Buyers representing 141 countries and regions attended the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show (4-8 March) and Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show (2-6 March), demonstrating the strong appeal of Hong Kong to traders seeking global business opportunities through Asia’s world city.
Some 32,000 buyers from 125 countries and regions participated in the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, while about 51,000 buyers from 133 countries and regions attended the International Jewellery Show. There was an increase in the number of buyers from ASEAN, the Middle East, Western Europe and North America.
The diversity and international reach of the shows were cited by many exhibitors as a major drawcard. German exhibitor Carl Philip Arnoldi said: “One of the show’s biggest advantages is its ability to attract manufacturers and buyers from around the globe. On the first day, we received many buyers from the Middle East and Asia. We anticipate sales growth of 20-50% this year.”
Another exhibitor pointed out that the shows not only connected them with major retailers in the United States, but also potential partners in emerging markets such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and more.
Online sales booming
For the first time, 10 exhibitors demonstrated products to over 6 million Taobao and Tmall online shoppers and generated HK$50 million (US$6.5 million) in sales.
The move responds to the industry’s growing use of e-commerce. According to a survey conducted at last year’s exhibitions, 47% of traders conduct sales online (either solely online or alongside physical outlets) and most respondents planned to generate at least 41% of their sales and sourcing through online activities in the near future.
Online jewellery sales are becoming more prevalent with 33% of jewellery sales in the US generated online in 2024 according to Euromonitor International. In a recent research note, HKTDC Research observed that online sales in Mainland China for a number of leading brands are growing at a stronger rate than offline outlets with e-commerce channels accounting for 10-20% of total sales.
Rosy sales ahead
An optimistic mood dominated the fairs. In an on-site survey, 44% of respondents said they expected overall sales to increase in the next two years, while another 50% anticipated stable sales.
Respondents were most optimistic about increasing jewellery sales in the Middle East, India and Oceania, while buyers most hoped to enter or expand sales in Europe and ASEAN markets.
In terms of product trends, the survey revealed 62% of respondents believe fashion jewellery has the greatest growth potential this year, followed by precious jewellery, and 43.4% believe karat yellow gold will be the most popular precious metal product this year. Meanwhile, 47.6% of respondents predict diamonds will be the most in-demand gemstone this year, followed by rubies (26.2%) and emeralds (19.1%).
Constant evolution
Now in its 41st edition, the jewellery shows continue to stay ahead of the curve. A new Gold Jewellery zone showcased exquisite designs, while the debut Young Jewellery Designer Arena brought a spotlight to the next generation of emerging designers.
Organisers also continued to improve services for exhibitors, such as providing on-site prayer rooms and shuttle buses to local mosques for Muslim buyers, and arranged tours to local tourist attractions for fair visitors.
The jewellery shows continued to adopt the EXHIBITION+ online and offline hybrid format, enabling buyers and exhibitors to match online and extend negotiations beyond the physical venue.