Hini Star Unveils Three New Diamond Cuts At September Hong Kong Fair

Indian diamond manufacturer, Hini Star, used the opening ceremony of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair to unveil three new diamond cuts that the company says further enhances a diamond’s brilliance and appeal.

The three new cuts are named Stelo, Rozo and Floro. They are the first three diamond cuts that are part of the company’s new collection named “The Optica Series,” which consists of 18 new diamond cuts. The others will be announced gradually at later dates, according to Smit Virani, Hini Star chief operating officer.

Virani says the new diamond cuts feature symmetrical optical patterns that intensify the movement of light in the diamond. “We leveraged advanced digital design and manufacturing technologies to develop a patented process that creates unprecedented brilliance and significantly enhances overall light performance,” he said.

In addition, he said the diamond cuts are designed “to meet modern consumers' demands and how they experience a diamond.” Each one is strongly aligned with symbols – star (Stelo), rose (Rozo) and flower (Floro). He said each cut “reflects the personality, passion and philosophy of a new generation of diamond owners.”

Officials representing Hini Star and Informa Markets, which organizes the September Hong Kong jewelry fair, at the unveiling of The Optima Series of diamond cuts

The diamonds are available in 0.23 carat and up, D to H colors and VS2+ clarity grades.

“We will continue to grow The Optica Series with research-driven designs to reflect self-purchase and social media trends that attract younger buyers,” he said. “Consumers want an experience that goes beyond standard certifications. Each stone in The Optica Series tells a unique story that captures the values of socially conscious and highly individual consumers.”

Millennial and Gen Z consumers now account for two-thirds of diamond jewelry demand in the world and are more educated consumers when it comes to diamonds, he said. “They want something unique, natural and authentic that reflects their values. Consumers want to own and experience the most beautiful diamond they can.”

The industry is also rethinking traditional business models and marketing and sales strategies to better align with its target customers, he said.

JNA Awards Honors Accomplished Jewelry Industry Professionals

The eighth annual JNA Awards was held Tuesday in the main ballroom of the Intercontinental Hong Kong. The annual event has quickly grown to become one of the most highly-acclaimed award programs in the international jewelry and gemstone industry.

Organized by Informa Markets, the awards celebrates and recognizes entrepreneurs and companies that set high standards for excellence, innovation, and outstanding business performance. A total of 45 companies and individuals were among the finalists and were feted by industry leaders in a sold out ballroom for their accomplishments in the past year. Among them, 16 were honored as recipients across 11 award categories by a highly-respected and experienced panel of judges.

Three outstanding leaders from the retail sector, Cao Thi Ngoc Dung, Hung Ming Li and Wang Chun Li were the recipients of this year’s highest accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 16 Award Recipients across 11 categories are:

Brand of the Year – Retail
Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd – China

eSupplier of the Year
Kapu Gems – India

Industry Innovation of the Year
Industry Innovation of the Year – Diamond Identification
Diamond Services Ltd – Hong Kong

Industry Innovation of the Year – Jewellery Manufacturing Technology
Kaiente Jewellery Co Ltd – China

Industry Innovation of the Year – Production Technology
Sahajanand Technologies Pvt Ltd – India
Shenzhen Future Wisdom Jewelry Co Ltd – China

Manufacturer of the Year – Cutting & Polishing – Creativity & Innovation
China Stone Co Ltd – Thailand

Manufacturer of the Year – Jewellery
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd – Hong Kong
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – China
DECENT Gold Group Co Ltd – China

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Countries/Regions outside of China and India
FRANK & co – Indonesia

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India
H.K. Designs – India

Retailer of the Year
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited – Hong Kong

Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company – Vietnam

Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd – China

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below)
Abhay Chordia, Ashok Jewels – India

Angelina Lau, SK Jewellery Group – Singapore

“Tonight, we are celebrating a milestone in the jewellery and gemstone trade. These companies have demonstrated that with perseverance and forward-thinking, even in times of challenges, our industry can adapt, transform and continue to make positive impacts to the growth of the business. For that, they truly deserve our sincere congratulations and applause,” said Letitia Chow, Chairperson of the JNA Awards, and Director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at Informa Markets.

Headline Partners for the awards program are: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, and DANAT, together with Honoured Partners KGK Group, China Gems and Jade Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited.

Table sponsors include the following:

Anders Diamond B.V.B.A, Belgium
Beijing Caishikou Department Store Co Ltd, China
Chii Lih Coral Co Ltd, Taiwan
Continental Jewellery (Mfg) Ltd, Hong Kong
De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds, United Kingdom
DECENT Gold Group Co Ltd, China
Diamond Producers Association Belgium ESV, Belgium
Diamond Services Ltd, Hong Kong
GIA Hong Kong Laboratory Ltd, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong
Ithra Dubai, Dubai
Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company, Vietnam
Shanghai Kimberlite Diamond Group Co Ltd, China
Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd, China
SK Jewellery Pte Ltd, Singapore

Colored Gems and Diamonds Sparkle at September Hong Kong Jewelry Fair

A rare 2.5-carat pink diamond from VMK Diamonds

Everything seems to be the largest in the world at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair and this includes the colored gem and diamond pavilions. In addition to quantity there’s also quality on display among the hundreds of vendors. In fact, there are very few places on earth where you would see gems of that are as rare and beautiful. Handfuls of these stones may even end up on the auction block commanding millions of dollars. 

An 8.37-carat brilliant-cut emerald from Panjshir Valley, a company that specializes in emeralds from Afghanistan

But in the booths these items are sold with care and discretion. The Fine Gem Pavilion, in Hall 9 of the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), alone has more than 70 of the world’s top suppliers of colored gemstones. Several of these dealers will also be exhibiting in the Fine Design Pavilion at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, where finished jewels are being shown beginning Wednesday. These dealers will showcase their valuable gems and diamonds set in jewels and will be joined by dealers in vintage and antique jewels as well as contemporary high jewelry artists. 

A rare 20-carat natural Burmese sapphire from Caram

Meanwhile, in the Gemstone Pavilion, where colored gemstones in virtually every hue of the rainbow are showcased, occupies five Halls in AWE as well as the Hall 1 Concourse. The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has 40 exhibitors. All totaled, there are approximately 800 gemstone companies exhibiting and approximately 560 diamond suppliers. 

 

A layout of well-matched colored gemstones from Paul Wild

“The September Fair has always been known for its rich and diverse selection of colored gemstones from top dealers, cutters and mine-to-market suppliers,” Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets, said in a statement. “This is the sourcing event for classic stones; exotic and hard-to-find gem material; and commercial-grade to mid-range quality gemstones. This fair offers a world-class experience to buyers.”

Pearls Once Again A Major Draw at the September Hong Kong Jewelry Fair

Pearls of virtually every type, quality and price point imaginable is once again an important part of the the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The world’s largest jewelry trade show includes a dedicated area filled with loose pearl suppliers who are presenting pearl parcels, pairs, strands and layouts at the AsiaWorld-Expo.

In addition, a number of design houses will be showcasing high and fine jewels using pearls at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, when this portion of fair opens Wednesday (but that’s another story).

The pearl pavilion at AWE is one of the largest spaces dedicated to a single product category at the fair. Loose pearl dealers from all over the world are exhibiting including suppliers and from Australia, China, France, French Polynesia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, the UK and the US.

“Pearls are universally loved for their classic simplicity and timeless beauty,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets. “They personify refined elegance and are impressively versatile at the same time.”

According to the Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong (TPAHK) round 8mm to 10mm pearls are the hottest items under the Tahitian pearl category in the first half of the year.

“However, with the continued efforts of the association and by joining hands with leading jewelry design competition organizers in the promotion of asymmetrical shapes – drop, oval, circle and baroque pearls among others – we anticipate pearls in fancy shapes to further grow in popularity,” the association said in a statement.

Despite global economic uncertainties, the Tahitian pearl auction held in July netted encouraging results, according to TPAHK. “Top-quality pearls were in great demand but supply was inadequate. There were fewer commercial-grade pearls displayed at the auction. Thus, the average price increased by almost 48 percent when compared with the auction results in March of this year,” according to the association. “Total sales were approximately 35 percent higher than anticipated. Hong Kong and Japan continued to be the top buyers, accounting for 75 percent of sales.”

TPAHK members are presenting commercial- and high-quality pearls sourced from the recent auction at the September Fair. “The timing is ideal for the coming peak selling season,” the association noted.

The portion of the fair that includes loose pearls and other jewelry making materials at the AWE will run till September 20; while the finished portion of the jewelry fair opens at the HKCEC Wednesday and runs till September 22.

It was Business As Usual At The September Hong Kong Jewelry Fair

The September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair began as it has done for 36 previous years. There was the traditional lion dances for good luck, buyers were queuing to enter and overall there was nervousness and anticipation among exhibitors and the organizers of the trade fair. In fact there was more nervousness as usual due to the highly publicized violent clashes between protesters and police (including the night before). However, the political crisis in Hong Kong had little relevance during the opening day of the fair. 

The number of buyers will no doubt be down from previous years as David Bondi, senior VP of Informa Markets, which organizes the fair, already said publicly. But overall the aisles were bustling with buyers doing business with vendors. 

Buyers in queue waiting for the fair to open

Canceling and postponing the show was never an option, according to Bondi. For Informa Markets, the world’s largest jewelry fair was too big and too important to the worldwide jewelry industry to postpone. It’s so big it’s held at the two largest convention venues in Hong Kong with staggered dates: The AsiaWorld-Expo, September 16 - 20 for raw materials and machinery; and the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre for finished jewelry, September 18 - 22. Rescheduling such a large fair for two venues would have been a logistical nightmare.
In 2018, the fair attracted more than 54,000 buyers and 3,700 exhibitors. Few vendors have opted out. One of the reasons was that under the contract signed with vendors Informa Markets was under no obligation to provide refunds and they were sticking to this policy. Instead, the organizers invested in a number of incentives for both exhibitors and buyers. To bring more buyers to the fair, the organizers developed aggressive initiatives to make the fair more attractive. 

The crowded pearl pavilion

The first was a telemarketing campaign in which Informa Markets staff personally contacted 50,000 buyers throughout the world. 

The second initiative was providing 10,000 complimentary hotel room nights for buyers. Each exhibitor was asked to submit the names of three significant buyers who should be entitled to two free consecutive hotel room nights during the September Fair show dates. It proved highly popular, according to the organizers. 

There were a number of softer incentives as well. For example, there was a mid-afternoon tea break and happy hour drinks as the fair ended the first day. In addition, show organizers delivered champagne and chocolate to every booth inside the fair.

Azzurra Cesari, holds up a collection of colored gems from her company, Futurgem

Perhaps even more of a factor in lower traffic among buyers is the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, which now includes jewelry industry products. Several exhibitors anticipate that buyers from Mainland China will be down because of this.

Vendors interviewed ranged from expressing hesitation in exhibiting to never considering canceling. 

“My only thought was how to cut my costs,” said Mishael Vardi of VMK, which deals in rare fancy colored diamonds. This is primarily due to a range of issues within the diamond industry and not so much the protests in Hong Kong, noting that outside the rarest gems “It’s a buyers’ market.” Pink diamonds from the Argyle mine in Australia, which will close in 2020, and rare colored diamonds, such as blue and green remain popular. 

Happy hour drinks and snacks following the show

Olivier Duran, sales manager of Avlas Diamonds, which specializes in high-quality colorless diamonds in fancy shapes, said his company was undecided. “There was some hesitation,” he said. “Thirty to 40% of our clients told us they were not coming to the show. We waited until the last moment.”  

For some colored gem dealers they already do a great deal of their business in China and the rest of Asia and since they are already in the region, it made sense to exhibit as usual. 

“I’m already trading in Asia,” said Charles Abouchar of Abouchar SA, a high-precision cutter of gemstones, “As long as security is okay I don’t have a problem. The buyers from the bigger companies are here.

Alexander Stufflebeam, president of Panjshir Valley, a company that deals in emeralds from Afghanistan, said he had no hesitation in coming to the fair because he does business in China and because it attracts buyers from all parts of the world. 

The day ended as it has done in recent years with the annual reception of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) as buyers and exhibitors crowded the ballroom at the SkyCity Marriott Hotel.

The big test will be Wednesday, when the show opens at the Hong Kong Convention Centre for finished jewels. 

JNA Awards Focuses On Women and Newcomers, Among Events At Hong Kong Jewelry Fair

From left: Cao Thi Ngoc Dung of Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co; Wang Chun Li of Beijing Caishikou Department Store; and Hung Ming Li of Chii Lih Coral

The JNA Awards, which has grown to become one of the top awards programs in the jewelry industry, is putting a special focus on women and young entrepreneurs this year. The three lifetime achievement award honorees are all women and the finalists for other awards is dominated for the first time by new applicants. 

“Of the 39 honoree companies that were shortlisted, almost half of them are first-time entrants, indicating a growing interest among quality companies who recognize the importance of this platform,” said Letitia Chow, chairperson of the JNA Awards, and director of Business Development -- Jewellery Group at Informa Markets. “We have also received a record number of entries from Thailand, second in ranking together with India and Hong Kong, reflecting the importance of this market which has been traditionally modest about its accomplishment.”

The JNA Lifetime Achievement Award is going to three women who “have each transformed the retail sector and influenced the industry in their own respective way,” according to JNA judging panel. They are: Cao Thi Ngoc Dung, founder and chairperson of Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ); Hung Ming Li, founder and chairman of Taiwan-based Chii Lih Coral (Chii Lih); and Wang Chun Li, managing director and general manager of Beijing Caishikou Department Store.

In addition to the special tribute to the lifetime achievement award recipients, the winners will be announced at the JNA Awards gala on September 17 at the Intercontinental Hong Kong. It is the highlight event at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the largest jewelry trade fair in the world. It will be held September 16 – 20 at the AsiaWorld-Expo for jewelry making materials and equipment and September 18 – 22 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for finished jewelry. 

2018 JNA Awards gala

The JNA Awards is one of a number of special events, seminars, auctions and exhibitions that will be held throughout the seven-day show. They include the following:

* Alrosa Diamond Preview organized by Alrosa, the Russian mining company, September 16 – 20;

* GIA 88th and GIA Hong Kong’s 25th Anniversary Reception organized by the Gemological Institute of America, September 16;

* GIA GemFest 2019 organized by GIA, September 17;

* September Hong Kong Jewllery & Gem Fair Opening Fair Reception organized by Informa Markets, September 18;

* The unveiling of two fine jewelry collections by British luxury carmaker Bentley, which is celebrating “100 extraordinary years” in 2019, through an exclusive partnership with Heinz Mayer, a family-owned manufacturer dating back to 1599, in the Grand Foyer of the HKCEC. The limited-edition collections – “Wings” and “Everlasting” – were inspired by the car’s logo, the “Bentley Wings.” The handcrafted pieces are made of gold and platinum with diamonds, September 18 – 22;

* Jewellery Design Competition for Hong Kong Secondary School Students Award –Winning Piece Exhibition organized by the Gem & Jewellery Alumni Association, September 18 – 22;

* JNA Conference, “From Inspiration to Innovation – the Designer’s Journey to Creativity organized by Informa Markets, September 19;

* Gubelin Gem Lab Seminar organized by Gubelin Gem Lab, September 20;

* Shanghai Kimberlite Diamond Jewellery Parade & Gala Dinner organized by Shanghai Kimberlite Diamond Jewellery Co.,  September 20;

* GAHK 40th Anniversary Seminar organized by The Gemmological Association of Hing Kong, Gem-A and Informa Markets, September 20;

* The 68th Paspaley Pearl Auction organized by the Australian Pearl Centre, September 21 – 23.

Spirits Remained High At Hong Kong Jewelry Fair despite Destruction Caused By Super Typhoon Mangkhut

It’s impossible to discuss the 2018 September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair without mentioning Super Typhoon Mangkhut. It landed in Hong Kong on September 16, as a Signal No. 10, the highest level of tropical cyclone warning signals in Hong Kong for 10 hours. It was one of the strongest storms in the city’s history and the strongest storm in the world this year. 

Storm damage just outside the Hong Kong convention
center

It tore through high rises, toppled construction equipment and destroyed some less fortified buildings. It toppled trees, stopped all public transportation and caused severe flooding along coastal areas. Some of the photos and videos being distributed among those of us stranded in hotels or at home were quite shocking. 

The storm understandably caused the full-day closure of the Hong Kong fair at both the AsiaWorld-Expo by the airport, for the last day of the materials portion of the fair, and at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in the center of the city, during the third day of the finished jewelry portion of the show. If that’s not enough the storm forced the rescheduling of the 2018 JNA Awards gala dinner, which was held the following night. 

     One of the walkways to the convention center

Miraculously the convention center showed no sign of damage, despite being on the water’s edge. Despite the fewer people, everything appeared normal at the show, which is testament to the focus and resiliency and focus of the staff at UBM Asia, which owns and operates the fair, the convention center staff and the residents of Hong Kong. 

Between the one day closure and buyers leaving before the storm arrived, there was definitely a loss of business but for the most part everyone was happy. I spoke with several gem dealers at the JNA Awards gala dinner and all were satisfied with the business they did during the days the show was open. 

     One of many damaged buildings in the city

Earlier in the day, there were still a good number of buyers walking the halls of the Hong Kong convention center. I spoke with several exhibitors in the Fine Designer Pavilion and they were in good spirits sharing typhoon stories while showing their jewels to whatever buyers remained. Like the gem dealers, they said business was disrupted for the remainder of the fair but prior to the storm, sales were strong. 

Many of the dealers in this area, which specializes in new and second-market high jewelry, have been exhibiting at the September Hong Kong fair for years. I asked one of the veteran dealers why he continues to attend. He simply replied: “I make money.” 

Luxury Jewels Were In Abundance at the September Hong Kong Fair

A buyer inspects a diamond paved necklace from Studio Reves. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Despite much of the focus being placed on large manufacturers and retailers, luxury jewels are a significant part of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. Most of the contemporary luxury jewelers and manufacturers (outside of Hong Kong and China manufacturers who have their own pavilions) are located next to each other in the Fine Design Pavilion and the International Premiere Pavilion.

Located at the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention & Exposition Centre, the Fine Design Pavilion showcases high jewelry from more than 70 internationally known jewelers and dealers of estate jewels and watches. The high-ceiling and luxurious environment of the Grand Hall is an appropriate setting for these designers who feature rare diamonds, gemstones and pearls in their limited-edition creations. 

A conch pearl necklace by Saboo. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Jewelry brand, Saboo, is one of the regular exhibitors in this pavilion. Chand Bihari Saboo had some time to talk since several appointments were cancelled due to buyers trying to leave Hong Kong before Super Typhoon Mangkhut arrived. The Hong Kong-based company specializes in one-of-a-kind and limited edition jewels, made with exceptional diamond and colored gems. Many items are sold to Middle East royalty. The Hong Kong-based company started as a gem manufacturer so it is skilled at choosing stones. 

Saboo showed me a necklace and ring featuring conch pearls of different sizes and colors, and a flexible bracelet paved in rubies and diamonds. 

A ruby and diamond bracelet by Saboo. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Despite the impending doom that the typhoon was going to bring there were still eager buyers. In the International Premier Pavilion, which houses about 60 luxury jewelry manufacturing brands, a salesperson at Studio Reves, a Mumbai based diamond jewelry manufacturer and DTC sightholder, was showing a large, well-constructed, flexible necklace paved with rose-cut diamonds. 

As we were talking a woman walked up and asked its cost, felt it, tried it on and soon they began negotiating a sale. 

Jewelry Industry Officials Discuss Change At Hong Kong Jewelry Fair

As the expression goes, change is the only constant in life and the jewelry industry is going through monumental change. Some of it even hits close to home. This was the dominant theme at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair press conference.

The first change is UBM Asia, the largest operator of jewelry trade fairs in the world, has merged with Informa, a London-based company that bills itself as an international business-to-business information services group. 

The second change is that Wolfram Diener, senior VP of UBM Asia and a big presence at the Hong Kong jewelry fairs, will be leaving. After 22 years of living in Hong Kong and China, the German native has accepted a new job as managing director of Messe Düsseldorf. 

Diener, 57, led his last press conference at the Hong Kong jewelry fair calling it his “final curtain” and introducing his replacement, his close friend, David Bondi, who was in attendance. 

In the rest of his presentation he noted that Thailand, with 400 exhibitors of finished jewels, gemstones and supplies, is the largest contingent at the fair, outside of exhibitors from Hong Kong and China. He added there is strong participation from Japan and an increase in exhibitors from Turkey.

Eight leaders of trade associations from Hong Kong and China gave a review of business in the first nine months of the year and what they expect by the end of 2018. Most of the speakers reported strong turnover but also expressed concern due to U.S. and China trade tensions and a strengthening U.S. dollar. 

Lawrence Ma, founding president of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, said diamond sales increased by 8.7 percent for the first half of the year. However, he added, that he is “cautiously optimistic when it comes to business at the September Hong Kong jewelry fair. “I expect a good show but not necessarily a great show.”

Ken Lo, chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers Association, said his organization saw double digit sales gains for the first half of the year but agreed with Ma that events outside their influence could dampen sales for the rest of the year. “I’m very cautious at the year’s end about what’s going to happen,” he said. 

Most of the other speakers talked about the challenges being posed by Millennial and Generation Y consumers and how they could disrupt jewelry distribution channels in China. 

The press conference itself, an annual event, underwent some change as well. In the past all of the officials sat in front and addressed the media sitting in chairs. This year they added tables and provided lunch for those in attendance. 

Change comes in many forms.

Israel Diamond Pavilion Will Host 84 Companies At September Hong Kong Fair

The 2015 Israel Diamond Pavilion at the September Hong Kong Fair

The Israeli diamond industry will once again be one of the largest national exhibitors at the upcoming September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The Israel Diamond Pavilion, organized by the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI), will feature 84 companies and will extend over more than 1,150 square meters. There will also be about 15 additional Israeli companies exhibiting at different locations throughout the show. 

The September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair will be held at two venues: September 13 – 17 at AsiaWorld Expo Hong Kong for materials and equipment and September 15 – 19 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for finished jewelry.

The Israel Diamond Pavilion will be located in Halls 7 and 9 of the Asia World Expo. The IDI Lounge at the heart of the pavilion will offer four “Find Your Diamond” terminals and will serve refreshments throughout the day. 

Find Your Diamond, the trade show search platform by IDI, has been expanded to include a Chinese version in addition to an English one. Buyers are able to access the system on their smartphones, as well as at dedicated terminals. The Find Your Diamond system enables buyers to search a computerized database of all goods offered by Israeli exhibitors at the show.

Coinciding with the September show are the annual JNA Awards honoring excellence and achievement in the Asian jewelry industry. IDI has supported these awards since their inception and will again be an “Honoured Partner” of the JNA Awards, which will be presented at a ceremony and gala dinner at the InterContinental Hotel in Hong Kong on September 14. 

The September Hong Kong Show is one of the most important shows for the Israeli Diamond Industry. Asian markets are key to Israel’s marketing strategy, with sales to Asia representing more than 30 percent of Israel’s total polished diamond exports. Israel’s net polished diamond exports to Hong Kong reached $1.4 billion in 2015. 

IDI Chairman Shmuel Schnitzer said that he was cautiously optimistic about the show. “I am pleased that the Israeli industry will have a strong presence at the show. I am hopeful about the outcome of the show despite the challenging conditions the entire industry is facing. We believe in Asian markets and we are there for the long haul.” 

IDI Managing Director Eli Avidar added, “Hong Kong is a very important part of our marketing strategy and we participate in four shows during the year. The September show is always the most important since it sets the tone for the upcoming holiday season. This show attracts buyers from all over Asia – Hong Kong, China, India, Singapore and even the U.S. and Australia. As usual our exhibitors will work hard at the show and I believe they will be rewarded.” 

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Registration Is Open For 2016 Jewellery & Gem Fair Europe

Registration is now open for the third edition of Jewellery & Gem Fair Europe. The jewelry tradeshow will be held in Messe Freiburg, Germany, from March 19 to 22, 2016. 

The show is “positioned as an effective trading platform for mid- to high-end jewelry” that enables those in the jewelry trade to “source conveniently from global suppliers, without having to travel to overseas fairs,” according to UBM Asia, which owns and operates the trade fair.

In 2015, the fair attracted more 6,500 jewelry professionals from 87 countries and regions, and 440 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions.

Buyers have the opportunity to source products that include diamonds, gemstones, pearls, fine jewelry, and packaging, tools & equipment.

Group pavilions include Antwerp, ACODES, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Mauritius, Turkey, Thailand and the United States. Packaging, Tools & Equipment vendors will gather in a theme pavilion.

UBM Asia also owns and operates the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the world’s largest fine jewelry trade fair. 

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Major Sponsors Renew Commitment To JNA Awards

Partners join hands at the 2015 JNA Awards. (From left) Ira Tsirlina of the Israel Diamond Institute; Naresh Surana of Diarough Hong Kong; Rita Maltez of Rio Tinto Diamonds; Wolfram Diener of UBM Asia; Letitia Chow of UBM Asia; Kent Wong of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd; Caroline Yuan of Shanghai Diamond Exchange; Ye Xuquan of Guangdong Land Holdings Ltd

Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook will return as “Headline Partners” for the fifth consecutive year of the JNA Awards.

In addition, Diarough Group, Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited have also renewed their sponsorship of the awards. Both IDI and SDE have been championing the JNA Awards since its launch, while Diarough and GDLAND have come on board as “Honored Partners” since 2014.

The JNA Awards honors companies and individuals that have demonstrated excellence and made positive contributions to their businesses and communities, with a focus on achievements made in Asia. Nominees are selected through an independent, transparent and rigorous judging process. The program culminates with a gala dinner and awards ceremony held in association with the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

“The Awards plays an important role in celebrating and inspiring successes within the gemstone and jewelry industry, and our partners' loyal support has helped us make that happen,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA, Director of Business Development—Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and Chair of the JNA Awards judging panel.

Jewelry trade magazine, Jewelry News Asia, the flagship publication of UBM Asia's Jewelry Group, is the organizer of the JNA Awards. 

“It is particularly gratifying to receive continuous support from these distinguished industry leaders who share our values in promoting best practices within the industry and setting high standards to advance the global jewelry community,” said Wolfram Diener, UBM Asia senior VP. “Their involvement will certainly create synergy to drive the industry forward with greater innovation and sustainable growth.”

The JNA Awards 2015 Ceremony and Gala Dinner was held on September 20 at the Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong. The awards gala dinner drew more than 500 jewelry and gemstone industry leaders who celebrated the achievements of 19 award recipients and 31 honorees. 

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Hong Kong Jewelry Fair Exceeds Expectations

Inside the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre where the finished fine jewelry portion of the fair was being held. Photo credit: UBM Asia

Since the global financial crisis of 2008, economic instability, geopolitical tensions and outright war has factored into the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. But world’s largest trade fair proved to be resilient and kept growing.

This year, the fair (which ran from 16 - 22 September) may have faced its biggest challenge with a slowdown in the China market. For the show that bills itself as the “gateway to China,” this could have easily meant fewer visitors. However, the fair is on pace to achieve another year of record (although modest) growth, perhaps eclipsing 60,000 visitors. It should be noted that this is in comparison to a very strong 2014, when attendance grew by 12 percent.

Wolfram Diener, Senior VP of UBM Asia, which owns and operates the trade fair, acknowledged that not only China, but all the other BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) are struggling this year. However, he also notes that jewelry sales grew 5.2 per cent for the first half of 2015 and the country's Gross Domestic Product grew by 7 per cent for the same period.

“I just came back from Shanghai furniture show and it had a 15 to 20 percent increase in buyers,” he says. “It’s not the market has perished but it’s a mixed picture.

In terms of sales it’s a little early but Diener says that business was better than the modest expectations going into the show.

“Most notable is that many exhibitors saw a more diverse buyer activity,” Diener says. “There were more orders from Japan, Korea, Philippines, US, whilst Chinese visitors appeared to buy more than earlier in the year.”

The number of vendors exhibiting this year totaled 3,748—53 more than last year—at the show’s two venues: The Asia World-Expo where jewelry making materials and equipment vendors are located; and the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, for fine jewelry exhibitors. The small increase is because both convention facilities are full. Any growth is due to the creative use of the 135,000 square meters of exhibition space.

“It’s a small increase but it reminds you that the show is worldwide and it reflects our constraints,” Diener says. “If we have more convention center facilities we could grow much more.” 

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3.37-Carat Pinkish Purple Diamond On View at Hong Kong Jewelry Fair

The "Purple Orchid" diamond

A fancy intense pinkish purple VS2 diamond will be shown to the public for the first time during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The 3.37-carat gem, named the “Purple Orchid,” has an asking price of $4 million, or nearly $1.2 million per carat. Leibish & Co., an Israeli firm that owns the diamond, says it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime” find.

The diamond will be on view at the AsiaWorld-Expo near Hong Kong International Airport September 15 – 19. The jewelry tradeshow is only open to qualified jewelry professionals. The Hong Kong jewelry show is also located at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre from September 17 – 21. 

Leibish & Co., which sells its fancy colored diamonds and jewelry online at www.leibish.com, says the gem originated from an unnamed South African mine, one of the very few in the world where purple diamonds can be found. The company purchased the diamond as a rough of more than 4 carats and spent four months cutting and polishing the gem.

Leibish Polnauer, president of Leibish & Co., says it is a “once-in-a-lifetime” find. “There is nothing more unique on the market right now than color diamonds, and this incredible purple diamond is more than a cut above the rest. There are very, very few diamonds on the market above 3 carats with purple as the main color, which is what makes this exquisite diamond so rare.”

There isn’t a lot of documentation on how purple diamonds get their color, but it is believed that it is the combination of crystal lattice distortion (which is also involved in the creation of pink diamonds) and high amounts of hydrogen.

Leibish & Co also views this diamond as a fashion-forward statement as it says the color of the diamond is associated with “Radiant Orchid,” the Pantone color of year for 2014.

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Bhatt and Boyajian Named as Judges for JNA Awards

Nirupa Bhatt

Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of Gemological Institute of America in India and the Middle East, and Bill Boyajian, founder and president of Bill Boyajian & Associates, round out the panel of judges for the JNA Awards. 

Bill Boyajian

The annual awards program, now in its third year, pays tribute and recognizes companies and individuals that have demonstrated excellence, strong corporate and social responsibility, and set high standards in the Asian jewelry and gemstone trade. The awards program is organized by Jewellery News Asia, the largest and most important jewelry trade publication in Asia.

They will join James Courage, CEO of Platinum Guild International; Albert Cheng, managing director of the World Gold Council, Far East; and Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange as judges.

Bhatt has received several global honors for her contributions to the gemstone and jewelry industry. Her role with GIA has taken her to over 60 locations across India, Turkey and the Middle East. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the All India Gem and Jewellery Trade Federation, and Gem and Jewellery Skill Council of India, as well as an invitee to the marketing committee of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council. It is the second consecutive year she served as a judge for the JNA Awards.

Boyajian was president of the GIA from 1986 to 2006 and is one of the global gem and jewelry industry's most well-known experts. With Bill Boyajian & Associates, Inc., he consults for a variety of companies both in and out of the jewelry trade. He is author of the book “Developing the Mind of a Leader - Your Path to Lead and Inspire People,” and is a sought-after speaker and coach.

The JNA Awards 2014 will culminate with a ceremony and gala dinner on September 16, at the InterContinental Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The Awards has Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as “Headline Partners,” with Diarough Group, Gubelin Group, Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group, Paspaley Pearling Company and SDE as “Honoured Partners.”

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JNA Awards Ceremony Honors Jewelry Industry Leaders and Innovators

JNA Award winners

Leung Sik Wah and Wallace Chan received special honors at the JNA Awards, held Thursday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. They were among 16 people honored for innovation and leadership in the jewelry trade. 

The awards and ceremony were organized by Jewellery News Asia, Asia’s leading jewelry industry publication, as part of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The grand affair, only in its second year, was attended by more than 500 persons and lived up to the billing  of “one of the industry’s most important and much-anticipated nights.” 

Leung was honored with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” for transforming Hong Kong and Asia into a major jewelry trading and retailing hub. Leung was also instrumental in establishing the Hong Kong Diamond Bourse, and is currently Honorary Life President of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong and Chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association.

Chan was the first recipient of the “Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award,” recognizing his unique talent and creativity, and for placing his works and Asia on the global haute joaillerie scene. Acclaimed industry-wide as a “carving genius,” Chan remains, to date, the only Asian artist to be invited to the prestigious Paris Biennale des Antiquaires show.

Other recipients of the JNA Awards 2013 are:

* Brand of the Year – Retail: Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd

* Employer of the Year: Jewelmer International Corporation and Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

* E-Tailer of the Year: Plukka (HK) Ltd

* Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Business: China Stone Ltd

* Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Technology: Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing: China Stone Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing: Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery: Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metals-Only Jewellery: 3D Kaiente Jewellery Co Ltd

* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India: Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd

* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China: ttf HAUTE JOAILLERIE

* Retailer of the Year: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd

* Sustainability Initiative of the Year: Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd and Pranda Group

* Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below): Zhou Defen, Shenzhen Yuehao Jewelry Co Ltd

The real winner Thursday night may have been JNA Awards. It’s rare that a young program such as this has gained such international importance. But it has and there is still has plenty of room to grow.

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