This article first appeared in the JNA November/December 2023 issue.

With Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) and JNA celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, the ruby rightfully took centre stage as the focal gem in the fair’s engaging educational programme, Red Radiance – the Ruby’s Mine-to-Market Adventure. Located at the mezzanine of the third floor of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from September 20 to 24, the enchanting programme on the 40th anniversary gemstone invited buyers to explore and discover the many intriguing facets of the ruby.

Enlightening journey

The immersive experience on the ruby’s journey from mine to market consisted of eight engrossing sections. It began with an introduction to the gemstone’s history and origins. Buyers then got to view 12 showcases highlighting the stone before witnessing firsthand a gem-cutting demonstration that presented the distinctive cutting styles to transform the gem from the rough to a polished wonder.

Participants also got to examine various ruby specimens and their unique inclusions. The adventure likewise took them through the different equipment and treatments that rubies undergo as well as older tools and historical methods of handling the gem. Informative insights on the famed Pigeon’s Blood colour of rubies rounded up the educational tour.

The fascinating journey culminated with participants truly experiencing the radiance of the ruby in a specially designed showroom.

Standout specimens

Another entertaining feature of the programme was the Red Radiance Treasure Hunt, which called on visitors to view the exceptional ruby exhibits displayed by participating exhibitors at both the AsiaWorld-Expo and the HKCEC. After visiting all the designated treasure hunt booths and recording the weight of the key ruby exhibit, participants received exclusive giveaways that serve as mementos of their exciting ruby adventure.

Red Radiance was presented by Informa Markets’ Jewellery & Gem Knowledge Community along with title sponsor ICA | GemLab, sponsor Gemfields, and partners Befound, Brink’s Hong Kong Ltd, Fura Mining, Gemolithos Fine Gems & Jewels, Hatta Fine Jewelry, Justin K Prim, KGK Group, Lotus Gemology Co Ltd, Miro Ng and Wanguo Gemstone & Rough Trading (Shenzhen) Co Ltd.