This article first appeared in the JNA September/October 2025 issue.

On August 17, 2025, the Hong Kong jewellery industry bade farewell to Willie Yiu, a pioneering force and one of its most intrepid leaders who was instrumental in building the framework for Hong Kong’s robust diamond regime.

As chairman of the Hong Kong Diamond Bourse from 1995 to 1999, Yiu masterfully orchestrated the city’s prominent role in diamond trading and deftly steered the industry through Hong Kong’s handover to China in 1997. With unwavering resolve to maintain the city’s competitive edge in the diamond trade, he urged local companies to evolve from wholesale models into manufacturing while exploring growth avenues in international markets.

In a 1996 interview with JNA, he said, “Financial resources to stock a large inventory and the expertise to buy the right goods can help companies maintain sales, and they must manufacture and own their own production to develop further."

Even then, Yiu saw the tremendous potential in neighbouring markets, citing China and Vietnam – still emerging jewellery economies at the time – as pivotal to the growth of Hong Kong’s diamond sector. Following the handover, he was integral in the establishment of China’s diamond trading framework, which was eventually launched as the Shanghai Diamond Exchange in October 2000.

Brilliant endeavours

Yiu’s keen business acumen was evident in the inspiring tale of Brilliant Trading Company, which he established with his wife Cheung Yin Kuan in 1974.

The couple transformed Brilliant Trading from a diamond wholesaler that supplied retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers initially with diamonds from India to one of the largest diamond trading companies in Asia, providing diamonds also from Israel, Belgium, the US and South Africa.

By 1989, it had a buying office in Belgium, diamond-cutting factories in Hong Kong and Shantou, China as well as partnerships with a factory in Shanghai. These collaborations also led to Yiu’s active involvement in China’s diamond-cutting and trading industry. The indelible imprint of Yiu’s legacy lives on – in the thriving diamond industry of Hong Kong and mainland China and in his son Victor’s continued stewardship of the diamond trade.
 

With profound respect and admiration for Willie Yiu's contributions to the industry, Informa Markets Jewellery and JNA extend their deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.