The 29th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show runs from February 16 to 20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and positions itself not only as the largest event of its kind in Asia, but a way into the China market for international jewelers.
And like most other high-end industries in the world today, China is where it is all at.
In pure terms of demand, China knocked India off its perch as the world’s largest gold jewellery market in the third quarter of 2011 as its consumption rose 13 per cent, year on year to 131 tonnes.
And demand is predicted to increase in 2012 — as the Chinese Year of the Dragon is considered a particularly auspicious time to hand out gifts, a fact reflected by the China Daily newspaper’s report this week that sales of gold, silver and jewelry over the recent Chinese New Year holiday had risen 57.6 per cent.
Hence this year’s Hong Kong show has attracted an impressive 3,000 exhibitors representing 46 countries and regions.
“The undiminished market desire for high-end jewelry is indicated by a 25 per cent growth in exhibitor number in the Hall of Extraordinary, which features exceptional jewelry pieces with high quality stones set in exquisite designs. The diamonds and precious stones section has also increased by 15 per cent,” organisers the Hong Kong Trade Development Council said in a statement announcing this year’s show.
Innovations in design will be on show during the 13th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition, while the event will also include seminars, jewellery runway shows and auctions.
“As well as being an important trading platform, the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will hold a series of seminars and parades during the fair, to disseminate market intelligence on topics such as the “Outlook for Gold in Emerging Markets” and inspire buyers with showpieces on live models,” said the HKTDC.
29th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show
February 16-20
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
http://www.hktdc.com/hkjewelleryshow. — AFP-Relaxnews
