A Treasure of Jewelry at the Hong Kong Fair

Lacecap hydrangeas made of 18k white gold, diamond pavé  and the Japanese lacquer techniques, Makie and Urushi by Maillet D’Or.

I can get caught up on attendance and geopolitical issues and how it affects the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, but the event is first and foremost a jewelry show. As always there was plenty to behold, much more than this humble journalist can see in a few days.

Camellia flower brooches in 18k white and green gold, with diamonds, tsavorites and urushi Japanese lacquer by Maillet D’Or.

There were nearly 3,700 exhibitors this year, far more than any other jewelry trade fair in the world, providing everything one could ever possibly see in one place at one time in the world of jewelry. It includes pieces ranging from inexpensive mass produced products to exquisite examples of high jewelry art and materials ranging from silver and amber to the finest gems and diamonds.

Japanese coral ring by Maillet D’Or

I’ve included a brief listing of what I was able to discover at this year’s fair.

A variety of ring mounts by Gold Source Jewellery.

My biggest find is a Japanese family firm that specializes in handmade high and bespoke jewelry, Atelier Maillet D’Or, exhibiting under the brand, Okurado, produces nature inspired designs made of 18k yellow and white gold covered in diamond pavé. In some cases the colors of metals are mixed.

"Fortune" stackable rings in a variety of colors and designs by Gold Source Jewellery under its 5 Star Jewelry brand.

One of their unique attributes is the use of Japanese lacquer techniques. They also use enamel and Japanese coral in elaborate ways, such as camellia flower designs made of carved white coral and urushi lacquer.

Contemporary design for this white gold and diamond Ascension ring by Inspired Jewellery. 

The Japanese royal family and Prince Albert of Monaco are among those who admire and wear their works. Company president Hitoshi Okura said it was the first time the family firm was exhibiting at the show. They chose to be part of a group of jewelry designers in a booth provided by Frank & Label, a company that represents fine jewelry designers in China.

Colorful pave rings by Rodney Rayner.

At the other end of the spectrum there’s Gold Source Jewellery, which specializes in creating ring mountings, primarily for bridal jewelry as well as lines of colorful, affordable finished fashion jewelry pieces under the 5 Star Jewelry brand. The company produces thousands of pieces each month that are exported all over the world.

A variety of one-of-a-kind jewelry designs from L'Dezen Jewellery.

Then there’s a New Zealand firm named Inspired Jewelry that specializes in contemporary jewelry designs made primarily of white gold and platinum with diamonds. Invisible mounts and metals with unusual bends and curves are the basis of their architecture-inspired designs.

The company also has a second business providing design and marketing services to diamond manufactures who want to produce accessible finished jewelry pieces.

Also in the Frank & Label booth was UK designer Rodney Rayner, who specializes in bold and colorful jewelry created with a variety of precious materials. He says he sells his pieces just about everywhere in the world except, inexplicitly, in his home country.

Finally, there’s someone whom I’ve written about before, Payal Shah, owner of L'Dezen Jewellery, who is making quite a name for herself with her unusual shaped pieces finished with slice and rose cut diamonds mounted in 18k gold in various colors. The brand produces what seems like a near endless variety of one-of-kind designs. Her jewelry is becoming available at more retailers and appearing on celebrities, most recently on actress Sofia Vergara.

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Anoop Mehta to Receive JNA Lifetime Achievement Award

Anoop Mehta

Anoop Mehta, president of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, will be presented the JNA Lifetime Achievement Award, during the September Hong Kong Gem & Jewellery Fair. 

The award is one of the highest accolades in the global jewelry and gemstone industry and the most esteemed tribute conferred by the JNA Awards—organized by trade publication, Jewellery News Asia—which honors innovators and leaders of the international jewelry industry in manufacturing, branding, retailing, best business practice, innovation, sustainability and outstanding contribution.

Mehta will receive the award at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on September 16 at the InterContinental Hong Kong. It is a ticketed event.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes visionary leaders who have made significant contributions to the jewelry industry, particularly in Asia. Past recipients included Nicky Oppenheimer, former chairman of De Beers Group, and Leung Sik Wah, honorary life president of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China and chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association.

“Anoop Mehta is recognized for his vision and strong commitment to the growth of the diamond industry,” said Letitia Chow, chair of the JNA Awards Judging Panel. “He has stepped up to lead and steer the Bharat Diamond Bourse to a successful launch. The diamond exchange has since been branded as the world’s largest. This is an endeavor that requires exceptional leadership and great courage, and takes a pioneer to accomplish.”

“This award is testament to the remarkable teams of people that I have had the privilege to work with in order to bring the Bharat Diamond Bourse to full operation," Mehta said. "The diamond exchange is the result of the collective effort of many. I would like to dedicate this award to these exemplary individuals who have made a difference to the diamond industry.”

Mehta joined the jewelry industry at a young age through the family business. He has since worked to foster the growth of the industry by promoting and developing the diamond trade for more than 30 years, with the BDB being his most high-profile achievement.

Inaugurated in 2010, the bourse is a service-oriented, non-profit organization devoted to establishing infrastructural facilities for the promotion of diamond trading, as well as reinforcing India’s role as an international diamond trading hub for manufacturers, brokers and agents.

Mehta has also been associated with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council for several years and is on the committee of the Diamond Exporters Association Ltd. He also serves as Chairman and Managing Director of Mohit Diamonds Private Ltd and is a partner at Mohanlal Raichand& Sons, one of the oldest diamond businesses in India.

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Exhibitors Release Pent-Up Optimism at Hong Kong Jewelry Show

Byers and sellers at the Frank & Label booth during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco 

I’ve been writing about the jewelry industry for 13 years and attended many tradeshows during that time. I can’t remember when exhibitors have expressed as much optimism and excitement as there has been during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. Even the diamond dealers who had low expectations coming in were pleasantly surprised. 

The world’s largest fine jewelry show is held at two venues: The Asia-World Expo Centre, (September 11 – 15) for raw jewelry-making materials and jewelry-making equipment, and the main show for finished jewelry at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (September 13 -17). I’ve spent four days at the show so far (one day at the raw materials show and three days at the finished jewelry show) and nearly all exhibitors said business is strong to booming. 

For example, there was talk of a coral dealer at Asia-World Expo Centre who sold 80 percent of his inventory to other exhibitors a day before the show opened. On opening day at the HKCEC, several vendors and buyers were still conducting business after the show was closed. 

Myriam Gumuchian, owner of the fine jewelry design firm, Gumuchian, said at the HKCEC, that she has been busy throughout the first two days. 

“It’s my second year of the show and it’s been much better than last year,” she said. “It’s non stop.” 
 

The "Ring Cycle" by Gumuchian. It's a ring that turns into a bracelet.  Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Gumuchian said her most popular item by far is the “Ring Cycle.” It’s a ring that with the press of a button becomes a bracelet. It’s available in 18k yellow, rose and white gold and either in diamond pave or a hammered-gold finish with a diamond center stone. As she was showing me the ring a female Japanese buyer gasped with joy when she saw how it worked. 

Gumuchian was one of 10 high-end jewelry designers who were exhibiting from a single booth provided by Frank & Label, a company that provides marketing and sales services for independent luxury jewelry designers who want to enter into the China market. It was one of the more interesting concepts at the show. Other designers included Temple St. Clair, Alex Sepkus and Victor Mayer. 
 

Temple St. Clair at her jewelry stand inside the Frank & Label booth.  Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Evert deGraeve, Frank & Label China business development director, said this is the second year the company has been providing this space at the September Hong Kong fair. This year, possibly to accommodate approximately 100 new exhibitors, the company had its booth size cut in half. Looking at the crowd of buyers, deGraeve said, “We really could use the extra space.”

It’s a good problem to have. 
 

Buyers at one of the registration areas during the opening day of the finished jewelry portion of the show. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

The new exhibitors bring the total number of vendors at the fair at both venues to 3,633 from 48 countries. Officials from UBM Asia, which owns and operates the show, have estimated that 52,000 buyers will visit the show but from looking at the registration areas on opening day at HKCEC and from reports on the floor, they may have underestimated. Regardless, the number of exhibitors easily cements its place as the world’s largest fine jewelry show. 

Also to accommodate new exhibitors, show officials moved antique and estate dealers in the last available hall in the HKCEC which is really a foyer. It’s a spacious area that had the hustle and bustle of business being done. 

Edward Faber, owner of Aaron Faber Gallery New York, which specializes in vintage watches and jewelry, said early during the opening day he made a number of sales. Among the biggest sellers were vintage Omegas, Patek Philippe pocket watches and erotica timepieces. 

This is Faber’s third time exhibiting at the show and he said he is impressed with how quickly Asian buyers have taken to the nuisances of fine watch collecting. 

“They’ve quickly become more sophisticated,” he said. “It’s surprising the comfort level they have when it come to style and design. It’s a good thing.” 

One of the big successes I’ve seen at the show is an area called “Designer Avenue.” It’s located on the mezzanine level of the HKCE. It’s basically a balcony-like space that houses small independent jewelry designers and artists, providing them with inexpensive booth space. I’ve seen small designers become overwhelmed and out of place at large jewelry shows. Here, these artists from every continent have their own separate space that constantly filled with admirers and buyers from all over the world. 
   

The jade, wood and enamel works of independent jewelry designer, Soco So of Shenzhen, China.  Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Etienne Perret, a US based independent jewelry designer who exhibited in the area, said buyers from Russia, China, Australia and several eastern European countries have expressed interest in his gem-ceramic designs. 

“The world is here and people seem to be buying,” he said. “People in the US have no clue how much money there is in Russia, China and even places like Iran.” 

Deep into the active main hall was Colin Shah, managing director of Kama Schachter, an India-based jewelry manufacturer that produces several brands. The company was introducing its newest brand, Fiamma, which features bridal and fashion jewelry using color-enhanced pink diamonds. It was quiet when I showed up but he said people have been coming in. 

“All appointments have showed up,” he said on the second day of the HKCEC portion of the show. “So far it’s been great.” 
 

Inside the Hong Kong Convention & Expo Centre.  Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Walking around the cavernous convention center, the only places where buyers did not fill were in Hall 3 inside the International Pavilion, where vendors are segmented by their country of origin, and in an area known as the Design Pavilion, for luxury jewelry design companies.

A collection of rare fancy colored diamonds from Francis Errera.  Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

My first day at the show was spent at the Asia-World Expo Centre during its day. This is where materials, such as diamonds, colored gems, pearls and other jewelry making materials and equipment were being sold. Most exhibitors I spoke with were generally happy with the show but aired some complaints. 

For example, fancy colored diamond dealer, Francis Errera, said the first day of the show was “very, very busy” with “high-quality” clients from all over the world but on the second day traffic trailed off. 

One reason he said was because his clients, primarily luxury jewelry brands and investment banks, shortened their time at the fair due to religious holidays. 

“I think major shows like this one should be held outside of any important holidays,” he said. 

Overall, Errera said the positive sales reflect the growth of the overall economy. “America is getting much better,” said the French native who moved his business to Hong Kong several years ago. “Japan is getting better as well but Japan is always strong for fancy colored diamonds. China is good.” 

The only economy that is lacking growth is Europe, he said, which also reflected his business at the fair, as only one representative from the continent came to his booth during the first two days. 
 

A collection of carved freshwater pearls from Galatea.  Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Meanwhile, in the pearl section, Chi Huynh, owner of pearl company, Galatea, was selling its loose sculptured freshwater pearls for designers and manufactures. His booth was crowded. 

“Designers love them,” he said. “I don’t think wholesalers know what to do with them.” 

He said that in addition to his loose pearls, customers were interested in his finished jewelry and to accommodate these people he is considering opening a booth at the convention center. 

“I was surprised by the reaction,” he said. “So next year I might split the booth to two places.”

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JNA Awards Ceremony to be held in September

The second annual JNA Awards Ceremony and Dinner will be held September 12 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The JNA Awards honors and recognizes excellence and achievements in the jewelry trade with a focus on contribution and advancement in the Asian region. The awards honors individuals and companies in several categories. This year’s categories have yet to be announced.

The first JNA Awards ceremony and dinner was held on September 20, 2012, at the Hong Kong Ritz Carlton. It attracted more than 450 jewelry industry leaders from around the world. The Lifetime Achievement Award awarded to the former De Beers chairman Nicholas "Nicky" Oppenheimer.

For more information on the JNA Awards, visit www.jnaawards.com.

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Winners of the JNA Awards

The 2012 September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the tradeshow hosted the inaugural JNA Awards during a ceremony held September 20 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The JNA Awards honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the jewelry trade.

The event, the first of its kind in Asia, was organized by Jewellery News Asia of UBM Asia in collaboration with UBM Awards.

The success of the awards was prevalent in the fact that all of the sponsors agreed to participate in the next edition prior to the awards presentation. Recipients of the JNA Awards for 2012 are as follows:

Lifetime Achievement Award, Nicky Oppenheimer, former chairman of the De Beers Group
Oppenheimer received JNA's highest accolade for his outstanding contribution to the world diamond industry over the course of a career that spans 44 years. The third generation of the Oppenheimers to lead De Beers, he has added his own, distinguished contribution to a family legend that dates back to 1902 when his grandfather, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, arrived in Kimberley to work as a diamond buying agent. He presided over important changes in the history of the De Beers Group. Under his leadership, De Beers opened up new markets for diamond jewelry in China and India, and established the De Beers' Best Practice Principles, a standard of ethical business behavior that has set the benchmark for other global industries.

Three Decades of Excellence, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd.
The world's largest jewelry retailer by market value continues to raise the bar of excellence and creativity in the gemstone and jewelry industry. The Hong Kong-listed company has an extensive retail network, with more than 1,600 points-of-sale in Greater China, Malaysia and Singapore.

Brand of the Year, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd.
With its immense reach and presence in the Greater China market, the company is viewed as a trendsetter in the industry and one of the most iconic brands in Greater China.

Employer of the Year, Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd.
The 30-year-old diamond manufacturer continues to demonstrate the same passion and commitment that it has for a business that celebrates enduring love and romance. It has not lost sight of the core corporate values: excellence in innovation, manufacturing and talent management. By connecting with its employees and keeping them engaged, the India-based company is able to clearly communicate the group's vision and goals with its staff.

Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing, TTF High Jewellery
Since its establishment in September 2002, the Shenzhen-based jewelry manufacturer has been producing jewelry pieces of outstanding design and craftsmanship. TTF has mastered many high-level techniques in jewelry making, including K-gold production, which gives gold lasting color and shine.

Industry Innovation of the Year – Retail, Plukka (HK) Ltd.
Leveraging the power of social media and online marketing, Plukka (HK) Ltd is changing the dynamics of jewelry trade and manufacturing. Launched less than a year ago by partners Jai Waney and Joanne Ooi, the Hong Kong-based e-Retailer is bringing the concept of group buying to a larger audience.

Manufacturer of the Year, Pranda Group
The Thailand-based company prides itself on being a leading supplier of high-quality jewelry to some of the world's most recognizable retail brands, while offering its own branded jewelry products. With a 4,000-strong workforce in seven manufacturing facilities, the company produces more than 10,000 new designs and over 8 million pieces annually.

Retailer of the Year, Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd.
One of Hong Kong's most successful home-grown brands, Lukfook operates more than 920 retail outlets worldwide, more than 870 of which are in China. The company uses innovative technology to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer experience.

Sustainability Initiative of the Year, Jewelmer International Corp.
Renowned for its golden South Sea cultured pearls, Jewelmer champions sustainable development in its operations and projects. Based in the Philippines, it adopts the most ecologically friendly practices in its pearl farms in Palawan. Jewelmer's Save Palawan Seas Foundation also provides coastal communities with livelihood alternatives to destructive fishing practices.

Young Leader of the Year (Age 30 or below), Chris Benham (The Inspired Collection)
Benham has led the New Zealand-based company into winning several domestic and international jewelry design awards over a span of just three years. Known for its fresh, innovative approach to diamond jewelry design, The Inspired Collection has also won major design contracts with highly respected companies, including Hiersun, a retailer with more than 200 bridal jewelry shops in China.

The following companies have been selected as honorees of the inaugural JNA Awards 2012, Wonder of the World category:

Vitalit, Thailand, two entries — Vivid Orange Natural Mandarin Garnet in finest cut cushion shape or Natural Spessartite (Garnet); and Pinkish Red Spinel of Pamir Mountains origin.

Makhni Enterprises, Thailand — A pair of rare 8 carats unheated rubies

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JNN to Return to the September Hong Kong Fair

Once again I’ll be attending the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the largest fine jewelry tradeshow in the world. It’s an event that has grown so large it is now held at two separate venues:

* The Asia World-Expo next to Hong Kong International Airport for diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls and equipment will be held September 19-23; and

* The Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, in the Wan Chai district overlooking Victoria Harbor for finished jewelry, September 21-25.

The combined exhibition space totals more than 1.4 million square feet. For the first time since the show was expanded to two venues, I will attend the Asia World-Expo portion of the show.

In 2011, the show saw 16 percent growth in attendance to 51,500 industry professionals from 155 countries and regions who had a chance to look at the products and services of more than 3,450 vendors from 46 countries. Obviously, the draw is the high-growth Asian market led by China. Hong Kong bills itself as the gateway to the economic powerhouse.

Luxury, designer and mass-produced and antique jewelry will be on display using all known jewelry making materials, including, a pavilion dedicated to jadeite, extremely popular in China.

One of the new additions to the show is free digital marketing workshops. Presentations will include know-how and practical tips but also statistics and data taken from JewelleryNetAsia’s original research and analytics.

Another new focus is The JNA Awards, an industry-wide event that honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the global jewelry trade with an Asian focus. The awards ceremony and gala dinner will be held on September 20 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The awards are organized by Jewellery News Asia in collaboration with the UBM Awards.

I am looking forward to seeing the luxury and designer jewelry coming out of Asia to see how much it has grown and changed from last year. 

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Free Digital Marketing Workshops at Hong Kong September Jewelry Fair

The upcoming September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2012 will include free digital marketing workshops, which will take place prior to the show’s daily opening.

The workshops are being offered by JewelleryNetAsia, the Web portal for the jewelry industry and a division of UBM Asia. They provide exhibitors and buyers an opportunity to combine their business activities with free education in digital marketing.

“With the workshops, we intend to break down the challenges of the digital environment into simple steps. Participants walk away with tangible knowledge,” said Jerome Hainz, manager of eBusiness at UBM Asia. “Many jewelry professionals have difficulties in keeping up with the fast developments online. But using digital channels as tools to generate new leads and nurture existing business can generate a significant advantage.”

The presentations will include know-how and practical tips but also statistics and data taken from JewelleryNet’s original research and analytics.

The presentations will be held September 20 and 21 at Asia World Expo and September 22 and 24 at Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre. The workshops will start at 9:15 am. Seating is limited and online pre-registration is recommended via the following link: http://tinyurl.com/DigitalMarketingWorkshop-Sep .

For further information contact marketing@jewellerynetasia.com or call +852 2827 6211

The September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 2012 will be held September 19 -23 at the Asian World Expo and September 21 – 25 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

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Judges named for JNA Awards

From left: Albert Cheng, MD of World Gold Council - Far East, James Courage, CEO of Platinum Guild International, Matthew Runci, president & CEO of Jewelers of America, and Wilson Yuen, president of International Colored Gemstone Association

Jewellery News Asia, has revealed the names of the international panel of jewelry industry experts who will serve as judges for the JNA Awards.

The panel consists of:

Albert Cheng, managing director, World Gold Council - Far East
James Courage, CEO, Platinum Guild International UK Ltd
Matthew Runci, president and CEO, Jewelers of America
Wilson Yuen, president, International Colored Gemstone Association

"It is exciting to have these authoritative leaders representing various sectors of the industry and different corners of the world serving as judges in our inaugural event," said Letitia Chow, founder of Jewellery News Asia and director of business development. "It is important that the process is robust, transparent and intellectually rigorous."

The JNA Awards is an industry-wide event that honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the Asian jewelry trade. The awards ceremony and gala dinner will be held on September 20, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The event, the first of its kind in Asia, is organized by Jewellery News Asia, a subsidiary of UBM Asia, in collaboration with UBM Awards.

The competition is open for entries until May 4. Interested parties may obtain details on the award categories, rules of entry, judging criteria and judging process by logging on to www.JNAawards.com. Entry forms are available online.

JNA Awards Categories are:

* Manufacturer of the Year
* Retailer of the Year
* Employer of the Year
* Brand of the Year
* Industry Innovation of the Year—Manufacturing
* Industry Innovation of the Year—Retail
* Sustainability Initiative of the Year
* Young Leader of the Year (Age 30 or below)
* 3 Decades of Excellence Award
* Outstanding Contribution to the Industry of the Year
* Lifetime Achievement Award
* Wonder of the World Award

Hong Kong Trade Fair Attendance Up 16%

The ceremony at the opening of the fair at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The world’s largest jewelry trade fair has lived up to its billing by smashing attendance records.

The September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, which concluded September 25, saw its attendance increase by 16.3 percent, according to its organizer, UBM Asia. A total of 51,500 trade professionals from 155 countries and regions had the opportunity to view the product and services of more than 3,450 exhibitors from 46 countries. It was the largest exhibitor and visitor turnout in the Fair’s history.

Buyers from China formed the biggest group of visitors from outside Hong Kong with 11,483, up 45 percent from last year. Buyers from India followed with 3,519 visitors, up 12 percent from last year. The United States placed third with 2,423, up 29 percent from last year.

“The strong visitor attendance from China and India was not surprising, considering that these two markets are the main drivers of jewelry demand today. What was even more encouraging was the growth in visitor attendance from the United States and Italy—29 and 42 percent, respectively,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs, UBM Asia. “There was also notable growth in visitor numbers from Brazil, Israel, Iran, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. This tells us clearly that apart from traditional and mainstream jewelry markets, there are emerging markets that show great potential to become a force of growth in the future.”

The September fair was held in two venues: AsiaWorld-Expo from September 19 to 23, and the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre from September 21 to 25.

Other highlights of the trade fair, include:

* More than 114,000 daily visits were recorded during the Fair.

* Hong Kong-based visitors totaled 16,931, accounting for about 33 percent of the total number of visitors. The rest of the visitors: 34,569, or about 67 percent of the overall total, were from overseas.

* The trade fair organized 27 buyers’ delegation comprising a total of 1,300 buyers from China, Finland, India, Israel, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Russia. Members of the China delegation came from 14 provinces and cities.

* The number of overseas visitors grew by 21.4 percent from last year.

First Impressions of the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair

HONG KONG—From the lion dance welcoming visitors to the second part of the two-tier event, to the mad scramble at buffet tables during the evening reception, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair kept me very busy. Unfortunately, I didn’t see much jewelry. That will come tomorrow.

The weeklong event, held in two venues (September 19-23 at the Asia World-Expo near the Hong Kong International Airport for diamonds, colored gemstones, materials and equipment; and September 21-25 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre for finished jewelry) is now the world’s largest fine jewelry fair, according to event organizers, UBM Asia. After attending the show Wednesday, I have no reason to doubt them.

Trade fair organizers and trade association leaders at opening day press conference.

The first two days of the fair attracted 15,000 buyers, a 32 percent increase from last year, Jimé Essink, president & CEO of UBM Asia Ltd., said during the opening day finished jewelry press conference Wednesday. “It is beyond our wildest dreams,” he said. “With (an expected) 45,000 buyers from 135 countries, it cements its standing as the world’s number one jewelry event.”

Letitia Chow, UBM Asia director of Business Development - Jewelry Group, and Wendy Pang, senior marketing manager - Jewellery Fair, at the evening reception.

Why has this tradeshow attracted so much attention in recent years? Two words: China, India.  While much of the world labors under an economic slowdown, the economies of these two countries are humming along. This is where the strongest growth in attendees is coming from, as buyers try to take advantage of consumers who are more than willing to spend their newfound wealth on jewelry. People from Mainland China now accounts for 32 percent of all attendees and for the first time has overtaken Hong Kong as the top visitor group.

Hong Kong, with its international port, strong business environment and its ideal location, is considered the gateway to China and much of Asia. Designers and manufacturers from around the world are flocking to this show to get into these strong markets. More than 3,300 vendors from 46 countries represent an 8 percent increase over last year, ensuring that the 1.4 square-feet of combined exhibition space is fully occupied. Planned expansion to the two massive centers won’t be ready for at least four years, leaving the organizers with the unusual task of being unable to grow further. But as Essink told me: “It’s a good problem to have."

The official toast at the evening reception.

I last attended this event in 2005 and I have to say to say that moving unfinished jewelry vendors to a second location has certainly made the convention center much easier to navigate. Security checkpoints are fewer and I can actually walk through the hallways and exhibition areas of the five-story convention center without running through a sea of bodies. Layouts are much easier to understand. Silver jewelry and other lower cost finished product have its own area. The International Premiere Pavilion features exhibitors showcasing luxury jewelry from about 20 countries in a dedicated space. Top Hong Kong brands have their own pavilion.

As I said previously, I will be talking jewelry tomorrow.

Hungry people