK introduced necklace and earring jewellery sets featuring top quality akoya and South Sea pearls, paired with very fine coloured gemstones. Alongside its classic pieces featuring round saltwater pearls, the brand also pushed the boundaries of jewellery design with striking rings and pendants featuring large, organically baroque South Sea and Tahitian pearls.
Angeperle Hong Kong also delivered a strong showing, with their top-quality Edison Freshwater pearls in a range of attractive pastel colours. However, their top-quality, gleaming white, large Edison pearls were particularly alluring.
In addition, several Japanese exhibitors showcased rare, exquisite and showstopping Akoya and South Sea pearls. Highlights included superbly lustrous South Sea keshi pearls, ropes and ropes of mix-shape and mix-colour Tahitian and South Sea pearl necklace strands, perfectly mismatched golden and white South Sea pearl pairs, deep gold South Sea pearl necklace strands, as well as certified, top quality Akoya pearl necklaces.
Both white South Sea and Tahitian pearls remained highly popular with large sizes as well as silvery-gray Tahitian pearls being much in demand. Exhibitors from French Polynesia were consistently busy throughout the show. White South Sea pearls continued to attract buyers, both as loose pearls and as necklace strands.
Golden South Sea pearls also performed well, but their demand was more niche. Deep gold South Sea pearls were the most sought-after colour among these pearls, with some exquisite necklace strands being offered by the Japanese pearl exhibitors. Both Indonesia and Myanmar-based golden South Sea pearl vendors also had strong activity at their booths.
Freshwater pearls were also very popular. Being offered in such a wide range of colours, from dark tones of purple and bluish-purple to lighter pastels such as powder pink and golden peach, apart from the gleaming porcelain and creamy whites in large sizes, they were able to attract many buyers.
Within the Freshwater pearl category, flame ball pearls in blazing, rainbow hues were also much appreciated.
Highlights from the International Jewellery Show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
As in previous years, this year too the HKTDC International Jewellery Show brought together some of the world’s most renowned jewellery brands and designers under one roof. At the show, latest jewellery trends in both high jewellery as well as fine and fashion jewellery were unveiled. The show attracted 51,000 buyers from 140 countries and regions.
Hard, Pure Gold – A Shining Statement
One of the most exciting pavilions at the HKTDC Twin Jewellery Shows was Hard Pure Gold. An innovation within the 24K gold category, Hard Pure Gold is harder and lighter than traditional 24K gold without compromising the gold purity.
As a result, it is well suited to creating intricate jewellery designs and securely setting diamonds and precious gemstones, something not typically associated with traditional 24K gold.
Led by the World Gold Council, the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion showcased the jewellery of ten exhibitors from Mainland China.
Hall of Extraordinary – Simply Dazzling
This year, the Hall of Extraordinary truly lived up to its name. It hosted a stellar selection of high jewellery brands, independent jewellery designers as well as purveyors of the finest diamonds, coloured gemstones, and natural as well as cultured pearls.
While many exhibitors showcased top quality diamonds and the big three precious gems – rubies, sapphires and emeralds – as the centrepieces of their jewellery creations, there was also noticeable shift towards storytelling through intricately designed, one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces, as well as nature-inspired jewels.
From butterflies and tropical blossoms to bringing ancient fables to life through themed jewellery pieces, and from high-carat, fancy-coloured natural diamonds as well as rubies, emeralds, sapphires and Paraiba tourmalines in remarkable sizes, the Hall of Extraordinary offered an impressive breadth of gems, designs and craftsmanship, that appealed to discerning buyers from all over the world.
