As the world's largest jewellery marketplace, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show are superb platforms for maximising buyers’ sourcing opportunities and expanding exhibitors’ business.

Hong Kong is a long-established international marketplace for gems and jewellery and an incomparable location for hosting international jewellery shows. Hong Kong’s exports of precious jewellery and jewellery raw materials remains resilient. In the first ten months of 2014, Hong Kong’s total exports of fine jewellery reached US$6.1 billion, experienced a 2.9% year-on-year increase. The top three markets are the United States, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates, collectively accounting for 48% of total exports. Hong Kong’s total exports of pearls, precious and semi-precious stones expanded in value by 18% year-on-year, to reach US$16.2 billion in the first ten months of 2014.

The two shows in 2014 attracted a record-breaking number of exhibitors, hosting more than 3,850 from 53 countries and regions, and welcoming over 74,000 visitors from 145 countries and regions. Following the tremendous success of the 2014 shows, the 2nd edition of HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show will open its doors from 2-6 March 2015 at the AsiaWorld-Expo, while the 32nd edition of HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will take place from 4-8 March 2015 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Both exhibitors and buyers seized the golden opportunities in the shows to explore new customers from around the world and source appropriate products. “We have participated in the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show since the establishment of our company. It is an effective platform for us to demonstrate our new designs, attract new customers and receive new orders. The show is one of the major sources of income for our company because it generates considerable sales every year. In fact, more than 60% of our existing customers come from the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show. We also sold stocks to new customers from the Chinese mainland, Indonesia, Turkey and Ukraine,” Kim Chan, Sales Director of Akima Jewellery Limited from Hong Kong, said.

“Attending the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show offers an excellent alternative channel for our sourcing. I was especially happy to see so many exhibitors with a great variety of diamonds. Some of the new suppliers at this show may help our company to stay ahead of the competition. I will definitely come again next year to look for pearls and more stones for our customers,” said 2014 buyer Richard Perrier, co-owner of Jules Perrier Artisan Inc. from Canada.

Around 4,000 exhibitors are expected to gather at the twin shows in 2015, with some 30 pavilions set up to strengthen its position as the world’s largest international jewellery marketplace. Among exhibitors that have already confirmed participation in are renowned companies including Dehres, Kuwayama, Lili Jewelry, Roberto Coin, Waskoll, A. A Rachminov Diamonds, Dimexon and Novel Collection. New country pavilions to participate in the Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show include Australia and Colombia.

Sparkling lights further lure discerning international visitors with two new zones in 2015. The Treasures of Craftsmanship showcases decorative arts at the Jewellery Show, presenting the masterpieces of cravings from gems, gold or silver as well as precious ornaments. Hong Kong has evolved into a leading trading and distribution centre for pearls in recent years. The Treasures of Ocean uncovers the nature’s magic in Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, featuring a variety of top-notch quality pearls. These debut zones will be another great attraction for international buyers.

The Jewellery Show features eight themed zones for key market segments to meet buyers’ needs and targets. Hall of Fame brings together top-tier international brand names in a prestigious and elegant setting. Hall of Extraordinary is an elite section exclusively for high-end fine jewellery pieces. World of Glamour highlights the expertise in jewellery manufacturing of Hong Kong-based exhibitors. Antique & Vintage Jewellery Galleria showcases the glamour of classic jewellery from bygone times. Other special themed zones are Designer Galleria, Hall of Jade Jewellery, and Hall of Time.

In Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, Hall of Fine Diamonds shows carat-size loose diamonds to best advantage as well as provides a discreet trading ambience. Treasures of Nature features a rich source of precious stones in many different cuts.

A highlight of the show - the Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition - provides a platform for the local jewellery designers to showcase their strengths and talents. The theme of this year’s competition is “Green Living”, reflecting the increased attention being paid by people to environmental protection and simpler lifestyles, and translating this trend into simple yet elegant and fashionable designs. We have received 254 entries and the winning pieces will shine in a display during the fair period.

The biennial International Jewellery Design Excellence Award (IJDE Award) returns in 2015 to bestow honors upon creative and outstanding international jewellery designers. Ms Carina Lau, an international renowned award-winning actress from Hong Kong, has been invited to be on the judging panel this year. We gathered 194 pieces of works from champions from 31 countries and regions, a 3% increase compared to 2013 edition. Entrants for the IJDE Award are winners of worldwide jewellery design competitions, competing the highest honor, “Champion of the Champions”. Other outstanding entries will compete for the Aesthetic Award, Craftsmanship Award, Innovative and Uniqueness in Design Award, Distinction Awards and Merit Awards. The winning pieces will be unveiled during the Networking Reception on the first day of the Jewellery Show and featured in booklets and displayed at the Jewellery Show.

A kaleidoscope of events adds colour to the shows, including the opening ceremony, cocktail reception, gala dinner, mini-parades, seminar series, buyer forum and industry experts’ presentations.