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Please click here to download photos for this media release
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Hong Kong shines bright on global stage with pivotal return of Jewellery & Gem ASIA
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Region’s biggest mid-year B2B jewellery sourcing fair sparks new wave of renewal and innovation as industry moves forward
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HONG KONG, 7 July 2023 – Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA) successfully concluded its first big event since 2019 on 25 June, setting the stage for renewal and transformation as the industry undergoes a massive transition.
In a format similar to its pre-pandemic editions, JGA, previously known as the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, brought together 1,688 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions, representing every facet of the jewellery supply chain. Against the backdrop of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 22 to 25 June, the impressive roster of suppliers showcased the latest products, trends and innovations in the business, reaffirming JGA’s reputation as Asia’s biggest and leading mid-year B2B platform for the jewellery industry.
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“JGA had an impactful edition and now that the dust has settled, we have the chance to reflect on what a momentous, eye-opening event this was for our community. The show floor provided insight into the complex reality of today’s market, with softer demand for certain types of polished goods, tight pearl supply and the lingering standoff between buyers and sellers on gemstone prices. We also observed less-than-strong demand from Mainland China, which we expect to be temporary, and slower pick-up on long-haul travel. These new market realities have prompted everyone to readjust their expectations accordingly,” said David Bondi, Senior Vice President of Informa Markets in Asia.
"As we look back on the show, we can appreciate the positive influence it has on the industry and the realisation that we all have to innovate, adapt and evolve in the face of new challenges, and to embrace change. With this fresh perspective, we, as an industry, can move forward with renewed energy."
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To say it was refreshing being back on JGA’s Hong Kong show floor after a three-year break is an understatement, Bondi continued.
“The jewellery industry is amidst one of its most exciting transformations, and while it won’t be an easy road ahead, JGA’s return was met with optimism and hope, and will undoubtedly build momentum for the biggest jewellery show in the world, Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW), which is celebrating its 40th edition this September. We are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that await us with confidence and determination,” he said.
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JGA’s show floor offered buyers an array of attractions and endless possibilities to explore, with over 30 pavilions and signature sections. The CORE Pavilion, a popular mainstay, celebrated Hong Kong’s strengths in jewellery craftsmanship, manufacturing and design. Other highlights included the Fine Design and Fine Gem Pavilions (FDP/FGP), as well as the Fine Jewellery, Fei Cui Gallery, and Antique & Vintage Jewellery sections, and the Diamond, Coloured Gemstone and Pearl zones. Trade association-led and themed sections provided attendees with access to an extensive range of offerings.
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In addition to the exhibits, attendees had the opportunity to engage in three panel discussions, featuring industry leaders discussing topics such as the future of the jewellery industry and lab-grown diamonds. The panellists were Lawrence Ma, founding President and Chairman of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong; Noy Elram, Managing Director of Sarine Asia Pacific; Ioannis Alexandris, Founder and CEO of GEMOLITHOS; Victor Yiu, Director of ZURI Jewellery; Devansh Shah, Partner at Venus Jewel; Smit Virani, Managing Director of Ethereal Green Diamond (HK) Limited, and Zulu Ghevriya, CEO and Co-Founder of Smiling Rocks.
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Video recordings of the panel sessions will be made available soon.
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Exhibitor and buyer participation
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Compared to the 2019 fair, the 2023 edition was slightly smaller in scale, with exhibitor figures accounting for 87% of the 2019 show. Additionally, visitor attendance was down by 16% compared with the pre-pandemic edition. The fair’s attendees were predominantly from Asia, with 96% of the visitors coming from the region, which can be attributed to various factors. Mainland China and Hong Kong were the top represented markets, followed by the Philippines, India, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, the USA, Malaysia and Australia, in descending order of buyer representation.
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The decrease in attendance by both exhibitors and buyers was not entirely unexpected since the industry is currently experiencing softer market demand and significant pricing and supply adjustments. In addition, much of the world is still adapting to a new reality where travel is not the same as before, which further impacted attendance.
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“The 2023 edition of the show was truly one-of-a-kind, with a set of circumstances that was vastly different from those of the 2019 event. As the world continues to navigate the effects of COVID, it’s important to recognise that this year’s June exhibition cannot be directly compared to its pre-pandemic predecessor,” said Celine Lau, Director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery.
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Nonetheless, it is important to keep an eye on the learnings that emerged from the June gathering, Lau continued.
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“From our one-off show in Singapore last September to the March fair in Hong Kong this year, we noticed consistently high material prices. While traffic at the events was good, we noticed that there were fewer business deals and orders written than expected. We believe that both the supply and demand sides in the industry are currently seeking a ‘new normal’ price, and this was something that we witnessed at JGA, where both parties were testing and determining acceptable price ranges going forward,” she said.
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Set in this context, all eyes are now on JGW, previously known as the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, which is returning to its traditional format for the first time since 2019 with 3,000+ exhibitors. JGW will be held in two venues: the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) where jewellery materials, such as loose diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls, will be exhibited from 18 to 22 September, and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), where finished jewellery, packaging solutions, tools and equipment, and jewellery industry-related technologies will be unveiled from 20 to 24 September.
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“We have much to look forward to and celebrate in the coming days. The upcoming 40th anniversary of JGW and our flagship jewellery publication, JNA, this September is a testament to the enduring strength and vitality of our industry. It is also an opportunity to recognise and honour those who have made exceptional contributions to our field,” Lau said.
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Thus far, Informa has announced 24 of the Awardees in two sets, which include visionary pioneers, creatives, gemmological experts and industry leaders. The third and final list of industry champions will be revealed in the coming weeks. All Awardees will receive personalised announcements across Informa Markets Jewellery’s channels. They will also be invited to participate in a prestigious seminar series during JGW’s show days and featured in a commemorative book that will debut at the fair.
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What buyers are saying about JGA 2023:
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“The show was nothing short of exquisite. The variety of goods exhibited was phenomenal, ranging from unique, one-of-a-kind and magnificent high-end pieces to daily curated fashionable jewellery. It was an absolute pleasure to experience the breadth and depth of the offerings on display.” – Tamara Al Shamari, Founder and Designer of TAÏÏA Jewelry, UAE
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“It’s my first visit to JGA and I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about this show. I started my company last year, and I have a lot of customers who want to purchase affordable luxury jewellery collections. I feel this is the right place to source them.” – Dennis Mukaiyama, Owner of Dennis Mukaiyama, Philippines
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“The show is so well organised. There was such a wide range of stones and materials needed for our business. It exceeded our expectations.” – Arveen Khanjian, General Manager of Edward Iskandarian Jewellery, Lebanon
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“Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong is very crucial for our business. It has a great array of different suppliers. The show layout is very clear, which makes it easy to find our requirements. It is also the perfect fair to discover new vendors and strengthen relationships with our current suppliers.” – Reine Saba, Founder and General Manager of High Street Jewelry, UAE
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“On the first day of the show, as I was walking towards it and caught a view of the harbour, I said to myself, ‘At some point in time, we lost hope that we are going to see all these things again,’ and I felt nostalgic. Hong Kong has a unique and special flavour. The show covers all aspects of the industry, from the upper end to the lower end, and from diamonds to accessories – everything.” – Varouj Chilingirian, Owner of Varouj Jewelry, Egypt
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What exhibitors are saying about JGA 2023:
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“Seven years ago, we participated in JGA for the first time. Most of our customers were from Mainland China. However, today, seven years later, we have an increasing number of clients from various countries and regions around the world. This is because JGA not only helps us extend our customer base, but also provides us with opportunities to showcase ourselves to jewellery merchants worldwide.” – Dr. Kiefer Tang, Founder of P.N. Gems, China
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“Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong has been very productive for us. This was our first time to participate as an exhibitor in JGA, but we met a lot of very serious buyers on the first few days of the show. They were extremely professional and determined to do business. We made several valuable contacts, particularly representatives from the important stores. There was quite a dynamic atmosphere as well, and it was good to feel this energy and willingness to do business after a long spell.” – Francoise Izaute, Founder of Costruendo Srl, Italy
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“I feel reenergised and revitalised. I believe that the moment I stepped into the hall of the HKCEC, I felt a sense of amazement. I saw booths and brand names that I haven’t seen for the past three years, and I saw a lot of people coming in. I have seen many old friends and new friends, and I am even exploring new markets, which is fantastic.” – David Wong, Project Director of Fukui Shell Nucleus Factory, Hong Kong
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“For us, it is a must to be in Hong Kong to do business. The organisation of the show is perfect. We are very optimistic about our prospects here. It is the first show after the COVID years that has good energy!” – Ioannis Alexandris, Founder & CEO of Gemolithos Ltd, Hong Kong
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“It has really been exciting to be back at JGA. After COVID, this has been one of the best shows to exhibit our merchandise. Hong Kong has always been the best platform to sell gemstones.” – Mohamed Azharudeen Salahudeen, Owner of Star Lanka Co Ltd, India
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(A) Number of overseas and domestic visitors
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(B) Visitors were from 91 countries and regions, as follows:
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Asia-Pacific
Afghanistan, Brunei, Cambodia, mainland China, East Timor, Hong Kong region, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau region, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan region, Thailand and Vietnam
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Middle East
Armenia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen
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Africa
Algeria, Angola, Comoros, Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia
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Europe
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Ukraine
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South/ Central America
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador
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North America
Canada, Dominica, Guatemala, Mexico and the United States
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Oceania
American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Mauritius and New Zealand
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Exhibitor Profile (By Country/ Region)
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Click here to download full appendix
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About Informa Markets Jewellery
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Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our global jewellery vertical, Informa Markets Jewellery, offers in-person and web-based sourcing experiences, digital solutions and dedicated B2B platforms that bring international buyers and quality sellers together in the fine jewellery, gemstone, and fashion jewellery and accessories markets.
Our resources, industry experience, influence and focus as a partner are enhanced by our global jewellery portfolio consisting of fairs and events in key cities; a powerful digital platform – JewelleryNet; a dedicated Jewellery Media team, led by flagship publication, JNA; an education-based programme – Jewellery & Gem Knowledge Community, and the industry’s most prestigious awards programmes – Jewellery World Awards (JWA) and its regional edition, JWA Dubai. Visit our website for more information.
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Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.
Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC
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