Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair Excelled

With all the talk of the September Hong Kong Jewelry & Gem Fair, there was another show quietly being held at the AsiaWorld-Expo, sharing space with the materials portion of the better known September Hong Kong fair. 

Buyers entering Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair – September

Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair – September (9FJ), one of the industry’s most inspiring and exciting events, was held September 12 – 15, which means the fair ended one day before Super Typhoon Mangkhut touched down on Hong Kong. 

The four-day fair hosted about 350 exhibitors and drew more than 9,000 local and overseas buyers. It occupied Hall 2 and the Concourse of AWE, and as an annual show, it has gained traction as a hub of opportunity for fashion jewelry and accessories manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, retailers, designers and buyers.

The fair specializes in low-cost design-oriented jewelry made with non-precious materials. Many of the larger pieces would be called costume jewelry in the U.S., but there were also more petite designs. Since design is such a focus of the show, no exhibitors would allow me to take photographs of their pieces since stealing designs is a concern. The fair also materials used to make fashion-oriented jewelry.

The Designer Atelier, a special zone featured a select group of independent designers from Hong Kong, debuted at this year’s fair. Another new attraction was the Fashion Accessories zone, which provided the latest creations of manufacturers and designers who are bringing their distinctive elements to the show, from beaded clutches and purses to colorful shawls and stoles.

A highlight of the show was the Stainless Steel Jewellery Pavilion, where exhibitors presented an array of stainless steel jewelry designed to complete a fashion-forward, urban-themed look. Versatile and affordable, stainless steel jewelry remains one of the most popular goods at this fair. 

Five group pavilions represented mainland China, India, Korea, the Philippines and the Taiwan region were also among the show’s top draws.

A tradition of the annual fair was the Editor’s Choice section, which provided a peak at the design trends for Spring/Summer. This year, the show turned the spotlight on three of the hottest materials that will be prevalent in the upcoming seasons: Beads, metals and semi-precious stones.

Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair Attracts 7,500 Buyers

The 14th edition of Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair – September attracted 7,501 international buyers over four days. The majority of buyers came from overseas—from 103 countries and regions—accounting for 56 percent over the overall total. Buyers from mainland China and Hong Kong accounted for the remaining 27 percent and 17 percent, respectively.

The fair was held September 13 - 16 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. 

The top 10 sources of visitors, excluding China and Hong Kong were led by India, USA, Japan, Taiwan region, Korea, Thailand, Australia, Italy, Germany, and the Philippines. Altogether, the top 10 accounted for roughly 35 percent of the total number of visitors.

“The visitor statistics reflect 9FJ’s international status and industry support for this event. This edition also benefitted from our increased investment in promotional activities across different channels as well as the exciting attractions it offers, such as the popular Editor’s Choice,” said Celine Lau, Director of Jewellery Fairs at UBM Asia Ltd.

The fair occupied 11,360 sqm of exhibition space with 402 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions. There were five group pavilions at the fair, representing mainland China, India, Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan region. 

“With men’s jewellery trending up, the Stainless Steel Jewellery Pavilion continues to be a popular destination for buyers,” Lau said. 

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The 14th Hong Kong Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair Opens

The 14th edition of Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair – September opened its doors Tuesday and will run till September 16 at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong. 

The show houses around 400 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions in 11,360 square meters of exhibition space. More than 80 percent of the exhibitors are from overseas; among them are companies from mainland China, Italy, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, UK, USA, Hong Kong and Taiwan regions. More than 6,600 buyers are expected to visit over the four-day period.

The event features several attractions, including five group pavilions, representing mainland China, India, Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan region. The popular Stainless Steel Jewellery Pavilion has around 40 suppliers.

Teaming up with the editors of AFJA Review, "Editor’s Choice" is a new addition to the fair. Exhibitors’ products, selected by the editors, are displayed under four categories—stainless steel, natural materials, crystals and semiprecious stones, and pearls and imitation pearls. This special display presents visitors inspired choices and up-and-coming trends. 

“The launch of Editor’s Choice is a result of feedback from buyers and part of our effort to enhance attractions at 9FJ,” said Ms Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at UBM Asia Ltd. “September is a prime time for stocking for the holidays and sourcing for Spring/Summer 2017 collections,” Lau continued. “And with 9FJ being held alongside the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, buyers can tap opportunities in two shows, in one trip.” 

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A Modern Take On Traditional Pearl Jewels

Bijules’ ultra modern approach to designing around white pearls makes cutting edge jewels look delicate and graceful, such as an 18k gold ambidextrous ear cuff with two pearls

Jewelry designers have been producing elegant, modern and even edgy jewels using the abundance and variety of pearls being produced today. The 10 pearls jewels listed in this feature reflect this trend. 

London high jeweler, Fei Liu, created a Tahitian pearl ring with a sprinkling of green garnet. 

Italian jewelry brand, Antonini, took a delicate yet edgy approach with a simple white pearl pendant, encasing the gem in black gold paved with diamonds and attaching it to a rough-textured black gold chain. 

Margery Hirschey earrings feature freshwater pearl drops that hang below simple emeralds all set in 22k yellow gold. 

The Great Pearl ring by Alex Soldier is centered with a Tahitian pearl set in encrusted platinum and further enhanced with diamonds and aquamarines. 

A bejeweled gecko clutches a simple white pearl by Zorab Creation. The gecko is made of 18k rose gold set with pink sapphire rose quartz white calcedhony and white diamond.

A string of pastel colored pearls by Etienne Perret.

An elegant bracelet by Yoko London in Tahitian Pearl is complemented with rose gold and diamonds.

Earrings by Tara Pearls use a graceful gold curve balanced by a pearl in the centre. The design presents a different look when turned to its side. It is a simple, classic look with a modern twist.

Italian jewelry brand Qayten, which specializes in Akoya pearls, added Tahitian varieties to its contemporary design jewels. The “Tahiti Bliss” necklace uses white gold and diamonds to accentuate the dark shades of the Tahitian pearls. 

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30 Spectacular Jewels From The 2016 Couture Show

The “Amal” necklace by Selim Mouzannar

The Couture Show at the Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Resort features jewelers (from international brands to individual jewelry artists) who specialize in high design, high fashion and high jewelry. 

Some of the trends of this year’s show included geometric shapes, the use of unusual materials, and more pearl jewels than in past years. Titanium seems to be growing in acceptance. Below are 30 special pieces that represent the breadth of design and materials exhibited at the show. 

The “Amal” necklace (pictured above) made of Columbia emeralds, including rare trapiche emeralds with their pinwheel of black lines, rest on a web of gold by Selim Mouzannar.

18k rose gold earrings with agate and diamonds by Lucifer Vir Honestus.

Colorful earrings from the “Rainbow Warrior Prophecy” collection by Lydia Courteille uses turquoise as the main gem enhanced with colored gems and enamel. The collection takes its inspiration from the legends and myths of Native American tribes. 

The 22k gold and lapis “Peace on Earth” ring by Arman Sarkisyan with diamonds and oxidized sterling silver. 

Diamonds look like shooting stars at the end of a rounded golden tube with this “Whirl” ring by Carelle

Photo by Anthony DeMarco

Chopard brought some of its high jewelry straight from the Cannes Film Festival and it included this large, classic emerald and diamond necklace.

Olympia Necklace in titanium and diamonds by Vhernier.

Hand crafted 18k gold pendant necklace with a large fresh water pearl and cognac diamonds with matching earrings from the Yvel Golden Sunset Collection.

Mike Joseph Waterfall chocker in yellow gold with diamonds.

Italian jewelry brand Qayten, which specializes in akoya pearls, added Tahitian varieties to its contemporary design jewels. The “Tahiti Bliss” necklace uses white gold and diamonds to Accenture the dark shades of the Tahitian pearls.  

18k rose gold ear cuffs set with champagne diamonds and Tahitian pearls from the “Burning Thistle” collection by Colette. 

The “Solena Maya” ring by Messika created with triangular, emerald and pear cut diamonds set in white gold. 

“Lily Jade Cuff” made of 18k gold with green jade, opal, pink sapphires, champagne diamonds, white diamonds and black diamonds by Wendy Yue.

Sterling silver earrings with abalone, crystal, diamond and 20k gold by Coomi.

White pearls, white diamonds and white metal for this large classic necklace by Yoko London.

Enamel red rose and green leaf cling to a yellow gold stem with thorny gems for this choker by Alison Lou.

18k rose gold and round diamond “V Ring” by Anita Ko.

Clean lines based on simple geometric forms are the foundation of the “Siracusa” earrings by Antonini.

Descending Pill” earrings made of polished 18k white gold with pavé white diamonds and blue sapphire baguettes by Deborah Pagani.

“Senso” 18k organic surface ring with pavé diamonds by Ippolita.

18k long drop earrings using colorful gems in an Art Deco motif by Jemma Wynne.

Drop earrings in 22k gold and tourmaline by Margery Hirschey.

Gold rings in gecko shapes covered in green sapphires from the African Queen collection by Mattioli. 

Large baroque pearl on a gold ring with diamond by Mizuki.

"Fly Me To The Moon" Lapis Lazuli Wing Earrings by Noor Fares.

Alexandrite and diamond ring by Omi Privé.

Gold and diamond ring by Sethi Couture.

“Aria” rings with colorful gems and diamonds by Stefan Hafner.

Classic emerald and diamond earrings by Sutra.

“Sonoma Mist Dew Drops” bracelet by Tacori. 

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Video: L’Dezen Celebrates Five Years

Payal Shah, founder of L'Dezen jewelry

Five years ago armed with a degree in architecture, a family business in the diamond industry, an obsession with entrepreneurship and a passion for design and fashion, 21-year-old Payal Shah created the L’Dezen fine jewelry brand.

The Hong Kong-resident became the ambassador of the brand, exhibiting at tradeshows around the world, becoming involved with the jewelry industry and consumers, and designing and producing diamond-centric jewels at a rapid pace. She has also amassed a huge social media following, showing the way for young and old to become enamored with fine jewelry. She also somehow found the time to get married.

I met Payal about five years ago, first at a trade show associated with Las Vegas jewelry week and then later in the year at the annual September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. I see her annually at these two events now. This blog at the time we first met was only a year old, so in a sense we were both just starting out. She explained to me her business and brand concepts and her designs based on sliced and rose-cut diamonds seemingly weaved into colorful 18k gold. Her pieces are often big and bold with unusual shapes that vary greatly. 

She impressed me enough that I first wrote about her on this blog and then later after I became the jewelry and watch correspondent for the Forbes website, where she has appeared since.   

Five years later the brand with the faux French name is worn by international celebrities and sold through retailers and online throughout the world. She also produced this video below.

There are still markets to capture and no doubt this smart, savvy and fashionable entrepreneur behind this strong and growing brand has a plan to do this. There’s little doubt her winning formula will continue to be successful.

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The 10 Best Jewels From The ‘Luxury’ Trade Show

 Ipanema bracelet by Nanis

The invitation-only Luxury trade show in Las Vegas had a bit of a more open feel as there were more visitors and exhibitors participating this year. The three-day show, which serves as a preview of the JCK Las Vegas trade show, hosted plenty of independent designers mixed in with manufacturers. 

Designs ranged from interesting takes on charms and pendants to high jewelry creations. There were fashion-forward looks and, surprisingly, plenty of color, as this show is traditionally big on white diamonds and bridal—both being the backbone of the jewelry industry. My top 10 picks are below: 

It’s easy to be charmed by Laura Bicego, the founder of the Italian jewelry brand Nanis, but she has the creativity and innovative designs to back her personal appeal. Among those at her busy booth was Jack Mitchell, the successful independent apparel and jewelry retailer who is chairman of the family owned Mitchell Stores in Connecticut and the west coast. One of the many designs that stood out was the 18k gold Ipanema bracelet (top photo), which reflects, speaks to the colors of the South American resort beach using a variety of colored gems, aquamarine, labradorite, rutilated quartz, yellow sapphires, amazonite and diamonds.

Zorab Creation’s gem-centric designs are a favorite of Jewelry News Network. This 18k gold and palladium earrings with orange sapphires, yellow and white diamonds and tsavorite has all of th4 details that the designers are known. 

Galaxy Collection Shooting Star Earrings featuring purple amethyst and diamonds set in Recycled Gold by Arya Esha

A ring centered by a moonstone with sides sprinkled with bright pink spinels by Yael Designs

A total of 45 varying sized spherical green tourmaline beads, with a combined weight of 509 carats, matched with 17.7 carats of diamonds and 19.6 carats of garnets mounted on 18k white gold by London designer, Fei Liu. The feather centerpiece can be worn separately as a brooch. 

A rose gold necklace featuring a cluster of baguette-shaped diamonds by Borgioni 

An 18k white gold pendant necklace centered with a 30.10-carat London blue topaz surrounded by 76 diamonds by PeJay Creations

The Bull and Bullfighter ring by Wendy Brandes features 429 diamonds (350 black and 79 white) set in 18k gold that depicts an oversized bull inside an arena. Inside the ring is a portrait of a bull fighter.

Openworked 18k yellow gold ring with sapphire and paraíba by Erica Courtney

LovePendants by Color Story offers a variety of 12mm round gems engraved with personal sentiments and then set in either vermeil, silver or 14k gold that can be worn as a necklace, bracelet or charm. 

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