Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) twin parallel shows, the 34th-edition of the Hong Kong International Jewelry Show and the 4th-edition of the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show, creating the world’s largest jewellery marketplace is all set to kick off on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 and continues until Monday, March 6, 2017. This is the fourth year the HKTDC is using the “two shows, two venues” format, first introduced in 2014. While the 4th-edition of the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show opens on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at the AsiaWorld-Expo and continues until Saturday, March 4, 2017, the 34th-edition of the Hong Kong International Jewelry Show will be inaugurated two days later at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on Thursday, March 2, 2017 and continues up to Monday, March 6, 2017. Hence, during the seven-day period of the two shows, overlapping of the two shows will take place on three days from March 2 to 4, 2016. During these days In order to facilitate buyers transiting between the two shows, HKTDC has made arrangements to provide free shuttle bus services between the two venues.
Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC, commenting on the holding of the 2017 twin shows, said, “Despite global economic uncertainties, the strong participation of exhibitors and buying missions at the shows are evidence that the jewellery industry remains optimistic about business prospects and sees Hong Kong as an important sourcing platform for jewellery and raw materials. Recent figures from the United States show that the economy there is gradually recovering and jewellery retailers are registering good sales. And, with the “double spring with a leap month” in the Year of the Rooster considered a good year for marriage according to the Chinese calendar, the demand for jewellery for the local and Chinese mainland markets is expected to rise. Undoubtedly the industry must also keep an eye on commodity price fluctuations and the trade policy of the US.”
This year too, as in the previous years, the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show features three Special Premium Zones or Signature Zones. These zones are :- 1) Hall of Fine Diamonds where the World’s top diamond suppliers will showcase their loose diamonds 2) Treasures of Nature where precious gemstones of all sizes and cuts will be showcased 3) Treasures of Ocean featuring a variety of top-notch quality pearls both cultured and natural. Twenty two group pavilions showcasing an array of dazzling diamonds and gemstones from countries such as Australia, the Chinese mainland, Colombia, Germany, India and Thailand will also feature at this year’s show. Apart from this several industry representative institutions such as the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, International Colored Gemstone Association and the Tanzanite Foundation will also set up their dedicated pavilions to introduce various raw materials for the industry.
Seven Special Premium Zones or Signature Zones feature at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show. These zones are :- 1) Hall of Fame – Top tier international and local jewelry brands and new designer brands will showcase their products in the Hall of Fame. These include the Fifth Season by Roberto Coin and Giorgio Visconti from Italy, Kuwayama from Japan, High-end from Thailand, Frank Wu and Lao Feng Xiang from mainland China, as well as Hong Kong’s own local brands CO88 COLLECTION and Infinity Cross.
2) Hall of Extraordinary – An elite section exclusively for high-end fine jewellery pieces. Hong Kong’s local brand Butani Jewellery will showcase a high-end diamond pendant necklace, whose centerpiece is a 57-carat pear-shaped yellow diamond pendant, accompanied by oval-shaped blue diamonds, pear-shaped pink diamonds and radiant white diamonds. The Belgian exhibitor Sanket will showcase a series of jewellery items incorporating “Scintillating Diamonds” using unique techniques, which allow the diamonds to “float” freely delivering a sparkling effect. Other top brands in this zone include Yoko London from the United Kingdom, Crossfor from Japan, which has patented the “Dancing Stone” setting technique, Hans D. Krieger from Germany as well as Gembros Jewelry from Korea.
3) Designer Galleria – Global buyers demand designer brands with creative and bold new designs. The Designer Galleria features the latest designer jewelry collections from reputed designers from all over the world. 4) The World of Glamour – Theme zone dedicated to Hong Kong jewellers, highlighting the expertise in jewelry manufacturing of Hong Kong-based exhibitors.
Other special themed zones are 5) Wedding Bijoux – dedicated exclusively for bridal jewelry, 6) The Treasures of Craftsmanship – Celebrating the blend of jewellery and art, showcasing masterpieces of carvings from gems, gold and silver, as well as precious ornaments. 7) Antique & Vintage Jewelry Galleria – showcasing the glamour of classic jewellery from bygone times.
The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will also feature 20 group pavilions showcasing jewelry from countries such as Mainland China, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Peru etc. as well as newcomers Portugal and the Philippines.
Top among the parallel fringe events that will add colour to the two shows, and make the shows a memorable event will be a Gala Dinner on the first day of the 34th-edition of the Hong Kong International Jewelry Show, March 2, 2017. Guests attending the two shows, while appreciating jewellery parades and other performances will enjoy the menu prepared by culinary expert Robert Fontana, ASEAN Chairman of Disciples Escoffier International Asia based in Hong Kong. The award presentation ceremony of the biennial International Jewellery Design Excellence Awards will also take place during the same evening. Apart from this jewellery parades, Jewellery craftsmanship demonstrations, and themed seminars and forums are also lined up for the period of the shows.
The 18th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition jointly organised by the HKTDC, Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association, Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association and Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China Ltd, aimed at promoting local jewellery design and enhancing the industry’s design capability with the theme “Follow Your Heart” was well contested this year with over 260 participants competing. The winning pieces of this keenly contested competition will be showcased in Hall 1D Concourse during the period of the show for the benefit of international jewellers and buyers.
