Turkish jewellers eyeing Greater China

Because of the effects of the global economic slowdown on the jewellery industry, Turkish jewellers are seeking to tap opportunities in Asia, particularly China.
Istanbul Chamber of Jewelry head Norayr Isler says China is among the most attractive markets for Turkish companies.
“We’re following developments in China and Hong Kong very closely to further flourish our partnership,” he says, without naming any particular companies.
Turkish brands have been participating in jewellery exhibitions in China, and in March alone Turkey recorded more than US$200 million in jewellery exports, up 25 per cent from the same month last year.
According to tax-free shopping site Global Blue, Turkey has a 500-year history of fine jewellery craftsmanship, as attested by the opulence of the Ottoman royal treasury. It lists the top five Istanbul-based jewellery brands as: Boybeyi (established in 1991 and all handmade), Gilan (one of Turkey’s most successful jewellery brands internationally), Urart (founded in 1972 and uses traditional metallurgic techniques), Altinbas (launched in 1975) and Buhajar (an upscale brand that first opened in the gold souks of the Libyan capital of Tripoli in 1958).

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