The twin jewellery shows – the 4th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the 34th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show – organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) attracted over 85,000 buyers from 144 countries and regions,  a rise of six per cent as compared to last year, the organisers said in a statement.

The two shows featured about 4,480 exhibitors, and while more than 33,000 buyers visited the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, some 52,000 visitors attended the Jewellery Show.

Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC said, “The exhibitors are generally satisfied with the results at the two shows. Despite economic challenges, especially in the luxury goods market, they attracted a record number of buyers.”

Chau added that the numbers demonstrate that the jewellery industry remains confident about business prospects this year, and also reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a proven global promotion and sourcing hub for the industry. “Buyer attendance from emerging markets such as the Chinese mainland as well as Malaysia and the Philippines from ASEAN and Russia, Turkey and Iran on the Belt and Road, recorded a considerable increase,” he stated, while commenting, “The double-digit growth of buyer attendance from these regions reflects their market potential.”

A survey commissioned by HKTDC covering more than 1,300 buyers and exhibitors found that 56% of the respondents expect overall sales this year to be steady, while 28% expect an increase. Similarly, 69% expect prices to be steady and 23% expect them to rise.

The survey also indicated that companies expect that items with more affordable prices will be popular, and that demand will be highest for trendy fashion jewellery, followed by jewellery for weddings and special occasions and precious jewellery.

Respondents also revealed that they expect the major challenge to the industry will come from global economic fluctuations (49%), followed by price fluctuations of raw materials (41%), fluctuations of exchange rates (29%) and increases in operating costs (28%). Most of them were optimistic about the Chinese mainland market (63%), followed by the North American market (54%) and Western Europe market (52%).

During the two shows, a number of networking receptions were organised, including the Gala Dinner sponsored by the Tanzanite Foundation, seminars exploring diamond and gemstone grading and analysing product trends, buyer forums, jewellery craftsmanship demonstration, jewellery parades and cocktail receptions.