Shenzhen International Gold, Jewelry & Gem Fair Set To Open April 20

UBM Asia’s China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shenzhen will be held April 20-22 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center. The event serves as a marketplace for approximately 300 local and overseas vendors exhibiting fine jewelry, diamonds, gemstones, raw materials, and tools and equipment in roughly 20,000 square meters of exhibition space. 

Among the attractions is the first-ever Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) pavilion, which adds to the Taiwan, Korea and China Gold Association pavilions. 

Special events include the following:

* Diamond Power Session, April 20 – Organized by AWDC, the seminar will discuss “Screening and Detection of Lab-Grown Diamonds.” Experts from AWDC will also share their insights on the latest developments in the diamond industry. Pre-registration is available until 10 April.

* China Jewelry Market Summit, April 21 – Co-organized by the Shenzhen Fair and CJNA, it is divided into two parts. First, jewelry brands will showcase their latest collections via jewelry parades, followed by a panel discussion where industry professionals will share their views on how creative marketing impacts China’s jewelry market. 

* Guangzhou Diamond Exchange Seminar, April 22 – Professionals from diamond industry will give attendees insights of latest hot topic—“Natural vs Synthetic, Perspective on the Global Diamond Industry.”

* Guangdong Gemstones & Precious Metals Testing Center Seminar, April 22 – Experts from the mainland’s leading testing centre will share their views and knowledge about the latest developments in colored gemstones, including amber.

For more details of the special events, visit the fair website. 

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One Fair Two Venues – 34th September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair

The September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, otherwise known as the September Fair, has established itself as the largest fine jewelry tradeshow since its launch in 1983.

Organized by UBM Asia Ltd, it has received support from the industry and jewelry traders around the world for years. Increased demand for exhibition space led UBM Asia to expand the September Fair, thus in 2006, the fair has been held simultaneously in two venues: the AsiaWorld-Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The dates for the upcoming tradeshow are September 13 – 17 at the AsiaWorld-Expo and September 15 – 19 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Among the new elements unveiled recently is the Bridal Jewellery Pavilion, which debuted in 2015, will be expanded for the 2016 edition. The Fair also includes the Fine Gem Pavilion, Fine Design Pavilion, Hong Kong Premier Pavilion, International Premier Pavilion, Hong Kong Pavilion, Designer Arena and Jadeite Gallery.

In 2015, organizers initiated a new security measure that entails the verification of the identity of badge holders at the venue’s entrance. Participants can expect such measure to be implemented again this year.

The September Fair is a platform for lobbying and agenda-setting for the industry, and for discovering the products and ideas that excite the jewelry market. Moreover, it brings global players together for a thoughtful dialogue. This year, the diamond auction of ALROSA, the Paspaley Pearl Auction, several conferences and other special events will be held during the Fair at both AWE and HKCEC.

Moreover, this mega fair will again feature the world’s biggest Diamond Pavilion and Pearl Pavilion, and Asia’s biggest Gemstone Pavilion.

The trade show’s Advisory Board is as follows:

* Hong Kong Jewellers’ and Goldsmiths’ Association

* The Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers Association

* Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association

* Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China

Sponsors:

* The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong

* Hong Kong Gold & Silver Ornament Workers & Merchants General Union

* The Kowloon Pearls, Precious Stones, Jade, Gold and Silver Ornament Merchants Association

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Jewellery & Gem Fair – Europe Planned For March 19

Buyers entering 2015 Jewellery & Gem Fair – Europe

The third edition of Jewellery & Gem Fair – Europe will be held March 19 – 22, 2016, in Freiburg, Germany. The show is positioned as a mid- to high-end jewelry sourcing event for continental Europe, says UBM Asia, which owns and operates the show.

In 2016, JGF Europe will occupy all the exhibition halls and the central concourse of the 19,000sqm Messe Freiburg. About 400 international and local vendors are expected to exhibit. They will be organized by product category. German exhibitors include: Arnoldi Carl Friedrich GmbH, Hammer J. E. + Soehne GmbH - Hammer Group and Gerstner August GmbH & Co KG. 

“Buyers can expect to see jewelry products with fine craftsmanship from Germany. The return of the leading jewelry companies reconfirms the importance of JGF Europe in the industry,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs, UBM Asia.

Group pavilions from ACODES of Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy and Thailand are returning. These group pavilions display distinct market specialties, such as emeralds from the ACODES pavilion and coral products from the Italian pavilion. German and Hong Kong pavilions will showcase a range of fine finished jewelry and gemstones, while Thailand will exhibit silver jewelry. 

New additions to the fair include the “LOVE” pavilion, which will showcase branded bridal jewelry collections and the “DESIGN” pavilion, which serves as an international networking platform for young European designers. The Packaging, Tools & Equipment pavilion will be 25 percent larger than the previous year, UBM Asia said.

More than 6,500 industry professionals from 87 countries and regions attended the fair in 2015 during its four-day run. 

Preregistration for the fair is now available by visiting www.jgf-europe.com/pre-registration. Pre-registration allows buyers to avoid long lines at registration counters and save the admission fee of €30.

UBM Asia is offering a free shuttle bus service to Messe Freiburg. For updates, go to www.jgf-europe.com/shuttlebus. In addition, Deutschen Bahn AG is offering a special concession on train tickets (from €99 and up) for visitors travelling from any German city to JGF Europe in Freiburg. Visit www.jgf-europe.com/train for booking details. 

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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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Value For Some, Luxury For Others At Hong Kong Jewelry Fair

Inside the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Photo credit: UBM Asia

With the slowdown in the Chinese jewelry market and other BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia and India), there was a focus on value among many of the fine jewelry vendors exhibiting at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. 

“Affordable luxury” and “fun” collections using gold and small diamonds starting at $200,” was one of the major selling points at this year’s fair, says Marie Feliciano, editor-in-chief of Jewelry News Asia. 

“Stackable rings, stack bracelets, ear climbers and multi-layered necklaces are trending,” she said. “I’ve seen some really attractive over-sized rings with colored gemstones. With regards to colored stones, tourmaline, tanzanite, topaz and fancy sapphires are quite popular. Some Hong Kong companies are using carved jade in their contemporary collections.”

It also helped to provide variety. 

Inspired Jewellery makes a statement about the financial people on Wall Street with this silver pendant necklace

Inspired Jewellery, a contemporary jewelry design firm, exhibited examples of its modern diamond-based jewelry, a line of delicate bridal rings for the Japanese market, and an affordable silver jewelry collection with satirical statements about the state of the world today. It’s called “Deception ... A Collection.”

“We’re really well-positioned with our product mix,” said Chris Benham, CEO of the New Zealand-based firm. 

The company was located in “Designer Avenue,” a new area on the fourth floor of the Hong Kong Convention & Exposition Centre dedicated to smaller design-focused firms. Benham said he was “really pleased with the crowds” from a variety of Asian countries and regions. This variety means the experiences of individual exhibitors and buyers differed.

The Inspired Jewellery booth in "Designer Avenue." Photo by Chris Benham

It’s not only the size of the show that makes it arguably the most important in the worldwide jewelry industry but its scope. The variety of jewelry available at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre includes low-end silver products, designer items, haute couture, and collectible jewelry and watches.

One of the more interesting exhibits each year is a group of jewelry designers in single booth, organized by Frank & Label, a company that represents jewelry designers in China. The number of exhibitors changes each year. This year there were about five from different countries and representing various jewelry markets. 

Evert DeGraeve, a New York-based jewelry designer who also serves as business development director for the company based in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China, says that business in China is still good despite the well-publicized difficulties, particularly at the luxury end. 

“There might be a slowdown but the markets in China are still open,” he said.

So while value was the focus for many exhibitors, those who deal in high-end jewelry still brought their best items and were ready to do business. 

So while value was the focus for many exhibitors, those who deal in high-end jewelry brought their best items with them, no matter the cost. 

A gem-encrusted lion by Atelier de Creation taken at the firm's booth. Photo by Anthony DeMarco

“It’s the hub of the jewelry industry all over the world,” said Henri Istanboulian of Zorab Atelier de Creation, which has been exhibiting at the fair for 20 years. The family owned firm specializes in unique and limited-edition high jewelry made with combinations of rare gems. “The Hong Kong show became more interesting and better than any other show.”

Sarah Ho Royal Plume Earrings in 18k white gold with pink and blue sapphires, aquamarine, diamonds and pearls; from her Couture collection

During opening day at the convention center (the third day of the fair), fine jewelry designer Sarah Ho said buyers haven’t yet made it to the back of the main hall where her booth is located. She was featuring a couture line of jewelry and the “Numerati Collection” of rings based on the numbers 1 through 9 made in 18k rose gold with diamonds.

“The numbers are visible when the ring is held but as soon as the ring is worn the number becomes a hidden secret, known on to the person wearing it,” she said.

It’s her second year at the show and she says a long-term goal is to move closer to the front of the hall. 

“Once you start a show you have to give it a few years.”

Sarah Ho Numerati Rings in 18k rose gold with diamonds

Etienne Perret, an independent jewelry designer based in Maine, was at the Asia World-Expo portion of the tradeshow where diamonds, gems, pearls and jewelry making equipment are housed. He was primarily looking for pearls to augment his ceramic jewelry creations. 

“I have been looking for 10 mm to 15 mm cultured pearls for some of my rings. To make the rings more affordable for my clients I decided to look at Chinese freshwater pearls,” he says. 

“The biggest challenge was to try to figure out which one of the hundreds of companies selling at the show to buy from. We spoke with a number of companies that were all very helpful. In the end we decided to go with a company out of Hong Kong that took credit cards and let us take the pearls with us. Being from Hong Kong it will be easy to email reorders to them.” 

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2015 JNA Awards Honors Leadership And Innovation

The JNA Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious honors in the gemstone and jewelry sector, celebrated enterprises and individuals whose ambitions have helped elevate the industry and inspired others. 

The top recipient this year was Ou Yang Chiu Mei, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, JNA’s highest honor. This tribute is presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the gemstone and jewelry industry.

Ou Yang is an internationally acclaimed gemologist and mineralogist whose research, scientific discoveries and knowledge application have contributed to the growth and development of the jadeite trade.

Her long list of accomplishments includes identifying a new mineral in the Burmese jadeite group, defining the official terminology for jade, identifying the presence of enhancement and treatment of jade in Hong Kong and producing a set of criteria for identifying and grading different jade types. Her passionate pursuit of knowledge has earned her the title “Jade Lady” among industry insiders.

Organized by the jewelry industry publication, JNA (Jewellery News Asia), the awards gala dinner was the centerpiece of a year-long effort to recognize individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves in the jewelry industry. The event—which included cocktails, dinner, speeches by industry leaders, entertainment and the award presentations—was attended by more than 500 industry stakeholders at the Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong, and was held on the sidelines of the world’s No. 1 fine jewelry B2B show, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The JNA Awards honors exceptional leadership and world-class innovation in the jewelry and gemstone industry. The 18 award recipients across 15 categories were:

1. 3 Decades of Excellence: Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association
2. Brand of the Year – Retail: Chii Lih Coral Co Ltd
3. Employer of the Year: Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co
4. Industry Innovation of the Year:
China Stone Co Ltd
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd
Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd
5. Manufacturer of the Year – Gemstone Cutting & Polishing: RMC Gems India Ltd
6. Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing: Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd
7. Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery: Lorenzo Jewelry Ltd
8. Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metals-Only Jewellery: Shenzhen Ganlu Jewelry Co Ltd
9. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – ASEAN Countries: PANDORA Production Co Ltd
10. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India: J. B. And Brothers Pvt Ltd
11. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China: Shenzhen Batar Investment
Holding Group Co Ltd
12. Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below): Golden dew Co Ltd
13. E-tailer of the Year: KELA
14. Sustainability Initiative of the Year: Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd
15. Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 or below): Sit Kwan - Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd

“As you can imagine, going through the rigorous judging process and be named as one of our honorees is an outstanding achievement in itself,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA, director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at UBM Asia and chair of the JNA Awards judging panel. “Each year, the honorees demonstrate how we can do business in a smarter, more creative and efficient way. They refuse to be complacent by displaying great resilience and forward thinking, and embracing challenges with an open mind.”

She continued, “With the JNA Awards, we help create a new culture of encouragement, recognition and celebration rather than competition. Collectively, we can reach higher grounds, and we want the world to understand us–the jewelry industry–better.”

The fourth annual JNA Awards was supported by Headline Partners Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook, together with Honoured Partners Diarough Group, Gübelin Group, Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange and Guangdong Land Holdings Ltd. 

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Hong Kong Jewelry Fair Continues to Receive Strong Industry Support

Record crowds at the 2014 September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair

Hong Kong has long been recognized as one of the world’s premier trading hubs and manufacturing centers for the jewelry industry. 

China and Hong Kong were the runaway leaders in composite luxury sales growth in 2013, with 33.4 percent growth, according to the 2015 Global Powers of Luxury Goods report by Deloitte Touche Totmatsu Ltd. Chinese and Hong Kong companies registered the fastest growth in luxury sales in 2013. In addition, China recorded a 10.7-percent hike in retail sales of gold, silver and jewelry in May 2015, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China. 

As a gateway to China’s jewelry market, Hong Kong is well positioned to host the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, organized by UBM Asia, the world’s largest B-to-B jewelry tradeshow. 

The September Fair is now in its 33rd edition and continues to be supported by industry players. Exhibitors and buyers acknowledge that the fair is an effective channel to tap into the Asian market, including the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong markets. Buyers could find just about anything at the September Fair in terms of design and material – from simple silver pieces to luxurious diamond and gemstone creations. 

This year’s fair will be held September 16 - 20 at AsiaWorld-Expo and from September 18 - 22 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s lineup features more than 3,700 exhibitors from 50 countries and regions in more than 135,000 square meters of exhibition space. AWE will display jewelry raw materials from around 1,700 local and overseas exhibitors, while HKCEC will showcase fine finished jewelry from about 2,000 international fine jewelry exhibitors. 

About 60,000 visitors are expected to attend from all over the world. 

For the first time there will be exhibitors from Latvia, Myanmar and Qatar, a “Bridal Jewellery Pavilion” and a South Africa Pavilion. This brings the total of group pavilions to 23 at both venues.

The Alrosa Group, Russia’s leading diamond company and the world’s biggest diamond miner by volume, will host its diamond auction at AWE. Meanwhile, the Paspaley Pearl Auction and Robert Wan Tahiti Perles Auction will be held in conjunction with the fair in HKCEC. The fair will again feature the world’s largest diamond pavilion, Asia’s biggest gemstone marketplace and the biggest display of Hong Kong jewelry in the world. 

Welcome receptions will be held at AWE on September 16 and at the HKCEC September 18. 

The fair is free and open to jewelry trade professionals and members of the press. Visitors under 18 will not be admitted.

Visitor pre-registration is available at this link. Registration/en until September 2. The Fair Mobile App is now available for download by following this link.

UBM Asia will organize free continuous shuttle bus service running directly between the HKCEC and AWE. For more information follow this link.  

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6,500 Buyers Attended Jewellery & Gem Fair - Europe 2015; 2016 Dates Announced

The second edition of Jewellery & Gem Fair – Europe attracted more than 6,500 jewelry professionals from around the world, of which over 4,500 were buyers from 87 countries and regions.

The jewelry trade fair, held March 22 - 25 at Messe Freiburg, Germany, also attracted 445 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions, according to UBM Asia, which owns and operates the event.

“JGF Europe is positioned as an effective trading platform for mid- to high-end jewelry,” said Wolfram Diener, Senior VP, UBM Asia. “We believe that JGF Europe fills the gap in the European trade fair calendar; it gives European buyers the opportunity to source effectively from suppliers from around the world without having to travel to overseas trade shows. With the participation of over 4,500 buyers, this shows that JGF Europe addresses a market need.”

The majority of visitors came from Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, China, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Austria. There were 1,801 buyers from Germany, while Switzerland ranked the second with 309 buyers, up 17.5 percent compared to last year. The top 10 visiting countries account for 70 percent of the total number of visitors.

Meanwhile, exhibitors were from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. In addition, nine group pavilions representing Antwerp, ACODES, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Mauritius, Thailand and the United States.

Dates for the 2016 edition of the fair are March 19 – 22. “We believe that this will enable smaller jewelry retailers or jewelrs from the peripheral area of Freiburg to have sufficient time to visit the fair,” Diener said.

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China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shenzhen opens

The China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shenzhen opened Monday at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center. The 13th edition of the fair is will run till Wednesday.

The Fair occupies 22,500 square meters of gross exhibition space and features more than 400 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions. These include mainland China, Germany, Hong Kong region, India, Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan region, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Russian Federation and Singapore.

Jewelry brands participating, include: CHQ GmbH, Fancy Gem House, KGE Rough & Gems HK Co Ltd, S. T. Trading STS Gems Ltd, Sunny Gem Co, Fai Dee Gems Co Ltd, Zhejiang Angeperle Co Ltd, Fai Po Group, and Shanghai Kimberlite Diamond Co Ltd.

This year’s edition also features specialized pavilions to global buyers, including the China Gold Association Pavilion, the Baolin Pavilion, the Korea Pavilion, and the Designer Pavilion.

Meanwhile, the China Jewellery Market Summit returns from its successful launch last year. “The inaugural edition of the China Jewellery Market Summit in 2014 was welcomed warmly by participants. The summit returns this year with even more informative topics that are sure to engage everyone,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs, UBM Asia Ltd. “We have also allocated more resources to provide a bespoke platform for jewelry companies to launch new products.”

The China Jewellery Market Summit 2015 will be held Tuesday at the New Product Launch and Forum Area in Hall 9 and starts at 2:30 pm. Co-organizer is Jewellery News Asia. The Summit is divided into two main parts: 2015 New Products Launch - Jewellery Parade, and Dialogue with China Jewellery Brands and Retailers.

The summit includes fashion shows and a series of forums on a range of industry-related topics, particularly the opportunities and challenges in China's jewellry retail market. Chan Sai Cheong, executive director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd is the keynote speaker. 

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Gemstones and Diamonds to Have its Own Stage at JGF Europe

From the 2014 JGF Europe tradeshow

Gemstones and diamonds will have its own space for the upcoming Jewellery & Gem Fair – Europe tradeshow, March 22 - 25 in Messe Freiburg, Germany. 

The fair will occupy 25,000sqm of exhibition space as it expands from three to four halls, including the central foyer. Under the product “sectorisation” concept, it will be divided into three sections: loose materials, fine jewelry and packaging, tools & equipment. “We are so glad that many of our exhibitors in the loose materials section who took part in the first edition are returning, this time with bigger booths,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs, UBM Asia, which owns and operates the trade fair.

Group pavilions in loose materials section will offer distinct market specialties, such as emeralds from Acodes and corals from the Italian Pavilion, Lau says. The pavilions from Germany, Hong Kong, Thailand and the United States will showcase a range of loose semiprecious and precious stones. Diamonds will be available at the AWDC Pavilion.

Buyers can also expect to see well-known names in the gemstone market, such as Caram e. K., CHQ GmbH, Emil Weis Opals KG and Paul Wild OHG from Germany, RMC Gems HK Co from Hong Kong, Imagem from France, and M. Golab Co Ltd from Thailand.

JGF Europe will include 400 exhibitors from around the world. As of January, more than 60 percent of the exhibitors are from various parts of Europe, The fair also features suppliers from Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. 

Visitor pre-registration for the fair is now open and can be accessed through this link. 

UBM Asia will offer a free shuttle bus service from Basel Badischer Bahnhof/Freiburg Hauptbahnhof to Messe Freiburg during the fair’s four-day run. The fair organizer is working with Deutsche Bahn AG to offer a special concession on train tickets for visitors travelling from any German city to JGF Europe in Freiburg, Germany. For transportation details, visit this link. 

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Jewellery & Gem Fair - Europe To Divide Products Into Three Sections

UBM Asia will implement what it calls a product “sectorisation” concept for the tradeshow Jewellery & Gem Fair-Europe. Under the concept, the fair will be divided into three sections—loose materials, fine jewelry and packaging, tools & equipment—with of the goal of making it easier for buyers to locate exhibitors and products. It's the same concept it uses for its other trade fairs.

The second annual JGF Europe will be held March 22 – 25 at Messe Freiburg, Germany. 

“The product sectorisation concept received a warm welcome from exhibitors and visitors at the world’s number one fine jewelry event—the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. We are bringing this idea to JGF Europe,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs, UBM Asia. 

JGF Europe is positioned as a B2B mid-end jewelry sourcing platform for continental Europe. This year’s fair will expand from three halls to four halls and will include the central foyer. The exhibition area totals 25,000sqm, 47 percent larger than the first edition.

Most exhibitors expanded their booths, according to Lau. At the fine jewelry section, there will also be a wider range of products and product categories with associations and group pavilions from India, Italy, Germany, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Thailand, Turkey and the United States.

Fine jewelry companies that have confirmed their participation include Friedrich Binder GmbH & Co KG, DiamondGroup GmbH, Euro Gems Srl, Herbert Giloy & Soehne GmbH & Co KG – bellaluce, HN Jewelry Group, Lenti Srl, Lorenzo Jewelry Limited, Rio Pearl, Pranda Group, Su-Raj Inter Gold Pvt Ltd and Thien Po Ltd.

As of now, more than 60 percent of exhibitors are from Europe. The remaining suppliers are from around the world with the larger contingents from Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

Visitor pre-registration for the fair is now open online. More than 1,200 buyers pre-registered, UBM Asia said.

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Unsettled Weather, Politics and Economies Lead to an Unusual Hong Kong Jewelry Fair

The traditional Dragon Dance that opens the finished jewelry portion of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair each year. 

I left Shanghai the same way I arrived into Hong Kong, riding the tailwinds of a typhoon. In between, the weather changed from hot and humid to overcast and blustery. The September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair was unusual this year because the overall attendance was as unpredictable as the unsettled weather. 

The first two days of the fair held at the AsiaWorld-Expo (September 15 – 19) for jewelry making materials and equipment, packaging and other supplies, saw attendance surge by 11.2 percent compared with the prior year. Even for a show that has experienced substantial growth for nearly its entire 31-year existence, this was impressive. The jump in attendance seemed even more remarkable because it happened at a time the city was experiencing a category 8 typhoon. Free shuttle service from downtown to the expo building near the airport was suspended. Yet buyers still made their way to the fair and they were spending. By all accounts diamond dealers were happy, even ecstatic in some cases. This is no easy group to please.

On the third day the fair’s focal point shifted downtown to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (September 17 – 21) where the portion of the show for finished jewelry began. At this venue, something even more peculiar happened. The number of attendees appeared to have dropped compared with previous years. Comparison numbers were not available as of this writing; but the first indication that things were different this year was at the registration desk on opening day. Based on my experience, the crowd of buyers would be stacked layers deep and even overflowing onto the lobby area. This year, while still crowded, the overflow of people wasn’t there. 

The second day there appeared to be even fewer people. The exhibition floors of the convention center were still humming and business was still being conducted but it lacked the overall vitality of prior years. However, by the third day the buyers were back in force, making it difficult to get around. I think the official numbers will support this view. 

The leaders of the Hong Kong jewelry and gem industry at the opening day press conference.

Wolfram Diener, the energetic, friendly and accessible senior VP of UBM Asia Ltd., responsible for the massive jewelry portfolio of the tradeshow and publishing company, seemed to take all of the ups and downs in stride. During an interview at opening day at the convention center he refused to blame the typhoon for the apparent early drop in buyers at the convention center.

“The typhoon had no effect. It may have caused delays in a few overseas flights but that’s it. It’s business as usual,” he said. “The Hong Kong buyers will come.”

In fact, Diener says the waiting line in prior years has been a problem, and it is being remedied by the creation of other registration areas. So at least part of the reason the lines were not as long as in the past was due to a more efficient registration system. 

As already noted, by the third day the buyers (whether from Hong Kong or other areas) did come.

He also wasn’t surprised by the substantial increase in buyers for raw materials, which, according to those who were there for the remainder of the show, remained strong. 

He seemed to think that in the end the world’s largest B2B jewelry trade fair will meet its conservative forecast and report a slight gain in attendance to more than 52,000 buyers (another annual record). The slower growth is due to a number of regional concerns, he says, in particular, the brutal violence and political unrest in the Middle East, the Western sanctions imposed on Russia, and the still weak European economy. 

“We have fewer buyers from the Middle East and Russia,” he says. 

Even local politics are becoming an issue. This came up during the opening day press conference. As explained to me, when Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule, the Chinese government guaranteed that the city would eventually become fully democratic. This hasn’t happened, there is no movement toward this and it is causing political unrest in the city. There is also an issue with the high cost of living in the city that is having an adverse effect on the quality of life for middle class families, who live in the shadows of new luxury high rise buildings being built largely for investment purposes.

Kent Wong, chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmith’s Association, responding to a question about these local issues, says that in the short term the impact on the jewelry business in the city is minimal. In the long term it may present a challenge, adding, “I’m an optimist.”

It’s difficult not to be an optimist when it comes to the Hong Kong fair. As Diener stresses, it is truly a global fair. At any given moment during the weeklong event you will have Brazilians doing business with Italians, Germans doing business with Thais, luxury brand representatives shopping for materials, retailers from all over the world looking for jewelry ranging from the mass produced and inexpensive to haute couture. 

It is the one place in the world where you can get a feel of what’s happening in the jewelry industry. Judging from this year’s event, it appears that retailers are being cautious when it comes to their inventories but this isn’t stopping manufacturers and designers from creating new jewelry.

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First Jewelry Tradeshow in Freiburg Reports Positive Results, Plans Expansion

While at Baselworld I was planning to spend at least one day at the inaugural Jewellery & Gem Fair – Europe 2014 tradeshow held in Freiburg, Germany. However, a Lufthansa pilot strike forced me to leave Europe early so I didn’t get to attend.

The only report I received on opening day was that there was a good crowd and positive feeling. A report from UBM, the organizer of the B2B sourcing fair held April 1 - 4, said that 6,000 trade professionals attended. 

The show presented a range of goods including finished jewelry, diamonds and colored gemstones, jewelry mountings, and manufacturing tools and equipment.

Of the 6,000 visitors, about 4,280 were professional buyers, according to UBM. Most of these buyers were from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and Brazil. The show is held at approximately the same time as Baselworld and is about an hour away by train, giving jewelry industry professionals the opportunity to attend both shows. 

“The vast majority of exhibitors and traders viewed the exhibition as a success. We are very pleased with the positive feedback from the market and see this as a confirmation that JGF Europe is now listed as an important industry event in the jewelry calendar,” said Wolfram Diener, senior VP of UBM Asia.

The 2015 edition is scheduled for March 22 to 25. Due to an increase in the demand for exhibition space, the fair will occupy an additional hall at Messe Freiburg, UBM said.

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UBM Asia’s Shenzhen Fair Opens February 26

More than 380 exhibitors from 13 countries will be showcasing their products and services during the 12th edition of the China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shenzhen, to be held February 26 to March 1 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center. 

The tradeshow is timed for jewelers to restock their inventories of jewelry, gemstones and related products following the Christmas and Chinese New Year shopping seasons. 

This year’s show will include a new element, the “China Jewellery Market Summit 2014.” Co-organized by UBM Asia’s Shenzhen Fair, CJNA and Shenzhen Jewelry Designers Association, the summit is divided into three main parts: “Spring Collection 2014 - Launch of New Products and Designers’ Products,” “Dialogue with China Jewellery Brands, Retailers and Designers,” and “ China’s Jewellery Retail Sector.” The summit will be held during the first two days of the fair. 

In addition, there will be collections focusing on jewelry trends for the spring from some of the top jewelry companies and independent jewelers in China. 

The trade fair will have leaders of the Chinese jewelry industry discussing seasonal jewelry trends, increasing brand value and the balance between creativity and commercial marketability. 

A separate forum will be held to discuss the opportunities and challenges in China’s jewelry retail market. 

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Istanbul Jewelry Show Reports 27% Increase in Visitors

The Istanbul Jewelry Show October 2013 “ended on a high note,” according to show officials, with a “remarkable” 27 percent increase in total visitors compared to the 2012 edition. A total of 14,861 buyers, including 3,470 revisits, were recorded at the four-day event, which ended October 6. 

The trade fair (which just completed its 37th edition in 28 years) targets the Middle East, Eastern Europe, North Africa, Russia and the CIS Countries. Participation by the United States and Asia confirms its professional and international status in the jewelry industry, said show officials representing UBM Rotaforte, which organizes the trade fair held twice per year at the Istanbul Fair Center.

A total of 67 percent of visitors were domestic and 33 percent were from overseas representing 95 countries. Countries with the top visitors were: Turkey (9,990), Iran (730), Russia (482), United Arab Emirates (243) and Ukraine (207). 

They were there to see products and offering on 30,000 square meters of exhibit space from country and group pavilions of Hong Kong, Italy and Thailand, and more than 800 companies and brands from Belgium, mainland China, India, Lebanon, Spain, UAE, and USA. In total, companies from 14 countries participated in the trade fair.

Sermin Cengiz, managing director of UBM Rotaforte, said the sector in Turkey is currently planning a target of $5 billion worth of exports in the next three years, with the Istanbul Jewelry Show playing an important role in contributing to that target. 

“The show creates a meeting point that ranks high on the agenda of every professional in the industry,” he said. “I am comfortable to say that our October fair has become a brand just like our March edition…. The rise in exhibitor numbers, exhibition space and number of visitors this year not only confirms the fair's international status but also highlights Istanbul’s important role in the global jewelry trade.”

UBM Rotaforte, is a joint-venture company formed by UBM Asia and Rotaforte International Fairs Inc., owns the Istanbul Jewelry Show, an international exhibition for jewelry, gems, watches and related equipment.

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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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New Italian Jewelry Designs from VicenzaOro

The subtle differences of the two tones of gold color and the texture of the precious metal are the hallmarks of Anna Maria Cammilli. The simplicity of this nature-inspired motif is used throughout the collection in complicated ways. Diamond accents enhance the design.

The recently concluded VicenzaOro Fall jewelry tradeshow may have marked a turning point for the Italian jewelry industry, which has been suffering due to the global recession, the spike in gold prices and high labor costs.

The butterfly from Damiani uses yellow gold accented by brown and white diamonds, and amethysts. Each butterfly is made with a variety of material combinations and can be worn as a pendant, brooch or set onto a ring.

At this year’s show, held September 7 -11, approximately, 1,200 Italian and foreign brands from 30 countries presented a breadth of jewelry products to more than 18,000 buyers (10,879 from Italy and 7,160 from 111 other countries).

18k yellow gold cuff with diamond pavé accent by Chimento.

Show officials were particularly excited about the “return” of some Italian retailers, seeing it as “an encouraging sign considering the much-desired end of the most critical phase of the recession.”

A silver star-shaped ring with a white pearl by Mayumi.

The show numbers coincide with data from the Italian government reporting second quarter growth for Italian jewelry exports, after two years of decline. Growth was recorded in terms of value (6%) and quantity (2.6%) over the same period of the previous year. Exports to the US, the world’s largest jewelry market, increased 12 percent in value in the second quarter.

From Fope’s Flex’it collection, patented ‘roll on’ mesh chain bracelets are crafted in 18k gold and fully flexible, without clasps. The Niue line is designed with a refined version of the classic gold mesh, enriched with black or white diamonds, multiple rondels and limited edition pink sapphire or gold cognac diamond balls.

“Among the industry players there is an atmosphere of moderate confidence,” show officials said.

Rose gold bracelet in a flowing design partially covered with white diamond pave by I Gregori Milano.

VicenzaOro, held four times a year, serves as a showcase of beautiful objects that combine artistry, international fashion trends and technical knowhow. Italian fine jewelry in terms of design and craftsmanship is unparalleled in the world of jewelry making. On this level, the show did not disappoint.

Inspired by the Boboli Gardens this collection of handmade jewellery by Nouvelle Bague uses in gold and diamonds, combined with colored enamel.

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Rings from Porrati with white pearls and rose gold; with pink sapphires set on rose gold; a rose gold ring; and a thin rose gold band set with pink sapphires.

 

I added a piece from Brazilian designer Carla Amorim who was inspired by the formation of sand dunes for these rose gold earrings.