Macau To Enter Rough Trading Through New Diamond and Gem Exchange

Macau is setting up an international trading center for diamonds and rough gems to leverage its relations with Portuguese-speaking diamond producers and take advantage of the rapid development and vast potential of China’s jewelry market.

The Macau China Diamond & Gem Exchange announcement

To help meet this goal, the recently formed Macau China Diamond & Gem Exchange (MDGE) used the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair to announce that it signed an agreement with the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE) and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC Macau) to promote the city as a global diamond and gem trading center.

The September 13 announcement was held at the AsiaWorld-Expo convention facility near Hong Kong’s international airport. 

“The rapid development and vast potential of China’s jewelry market has coincided with the evolving plans of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area creating an opportunity for diamond and gem trading in Macau,” MDGE said in a statement. “With available financing, low and simple taxation as well as an attractive free trade policy, Macau also has its own commercial and financial advantages to enter the global diamond industry. Building upon China’s “One Country, Two Systems” policy, and the strong support of Macau’s political leaders and business community.”

The organization added, “Through the strategic partnership between MDGE and SDE, the integration of SDE’s policy and management expertise within MDGE will accelerate progress to build upon Macau’s position as an international free trade port and the preferential policies of the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macau Great Bay Area. Further enhancing this arrangement, ICBC will provide unique financial services to MDGE members as strategic partner of MDGE.”

The agreement allows for the training of professionals in authentication, design and transformation of jewelry. It also makes use of Macau’s position as a world tourism and leisure center and a platform of services between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

In addition, the agreement will allow MDGE to actively develop concentrated rough-diamond trading, which will drive rough diamonds into the Shanghai Diamond Exchange and further promote the Chinese industry.

Founded in 2000, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange is the only diamond import and export market in the interior of China and the fifth largest diamond trading center in the world.

China imports precious and semi-precious stones from Angola, Brazil and Mozambique.

The demand for diamonds in the wedding market in Macau and in the interior of China has grown significantly as a result of the rapid growth of the Chinese economy.

House Of Garrard Opens Its First Boutique In Shanghai

The entrance of the new Garrard boutique in Shanghai

The House of Garrard has set up a shop in Shanghai to introduced Chinese citizens and tourists to the heritage of the world’s longest serving fine jeweler, while browsing the collections that include bridal jewelry, tiaras and rare gems. 

The boutique is located in the Bund district in the longest baroque style building in China built in 1911, which also happens to be the same year that Garrard opened its flagship store in London. 

To celebrate the launch of the boutique, the British jeweler has drawn inspiration from its heritage and created a selection of one-of-a-kind pieces exclusive to Shanghai. The Emerald Ivy suite is a combination of emeralds and brilliant diamonds consisting of earrings, bracelet and a transformable necklace that can be worn in three different ways. In addition, there’s the Eternal Fringe suite, a necklace and earring combination containing more than 40 carats of diamonds, and the Azalea Tiara, an all-diamond headpiece that reflects the romantic royal heritage of Garrard.

The Emerald Ivy transformable necklace

Other lines housed in the new boutique include Garrard’s iconic Wings collection and the new Enchanted Palace collection, a whimsical and modern take on the Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London. Garrard has a strong reputation for designing bespoke pieces and this will continue in Shanghai with clients being able to work with the London design team to create one-offs.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to be bringing The House of Garrard directly to the Chinese market with the opening of our Shanghai boutique,” said Joanne Milner, CEO of The House of Garrard. “We are confident that our iconic collections and bespoke designs, coupled with our long standing British heritage will find a happy home in one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the world.”

A rendering of the Azalea Tiara 

The House of Garrard is known for working closely with the British Royal Family throughout the jeweler’s storied history. First commissioned in 1736 by Fredrick, Prince of Wales, and appointed crown jewelers by Queen Victoria in 1943, Garrard has served each subsequent monarch since. The House has created iconic tiaras which are still worn at state occasions as well as the sapphire cluster engagement ring worn by Princess Diana and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. 

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12th China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai Kicks Off

The China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai opened Friday at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center and will run until November 21. The fair features around 250 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions. Exhibits include finished jewelry, diamonds, gemstones, raw materials, tools and packaging, luxury and antique timepieces, and arts and crafts. 

The Asia-Pacific Jewellery & Watch Expo, debuts in this edition. The new fair, which will be held concurrently with the Shanghai Fair, is a result of UBM Asia’s strategic alliance with the Shanghai NIU International Exhibition Co Ltd. Exhibitors offer a wide range of arts and crafts, timepieces and jewelry products, including embroidery, noble antique silverware from the east and west, and traditional China’s palace art from Beijing. 

Seven other pavilions debut as well. They are: the Beijing Arts and Crafts Association, Guangzhou Light Industry Arts and Crafts Enterprise, Hunan Embroidery Research Institute, Committee of Collection and Research of China Horologe Association, Shanghai Gem and Jade Trading Center Co Ltd, Shanghai Timepiece Trade Association,and the Shanghai Jade Carving Culture Association. 

Retail sales in China in April 2016 grew by about 10 percent year-over-year, according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics show. China’s jewelry retail market remained steady in the first eight months of 2016, with data showing sales of gold and jewelry products totaled around $28.5 billion during the period. 

“We see a lot of opportunities in China. There is still much room for growth especially given the Chinese government’s efforts to shore up domestic consumption,” said Joe Ho, UBM Asia’s Fair Manager in China. “Wages have risen; we have an enormously huge population base, and millions of Chinese have moved into the cities from the countryside. I feel confident about China’s economy and the consumers’ spending power. I am also confident that the Shanghai Fair will do its job of serving the industry by matching our local and overseas exhibitors with serious buyers from the China market and beyond.” 

Other Attractions include:

Sri Lanka Pavilion – showcases the world renowned Ceylon Sapphire and a vast array of rough and polished gemstones

Taiwan Pavilion – specializes in Grade A fei cui jewelry and coral and gemstone jewelry

Korea Pavilion – offers a range of fashion jewelry with trendy and innovative designs popular among teens

India Pavilion – showcases India’s jewelry craftsmanship in gold jewelry manufacturing and diamond cutting and polishing

Special Events – Jewelry design award ceremony, jewelry and craft auction, and educational seminars give buyers the opportunity to learn and network.

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China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai kicks off November 18

The China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai for the Eastern China market will be held November 18-21 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. 

Now on its 12th edition, the Shanghai Fair will host more than 300 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions. The latest contemporary jewelry and classic bestsellers will be displayed in over 11,000 square meters of exhibition space. Large groups of exhibitors, such as those from Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Korea and India as brand new exhibitor will showcase their products under their respective pavilions. 

This year’s Shanghai Fair will unveil a host of new features, including the Asia-Pacific Jewellery & Watch Expo. The new exhibition will be held concurrently with the Shanghai Fair. It will offer a range of arts and crafts, timepieces and jewelry products. The new exhibition is a result of UBM Asia’s strategic alliance with the Shanghai NIU International Exhibition Co Ltd making the concept “one site two fairs,” become a reality. The Asia-Pacific Jewellery & Watch Expo is co-organized by the China National Light Industry Council, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization Division of Foreign Economy. 

There are seven brand new pavilions at this exhibition, they are: Beijing Arts and Crafts Association, Guangzhou Light Industry Arts and Crafts Enterprise, Hunan Embroidery Research Institute, Committee of Collection and Research of China Horologe Association, Shanghai Gem and Jade Trading Center Co Ltd, Shanghai Timepiece Trade Association, and the Shanghai Jade Carving Culture Association. 

The pavilions will showcase a range of jewelry and gemstone products, luxury and antique timepieces, and arts and crafts. For instance, there are the “Eight Great Crafts of Yanjing,” representing traditional China’s palace art from Beijing; exquisite and noble antique silverware from the east and west, and, timeless embroidery that reflect the unique craftsmanship of artisans.

Others attractions include:

Sri Lanka Pavilion – Over 40 exhibitors under the Sri Lanka Pavilion showcasing the world renowned Ceylon Sapphire and a vast array of rough and polished gemstones.

Taiwan Pavilion – Around 30 Taiwan exhibitors specializing in Grade A fei cui jewelry and all kinds of high-quality coral and gemstone jewelry.

Korean Pavilion – Korean exhibitors offer a wide range of the latest fashion jewelry with trendy and innovative designs popular among teens.
India Pavilion – The brand new India Pavilion will debut at this edition of the Shanghai Fair. The exhibitors will showcase India’s unique jewelry craftsmanship in gold jewelry manufacturing and diamond cutting and polishing.

Special events – Jewelry design award ceremony, jewelry and craft auction, and educational seminars. 

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5,000 Attend China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai

The 11th edition of the China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai concluded with 5,025 buyers from 30 countries and regions, according UBM Asia, which owns and operates the trade fair.

Held December 11 - 14 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, the fair featured 354 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions in over 14,000 square meters of exhibition space.

Out of the total attendance, 190 visitors were from overseas and Hong Kong, UBM said.

Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs, UBM Asia, said that Japanese jewelry is one of the best-selling items in China. “In response to market demand, we launched at this edition the Japan Pavilion hosted by the Yamanashi Jewelry Association,” she said. 

Yamanashi is a jewelry manufacturing base in Japan, known for its craftsmanship and designs

Other show features include “The Premier Pavilion” for high-end fine jewelry and country pavilions from Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey offered visitors a wide variety of jewelry. 

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Shanghai Jewelry Fair Opens Friday

The China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai opens its doors Friday and will run till December 14 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the Shanghai Fair will host more than 300 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions, including Australia, Austria, Canada, mainland China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Myanmar, Poland, Russian Federation, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, and Hong Kong and Taiwan regions.

The latest contemporary jewelry, classic bestsellers and inspiring up-and-coming trends will be displayed in more than 15,000 square meters of exhibition space. There will also be diamonds, gems, pearls, jadeite and coral; and jewelry making machinery and equipment.

In Shanghai, retail sales of consumer goods totaled more than $110 million in 2014, according to UBM Asia, which owns and operates the annual jewelry trade fair.

Attractions at the fair include:

* Premier Pavilion – This area is for high-end consumers, retailers and private collectors. Among the participants are AP Coral Sas, Bashari Diamonds (Shanghai) Ltd, CHQ GmbH, Cimmino (Shanghai) Import Export Co Ltd, Kim Dai Hook Jewellery Co, Moyuren Art Jadeite Jewellery Co Ltd, Robert Wan Shanghai Co Ltd, Triluck (HK) Ltd and United Jewelry Co.

* Country pavilions include Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Turkey.

* One-stop sourcing platform for colored gemstones – More than 40 exhibitors from Sri Lanka and Thailand will gather in this area to offer rough and polished colored gemstones including rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

Free translation services are available at the fair upon request. A free on-site professional product testing service to examine the quality of products is also available to help strengthen buyers’ confidence in the quality of products offered at the fair.

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China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai Attracts More than 7,000 Visitors

The 10th edition of the China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai ended with more than 7,000 visitors from 32 countries.

The event held November 6 – 9, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, also featured 340 exhibitors from 21 countries.

“We always strive to make the Shanghai Fair an ideal springboard for jewelers who aim to enter China's vibrant jewellery market,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs, UBM Asia Ltd. “This year, we introduced a new element to the fair—the first-ever Korea Pavilion and the preview of Mineral & Gem Asia. This new feature joins other fair attractions, among them the Premier Pavilion, the largest Sri Lanka Pavilion in this fair’s history. Other group pavilions housing exhibitors from United States, Thailand and Taiwan region. The exhibits offered visitors a wide range of jewelry, diamonds, gemstones and jadeite from world-class suppliers as well as unmatched opportunity to network and see the latest trends.”

UBM China Holdings Ltd., hosted a seminar titled, “Investment and Collection of Mineral Crystals,” that provided information on the latest market information on gems and minerals.

“Shanghai is an important market for the jewelry trade, which is why we’ve been participating in the Shanghai Fair for many years,” said Safraz Jabir, color stone specialist of Safaiyers, a gemstone exporter of Sri Lanka, exhibiting at the fair. “We met many buyers, mainly from China, and received some orders with them. We are happy with the overall result.”

Con Arsenikakis of Olympic Opal Co Pty Ltd from Australia, said it was his first time at the fair.

“I am a retailer in Australia and I came to update myself with the latest trends,” he said. “The fair offers buyers a wide array of quality exhibits; I met my suppliers, mostly from Hong Kong.”

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Montblanc Launches Bohème Watch Collection with Elegant, Elaborate Performance in Shanghai

Celebrities from around the world in attendance with Jérôme Lambert, Montblanc International CEO (fourth from left) at the Bohème ladies watch collection launch.

Luxury brand Montblanc chose Shanghai for the global introduction of its new Bohème ladies watch collection with a star-studded affair on August 28 at the Children’s Art Theatre attended by several hundred invited guests and media. 

In doing so the luxury brand showed to the world that the traditionally masculine brand is looking to the ladies market for growth, that it values its long relationship with China, and that it is able to create a buzz in one of the largest and fastest growing markets in the world.

Montblanc Bohème Perpetual Calendar Jewellery

The event itself was a large-scale production held in a circular theater setting with colorful performances that could rival Las Vegas in terms of spectacle with musicians, dancers and models rising up from beneath the floor of the theater in various places. Several celebrities from around the world strolled the red carpet outside the theater and participated in the performance’s grand finale. The guests of honor were Taiwanese-born actress and Montblanc Brand Ambassador Kwai Lun Mei and Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, a designated friend of the brand. Prior to the performance, watch making demonstrations were held in the lobby of the theater. 

The performance during the August 28 unveiling of the Bohème ladies watch line at the Children’s Art Theatre in Shanghai, China.

Jérôme Lambert, Montblanc International CEO, said the luxury brand’s relationship with China goes back to 1992 and has grown to become one of its top three markets. The company now has 105 points of sale, including 47 mono-brand boutiques. Needless to say the country is very important to the luxury brand.

Colorful Italian Leather Straps for Bohème Watches created by Montblanc’s leather manufacturing operation in Florence, Italy. In addition to traditional styles, the straps are available in yellow, orange, and two shades of blue. 

Then there are the female shoppers, whose appetite in China (and in much of the world) for luxury goods continues to grow. This is the where Montblanc, a traditionally masculine luxury brand, is focusing its efforts. 

Montblanc ambassador and actress Gwei Lun-Mei was the
guest of honor at the global launch of the Bohème watch collection.

“More than 35 percent of our clientele of Montblanc (worldwide) are ladies, but they are buying a lot for their husbands or boyfriends,” said Jérôme Lambert, Montblanc International CEO. “We do believe there is an opportunity to bring them along to the maison…. We know ladies are very determined when it comes to luxury goods these days in China. It’s a natural extension of the market.”

Models wear Bohème watches on stage during the Bohème global launch event at the Children’s Art Theatre in Shanghai, China

Lambert added that products for women now account for 20 percent of Montblanc’s inventory.

Bohème Date Automatic Jewellery

The Bohème ladies watch collection feature both a feminine exterior with precious gems and metals while inside it is powered by serious movements and complications. It is an extension of a feminine writing instruments collection under the same name. The lead item in this collection is the “Bohème Perpetual Calendar Jewellery.”

The Montblanc name and star logo clearly visible on the exterior of the Children’s Art Theatre.

The 36mm watch features a silver guilloché dial that shows the month and leap year cycle at 12 o’clock, date at 3 o’clock, moon phases at 6 o’clock and day of the week at 9 o’clock. The bezel of the red-gold case is adorned with 60 diamonds and the winding crown is topped with a diamond in the shape of the Montblanc star emblem. 

Actor Chris Hemsworth, a friend of the Montblanc brand, attends the launch of the Bohème collection.

The watch is powered by the automatic caliber MB 29.15, which was introduced at Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in January for the Montblanc Meisterstück Heritage Perpetual Calendar men’s watch, which distinguished itself as perhaps the first watch with a perpetual calendar and a moon phase for 10,000 euros. The perpetual calendar requires no manual adjustment until the year 2100. However, if a correction is needed, tiny controls hidden inside the watch allow for fast and easy adjustments.

Musicians perform at the global launch of the Bohème watch collection.

The Bohème Date Automatic features several styles of diamonds, gold and stainless steel with mother-of-pearl, diamond pavé or guilloche dial finishes. The 30mm watch features an elongated date display at 6 o’clock. The shape serves as the signature style of the Bohème collection.

Bohème was traditionally a collection of feminine writing instruments. It's fitting that new writing instruments would accompany the introduction of the Bohème watch collection.

Floral Arabic numerals with “filet sauté” minute scale, the blued or red gold-plated leaf-shaped hour-and minute-hand and the central second hand extended with the Montblanc star emblem. It is powered by a MB 24.14 automatic movement. The bezel of the jewelry version of the watch can be adorned with 62 diamonds and a dial topped with 8 diamonds. 

Celebrity blogger Chiara Ferragni

Lambert, who has led Montblanc for a little over a year has been credited with finding synergies between the brand’s various manufacturing facilities. In this case, he used Montblanc’s leather manufacturing operation in Florence, Italy, to create colorful watch straps for the Bohème collection, thus giving buyers more options when selecting watches. In addition to traditional styles, the wristbands are available in yellow, orange, and two shades of blue. 

Bohème red gold and silver jewelry collection to accompany the new watch collection.

“We believe that cross fertilization, in this case leather and watches, combines itself quite nicely,” Lambert said. “It’s a good way for us to sustain a better approach to a lifestyle.”

Jérôme Lambert, Montblanc International CEO

The Bohème collection also includes complementary jewelry and writing instruments. 

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9th China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai opens Nov. 8

The key fine jewelry trade fair in Eastern China, the 9th edition of the China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai, will be held from Nov. 8 – 11 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

More than 300 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions will showcase contemporary jewelry, classic bestsellers and up-and-coming trends in 17,000 square meters of exhibition space.

“The trickle-down effect from China’s booming economy has contributed to the robust growth in jewelry consumption in China,” said officials representing UBM Asia, which owns and operates the tradeshow.

Retail sales of consumer goods in Shanghai totaled RMB388 billion ($63.63 billion) in the first half of 2013, according to the Shanghai government, and sales during that period increased by 60 percent.

With its November schedule, the Shanghai fair provides a last-minute opportunity for buyers to replenish inventories for the Christmas and Chinese New Year seasons.

The fair will have several pavilions and special product displays. They include:

* Premier Pavilion, which features world-renowned high-end jewelry retailers;

* Taiwan Pavilion with 30 exhibitors, featuring with its translucent jade and jadeite jewelry;

* Sri Lanka and Thailand Pavilions with 40 exhibitors featuring colored gemstones;

* The Australia Pavilion will make its debut at the Fair featuring its national gem: opal. It will include the National Opal Collection with its display of rare opal fossils and specimens from the dinosaur age.

Translation services will be provided on site for free, upon request. An on-site professional product testing service to examine the quality of products. In addition, a free shuttle bus service will be provided to take visitors from Exit 4 of “Yaohua Road” Metro Station to the fair venue.

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Shanghai Fair Provides Buying Opportunities for Upcoming Holidays

Jewelry retailers in Asia will have a final opportunity to stock their shelves for the upcoming Christmas holidays and Chinese New Year festivities during the China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shanghai (Shanghai Fair), from November 9 – 12 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

More than 300 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions will showcase the latest contemporary jewelry, classic bestsellers and trends during the eighth edition of the annual trade fair, organized by UBM Asia.

In 2011, retail sales of consumer goods in Shanghai exceeded RMB677 billions, up 12.3 percent from 2010. Retail sales of gold and jewelry alone grew roughly 25 percent, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China.

Given its November schedule, the Shanghai Fair provides the last-minute opportunity for buyers wanting to add to their inventory for the busy Christmas and Chinese New Year festivities.

Pavilions dedicated to luxury jewelry manufacturers, jadeite manufacturers from Taiwan and gems from Sri Lanka are among the features of the fair.

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Luxury Brands Still Bet on China

Hublot Shanghai boutique.

Despite the recent reports of an economic slowdown in China, luxury companies continue to build their extravagant retail spaces for the growing mass of wealthy and middle class shoppers.

The latest example of this is Swiss luxury watch brand, Hublot, which opened its second boutique in Shanghai Tuesday. Located on Nanjing West Road, an area renowned for its concentration of top luxury brands, the boutique features the black that defines the Hublot brand along with leather furnishings, glass and metal fixtures, and high-tech details that create a contemporary space.

The boutique is the fourth in China for Hublot along with four other points of sale in Beijing, Shanghai, Dalian, Shenyang and Wuhan. The brand said it plans to have 15 outlets in China “within a short time frame.”

A month earlier, the German luxury brand, Montblanc, opened a four-story flagship in Beijing to house its luxury writing instruments, timepieces, fine jewelry and leather goods with an extravagant party attended by 1,000 persons, including Jessica Alba, Naomi Watts, Nicolas Cage and Amber Heard.

It is the largest store by the brand and includes interactive displays throughout the store that focuses on the company’s heritage.

So while investors take a pause, luxury brands continue to bet that China will continue on its road to prosperity.

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