When the COVID-19 pandemic kept purchasers at home and curtailed international trade, jewellery and gem suppliers turned to developing the domestic and online markets. This year’s hybrid twin jewellery shows organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) cater for recent changes in market focus along with the growing interest in reviving physical events.
The 38th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and eighth HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 29 July to 2 August. The two shows will be fully open to public. The inaugural Simply Shopping Fest runs in parallel with the jewellery events, offering a variety of gourmet foods and wine, home and living products, as well as toys and leisure products to provide the public with a rewarding one-stop shopping experience.
Global exhibitors
This year's twin jewellery shows have attracted more than 430 exhibitors from Mainland China, Germany, Italy, Japan and Singapore as well as Hong Kong. An Italian pavilion will house about 20 exhibitors, while the Asia Pacific Creator Association will present innovative jewellery creations from a number of Hong Kong designers.
Introducing the events, Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "Many exhibitors taking part in the jewellery shows have continued to explore opportunities in the retail market during the pandemic, while local consumers crave for jewellery pieces with unique designs and attractive pricing. That’s why we have fully opened this year’s shows to public visitors. At the same time, Simply Shopping Fest will feature six exhibit zones with more than 540 exhibitors showcasing products from Taiwan, Japan, Australia and France, along with other countries and regions. The government will soon issue the second phase of the Consumption Voucher Scheme (CVS), which will stimulate the local public to embark on a new wave of spending. In addition, the opening of the MTR Exhibition Centre Station will provide greater convenience for many, elevating the entire shopping experience at the three fairs.”
Local market lifts
Helped by the stabilisation of the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Hong Kong and the first phase of the CVS by the government, the city’s total retail sales rose 4.7% year on year in April and May. The second phase of the CVS and other government measures are expected to further stimulate the jewellery retail market. Lawrence Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show Fair Organising Committee, pointed out that the pandemic and increased geopolitical and global economic uncertainty had led many jewellery suppliers to shift their focus to the local market and online opportunities. “More and more jewellery retailers are looking to expand their online sales business and promote their brands and products to the target consumer market through livestreaming and social media promotion,” Mr Ma said.
Fine jewellery
“Spring Miracle.Bee” Collection 18K White Gold Diamond Earrings from Dai Sun Jewellery Company Limited
This year's Hong Kong International Jewellery Show has five highlighted zones. The “World of Glamour” showcases the artistry and world-renowned expertise of Hong Kong's fine jewellery sector and has attracted many well-known local jewellery companies to participate. The “Fine Jewellery” zone showcases pieces from around the world. Featured highlights include the “Secret Garden” collection from Zuri Jewelry Company Limited, inspired by impressionist painter Claude Monet, as well as the "Spring Miracle.Bee" collection 18K White Gold Diamond Earrings from Dai Sun Jewellery Company Limited, Jadeite Cabochon and Diamond Earrings from On Tung Company and a variety of wedding jewellery.
Other fair highlights include “Antique & Vintage Jewellery”, which presents timeless craftsmanship and charm; “Silver and Finished Jewellery” showcases vibrant and fashionable jewellery collections; and “Tools & Equipment and Packaging” carries a broad array of jewellery tools and packaging items.
Glittering gems
The main focus of the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show is on quality jewellery materials. Many exhibitors will feature cut loose diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls. Visitors can choose their favourite diamonds, gemstones and other jewellery materials and match with different accessories to design and make their own unique jewellery items.
Featured products in the show include a pear-shaped pink morganite from RMC Gems Limited, with a magnificent pear-shaped cut, along with a uniquely shaped diamond ring with two precious gemstones from Dynamic International – the two gemstones are a purplish-red Sri Lankan ruby and a vivid bluish-green Zambian emerald, both displaying a checkerboard cut.
Smart bidding
Since this year’s shows are open to jewellery enthusiasts, sharing sessions will enhance the public’s jewellery knowledge. Topics will include “Diamond, Arts and Science”, “The Creation and Appreciation of Jewellery”, “The Tradition and Future of Craftsmanship” and “Why Choose Sustainable Pearls” along with the “Handmade Rose Earrings Workshop”. Jewellery Smart Bidding auction items will include 18-carat colour diamond earrings and ring collection and an 18-carat South Sea white pearl and diamond pendant. Visitors can bid for their favourite products starting at 10% of the original retail price. Visitors can also enjoy jewellery parades and lucky draws. Those who spend more than HK$1,000 in a single receipt can redeem a lucky draw coupon, with fabulous prizes such as gold tiger ornaments and a Bijoumontre Petit Series wrist watch on offer.
The first day of the show will also feature the 23rd Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition Award ceremony to encourage and reward local jewellery design talents. The winning designs will be displayed in the south lobby of Hall 3FG during the show.
Simply Shopping
Simply Shopping Fest will run in parallel at the same venue, from 29 July to 1 August, themed "Always Vibrant for Shopping". The shopping extravaganza has gathered more than 540 exhibitors in six product zones – Gourmet & Wine, Fashion & Jewellery, Home & Living, Toys & Leisure, Health & Beauty and Baby Essentials. There will be multiple pavilions, such as "Hong Kong People and Brands", displaying homeware, gourmet foods and elderly products, and the "DLAB Original Design Zone" featuring unique accessories and picture books, as well as animation production services.
Other pavilions include “Beverage and Food Community”, “Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits”, “Korean Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong”, “Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association”, “Hong Kong Quality Brands Alliance”, “Fashionally” and “ITC Store”, featuring a variety of daily necessities, furniture and electrical appliances.
Highlighted products at Simply Shopping Fest include the Time 4 Machine stainless steel model from UC Services Group – a Ukrainian model vehicle that will be cherished by modelling enthusiasts; a synthetic resin watch from ANPASSA Watch Company – a customised watch with a ruby and sapphire setting and hollowed-out dial; a neck massager from Greatice Limited with five modes and 16 levels of intensity, plus a built-in 5.0 Bluetooth that supports voice calls and music-playing; the ultra-small Window Cleaning Robot from Pro Logic International Limited which autonomously plots its cleaning path; and White Factor Disinfectant Spray from Health Guardian Hong Kong Co Ltd.
Flash sales
Several Simply Shopping Fest exhibitors will launch pop-up sales or limited discounts at different time periods during the event, including bargains such as HK$1 for a can of salted walnuts, buy-one-get-one-free rooibos tea, HK$2 for 300 grams of Koshihikari rice, and HK$1 for French Bordeaux red wine. In addition to Simply Smart Bidding sessions, where visitors can bid on favourite items such as trendy jewellery, beauty and skincare products and homeware, starting at 90% off the retail price, the Simply Lucky Draw will be held every day of the event, open to visitors who spend more than HK$200 in a single receipt. Prizes include hotel accommodation packages, accessories, healthcare products and more. Numerous exciting events will also be held including “Cooking with Chef Kitty”, Chinese calligraphy appreciation, yoga demonstrations and more.
Key opinion leaders (KOLs) will helm multiple livestreaming sessions. The public can watch livestream broadcasts of the two jewellery shows through the Facebook pages of Sanchuanpro and Zero One Media Co Ltd, and download the LOOPLIVE app to watch live broadcasts of the Simply Shopping Fest while shopping for their favourite items and enjoying limited-time discounts.
Related links
HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show
HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show
Simply Shopping Fest
