Industry leaders will share their views on pertinent issues in the global trade, specifically in the coloured gemstone, pearl and jewellery design sectors, at the highly anticipated Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) from September 16 to 22, 2024. 
 
Vivid gems

Knowledge sessions scheduled for the first day of JGW 2024 at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) will offer fresh perspectives on coloured gemstones.

The spotlight is on jade at an event with renowned gemmologist and author Richard W. Hughes, co-founder of Lotus Gemology Co Ltd. In the 30-minute session, “Jade: China’s Gift to the World,” Richard will talk about fei cui and nephrite sources and the “real Chinese jade.” 

Up next is “Gems With A Star – A Fascinating And Colourful World” where Martin P. Steinbach will discuss the most enchanting phenomena in the world of gems – asterism. Steinbach is a renowned expert on common, rare and very rare gems with a star effect or asterism. In the trade, asterism refers to the appearance of star-shaped patterns that emerge when light interacts with certain inclusions within the gemstone. 

E. Billie Hughes, co-founder of Lotus Gemology Co Ltd, will then take the stage for her session, "Inside Out: Journey into the Centre of a Gem.” Going beyond the outward beauty of coloured gemstones, Billie will present the microscopic depths of rubies and sapphires.

World of pearls

Meanwhile, pearl specialists will be in the limelight on September 17 to 18.

The session “Beyond Precious: Pearl Farming And Environmental Stewardship,” scheduled for September 17 at the AWE, will explore the inherent sustainability of pearl farming and address the environmental challenges faced by pearl producers today. Additionally, the discussion will highlight the importance of pearl oysters as indicators of ocean health, underscoring their role in assessing and enhancing our understanding of the well-being of marine ecosystems.

Speakers are Dr. Rebecca Koss, sustainability manager of Paspaley Pearling Company Pty Ltd; Jacques Christophe Branellec, CEO of Jewelmer; Jens Knauer PhD, aquaculture and marine conservation consultant of Autore Group and Hiroki Goto of K. Mikimoto & Co Ltd.

On September 18, “The Power Of Pearls: Sustainable Gems For A New Generation” will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This session will explore innovative strategies to attract a broader demographic and redefine pearl jewellery for the influential millennial consumer segment. 

Expert pearl producers, dealers and brands will come together to discuss the unique appeal of pearls to the younger generation, highlighting their extraordinary status as the only renewable gems in the world. 

Guest speakers include Branellec of Jewelmer; Dr. Koss of Paspaley and Rosario Autore, founder and CEO of Autore Group.

Jewellery design

Also at HKCEC, established jewellery artists will share valuable insights on their creative process and business strategies at a panel discussion on September 20.
The session, “Staying Ahead In The Evolving World Of Jewellery Design,” will feature Austy Lee, founder and designer of Austy Lee Art Jewellery; Caroline Chartouni, founder and designer of Caroline C; and Nisan Ongwuthitham, founder and designer of Nisan Ong/Ong Jewelry Design Co Ltd. 

The panellists will reveal challenges in starting their own businesses and how they transformed these into valuable learning experiences. They will also divulge the importance of branding in their success and how to develop and promote their brand identity effectively. Attendees will likewise learn about practical strategies that designers can employ to nurture strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and other industry stakeholders.

Read more about special events at JGW 2024.
Online registration for JGW 2024 is now open.
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