Two major Hong Kong jewellery shows hosted more than 80,000 buyers from 147 countries this month.
The third Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the 33rd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, held concurrently, featured more than 4380 exhibitors from 54 countries and regions. The number of registered buyers was up 5.4 per cent over last year’s events.
More than 31,000 buyers visited the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show at AsiaWorld-Expo and more than 49,000 visitors attended the Jewellery Show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Both events are organsied by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
“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.”
Among overseas buyers, attendance from the Chinese mainland, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, the UK and Malaysia recorded significant growth.

The HKTDC commissioned an independent onsite survey during the two shows, interviewing more than 1200 buyers and exhibitors about their views on market prospects, products and industry trends. The survey found that nearly half (47 per cent) of the respondents expect overall sales this year to be steady, while 15 per cent expect an increase, and 38 per cent predict a decrease in sales.
Regarding expectations for retail prices, 64 per cent of respondents expect prices to remain steady. Apart from Hong Kong, respondents are most optimistic about the Chinese mainland market, followed by North America and Western Europe.
In terms of product materials, half of the respondents expect Gold- Karat white to be the most popular this year, followed by Gold- Karat rose (38 per cent) and Gold- Karat yellow (31 per cent). For gemstones, diamond (54 per cent) remains the top choice, followed by pearl (17 per cent) and ruby (15 per cent). For product categories, survey respondents are mostly optimistic about the prospects for trendy & fashion jewellery followed by precious jewellery and jewellery for weddings and special occasions.
The survey also charted the industry’s views on business operation this year. Here, 43 per cent of respondents expect that the major challenge will come from increases in operating costs, followed by sluggish mature markets (40 per cent) and price fluctuations of raw materials (32 per cent).
The survey also showed that the majority of buyers have a positive impression of Hong Kong’s position as a jewellery marketplace and a high regard for Hong Kong suppliers. Seventy-three per cent of respondents see Hong Kong as an ideal or very ideal market to source suitable suppliers. Buyers are also satisfied with Hong Kong jewellery suppliers, with a 90 per cent satisfaction rate in terms of quality, followed by design & technology (83 per cent), variety (82 per cent), craftsmanship (79 per cent), and services (78 per cent).