Vast sourcing and networking opportunities were the highlight of the recently concluded Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) 2024, which ran from September 16 to 22 in two world-class venues.

More than 3,300 companies from over 40 countries and regions showcased their latest products and services at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) and Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). AWE hosted JGW 2024’s jewellery materials section while the HKCEC portion displayed finished jewellery, packaging and technology solutions.

Organised by Informa Markets Jewellery, the annual trade show brought together top-tier names in diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, fine jewellery and jewellery-related technologies, equipment and tools, and packaging products and services, among other categories.

China

Majority of exhibitors interviewed by JNA said there were fewer visitors from China compared to previous years, but this was offset by an increase in buyers from other countries, specifically Southeast Asia. Interestingly, vendors likewise entertained enquiries from US and European buyers who have not been as active in attending Hong Kong shows as before. 

Vibhor Agarwal of AVYK Diamonds Co Ltd said traffic at JGW 2024 was generally slow, but his company met with buyers from Italy, Germany, Spain and the UK.

“It is a different experience for every company,” noted Agarwal. “Those who came to our booth were mainly looking for coloured gemstones more than diamonds. We offer top-quality rubies, sapphires and Colombian emeralds.”

Pragati Dangayach, director of Shivam Jewels Ltd, also came across buyers from different markets, including the Philippines, Indonesia, the UK and Austria. Shivam Jewels, which specialises in classic and timeless designs, mainly sells to the US market. He said customers were on the lookout for versatile pieces to complement everyday outfits as well as more affordable options with diverse designs. 

The absence of mainland Chinese buyers was also felt by Bangkok-based ruby and sapphire supplier Sangmanee Gems. Intheera Theeracharthanphat, a sales executive of the company, said existing clients visited their booth, but there were not that many new customers. Market interest in calibrated stones and heat-treated blue sapphires was relatively high, noted Theeracharthanphat.

Demand and pricing

Aqhil Refai, director of Zam Gems of Sri Lanka, observed some level of resistance to existing prices from some buyers.

“While customers seek higher-quality goods, they seem hesitant to pay more for premium products,” noted Refai. He also attributed the slight decline in visitor traffic to a slowdown in the China market, macroeconomic uncertainties and the impact of upcoming elections worldwide. 

Zam Gems specialises in unheated blue sapphires. At the fair, Refai saw steady demand for larger blue sapphires, typically ranging from one carat to six carats, with a preference for higher-quality, gem-grade material. Its major markets are China, the US, Europe and Australia. 

Steady business

Ada Law, designer at Shining Jewellery Manufacturer Co, entertained several wholesalers from the US, Australia and Europe at JGW 2024. “Some were regular clients, but I also found a new customer from Australia. She bought stones onsite and passed these to us to set using a jewellery design of her choosing,” revealed Law. 

She also observed strong fascination for 14-karat gold jewellery adorned with blue stones among US buyers. Meanwhile, clients from Asia, including Japan and Singapore, were partial to coloured gemstone jewellery in gold-plated silver or 14-karat gold-filled.

Yunita Hendryanto Nugraha, export marketer at Indonesia-based gold jewellery manufacturer PT Hartono Wira Tanik, said her company met with existing customers and new buyers at the September Fair. 

“Our main markets are the US and the Middle East, and we met a lot of them at the show,” noted Nugraha. “We also managed to meet new buyers from Australia, China and the Philippines.”

PT Hartono Wira Tanik specialises in gold jewellery in mostly Italian designs. Nugraha said Middle Eastern clients placed orders for items in 18-, 21- and 22-karat gold, while those from the US wanted 10-karat and 14-karat gold as well as 18-karat and 21-karat items. Australian buyers were interested in 9-karat gold jewellery.