Twin trade shows – the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show – that ended last week were visited by over 76,000 buyers from 140 countries and regions, up 2% over last year, the organisers, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), said in a statement.

Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, added that from some traditional markets such as the US, Italy, the UK and Japan recorded double-digit percentage growth, while certain emerging markets such as Thailand, Israel and South Africa also recorded significant growth, despite the global economic challenge.

Over 4,360 exhibitors from 52 countries and regions took part in the two shows, marking them as the world’s largest jewellery marketplace.

A survey, commissioned by HKTDC, of 1,206 buyers and exhibitors found that around 80% of buyers expect steady or increased overall sales this year. Over 60% of buyers and exhibitors expect retail prices to remain steady in order to remain competitive.

In terms of product materials, the majority of buyers and exhibitors interviewed expect karat gold to be the most popular in 2015, including gold-karat white (48%), gold-karat yellow (32%) and gold-karat rose (33%). They also predict that diamonds (50%) will be the most popular gemstone this year, and one carat (48%), round cut (45%) and colourless (41%) diamonds will lead the market.