The 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully, attracting approximately 80,000 buyers from 150 countries and regions. The Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show welcomed over 28,000 buyers from 125 countries and regions, while the Jewellery Show attracted more than 51,000 buyers from 140 countries and regions. According to the HKTDC, buyer attendance from the Philippines, Korea, Australia, and Switzerland recorded significant growth, reflecting the strong international appeal of the twin shows.
Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, stated that the twin shows hosted about 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions. Over 30 industry seminars and events were held to keep professionals informed of market trends. Notably, three pavilions made their debut: the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, the Zhushan Turquoise Pavilion, and the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Pavilion.
An on-site survey of 1,509 exhibitors and buyers indicated cautious optimism about the economic outlook. About 44.3% of respondents expect overall sales to increase in the next one to two years, while 49% expect stability. Markets viewed as having good or very good growth potential for jewellery products include Korea (73.2%), ASEAN (71.8%), Chinese Mainland (68.5%), Taiwan (65.3%), and Australia (64.1%). For development potential, respondents cited Europe (20.8%), ASEAN (16.8%), Chinese Mainland (15.3%), Japan (15.3%), and Taiwan (10.8%). Technological advancements in artificial intelligence (66.1%), social media (43.7%), and big data (41.5%) are expected to impact the industry most over the next three years.
Product trends show that trendy fashion jewellery (57.3%), precious jewellery (35.1%), and designer jewellery (21.1%) have the strongest growth potential. Karat yellow gold (40.1%) is the most popular precious metal, followed by karat white gold (31.7%) and pure gold (28%). Diamonds (28.8%), rubies (24.7%), and pearls (19.7%) are the most popular gemstones.
The Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, led by the World Gold Council, featured 10 exhibitors from the Chinese Mainland and was a major highlight. Regional CEO Roland Wang noted that the show helped Chinese gold manufacturers connect with international buyers, with significant orders received in the first three days. Sharon Weng of YueHao Jewellery emphasized the show's role in expanding overseas client bases, including connections with Southeast Asian markets.
Sales exceeded expectations for many exhibitors. Youngeun Kim of Korean exhibitor Soyou reported successful connections with buyers from the Chinese Mainland, Africa, and the UK. SimStar Asia Limited secured orders worth millions of US dollars from European and US buyers. Emre Can of Turkish exhibitor Zen Diamond noted interest from the UK and US on the first day.
Designer jewellery gained traction, with over 50 designer exhibitors, including 10 Korean designers debuting at the fair. A Korean designer received enquiries from Europe, including Poland. The shows hosted three design competitions, with winning pieces displayed on-site.
Uzbekistan made its debut appearance, with Fonon Jewelry House showcasing gold pieces with Central Asian influences. Alisher Romanov reported connections with buyers from the Chinese Mainland, Malaysia, and the Philippines, expecting sales of approximately USD 50 million. Another Uzbek exhibitor received a USD 35 million order from a Hong Kong buyer. The Uzbekistan delegation signed an MOU with the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Jewellery Manufacturers' Association to promote bilateral trade.
Buyers sought diverse offerings. Turkish buyer Kasapoglu Jewellery allocated over USD 900,000 for new loose diamond suppliers. David Abraham & Co found the show a one-stop destination for certification, repolishing, and gemological equipment. China National Gold Group sourced turquoise and fine jewellery with a USD 200,000 budget. Golden Silver Z.L S.A. confirmed silver jewellery orders exceeding USD 1.9 million.
The HKTDC implemented support measures for buyers affected by geopolitical issues, including on-site promotional material placement and flight rearrangements. The shows adopted the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format, enabling AI-powered business matching via the HKTDC Marketplace App's "Click2Match" and hktdc.com Sourcing. Over 100 online business matching sessions were facilitated for buyers unable to travel.
E-commerce partnerships with Taobao Tmall and Douyin involved 10 exhibitors and over 30 influencers, generating over 35 million online impressions and sales exceeding USD 20 million. A Korean influencer sourced from several exhibitors, with purchases totaling close to USD 700,000.
