Over 80,000 buyers from 147 countries and regions participated in the third Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the 33rd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show held in the first week of March, the organisers said in a press release today. This represents a 5.4 per cent increase in numbers as compared to last year.

More than 31,000 buyers visited the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show at AsiaWorld-Expo (1-5 March), while over 49,000 visitors attended the Jewellery Show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (3-7 March).

The fairs are organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). This year they featured more than 4,380 exhibitors from 54 countries and regions. HKTDC said that the market was optimistic about trendy fashion jewellery but many exhibitors and buyers said that operating costs posed a major challenge.

"Despite global economic challenges, the two shows continued to attract local and overseas buyers," said Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC. "This demonstrates the international significance of the two shows, which form the world's largest jewellery marketplace, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a proven global sourcing hub for the industry."

An independent onsite survey commissioned by HKTDC during the two shows, based on responses from more than 1,200 buyers and exhibitors, found that participants were mostly optimistic about the prospects for trendy & fashion jewellery with precious jewellery and jewellery for weddings and special occasions, being ranked as the next most popular categories.

The survey also showed that 43 per cent of respondents expect that the major challenge will come from increases in operating costs, followed by sluggish mature markets (40%) and price fluctuations of raw materials (32%).