Market appetite for fine goods remains strong, with exhibitors at the recently concluded Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) reporting solid demand for reasonably priced, decent-quality items. The four-day event from September 17 to 20 featured over 300 suppliers of fine gems and jewellery. For the first time, the show welcomed social buyers and jewellery lovers on top of its core trade audience.

Anan Jewels Co Ltd offered a sparkling selection of fancy colour diamonds at the fair. “This time we are focusing mostly on fancy colour diamonds, which sell for US$10,000 to US$20,000 at wholesale. We have certified goods as well,” revealed the company’s Siddharth Mehta. “We also have white diamonds, but the market is moving towards fancy colour diamonds more.”

Pink and yellow diamonds in melee sizes are moving fast while items certified by the Gemological Institute of America also attract attention. Yellowish-green, greenish-yellow and fancy intense yellow diamonds are likewise popular.

Coloured gemstones are highly favoured in the trade as well, according to Irfan Takat, director of emerald dealer Takat Gems (HK) Co. Emeralds in particular are commanding attention and good prices despite a more challenging business environment. 

“The emerald business is very robust – prices are on the upswing and demand is quite strong, especially for goods from Zambia,” disclosed Irfan. 

Prices have in fact gone up by as much as 50 per cent in the past year and people are still buying, owing to the emerald’s vivid green hue, which could symbolise hope during uncertain times, continued the company official. 

Irfan added that other coloured gems such as rubies, sapphires and tanzanite stones are also enjoying stable demand and prices. 

Vicki Chan, managing director of Continental Diamond, agreed, noting that coloured gemstone jewellery in sophisticated, on-trend designs are among the most sought-after in the market these days.

“We are showcasing a collection of coloured gemstones because we find that people are inclined to bring more colour and fun into their everyday lives especially during the pandemic,” Chan revealed in an interview. “Other than classic diamonds, coloured gemstone jewellery is drawing attention in the trade.”

Continental Diamond’s offerings included jewellery pieces embellished with peridot, Paraiba tourmaline, orange garnet, coral and rare purple chalcedony. It also highlighted a wide range of jadeite jewellery.  

“The market is looking for unique creations and something that is easily wearable during daytime and even on occasion,” continued Chan.

A wide selection of pearl goods meanwhile turned heads at J Ocean Pearl Jewellery Ltd’s booth. Apart from South Sea pearls, the company also offered Japanese Akoya pearls in smaller sizes, according to owner Jackie Leung.

“We have started offering Japanese Akoya pearls in smaller sizes of 6mm to 7mm as opposed to 8mm and up in the past,” Leung noted. “There is demand for smaller sizes especially for earrings. These pearls are lighter and are pinkish in colour. Very feminine.”

J Ocean entertained mostly B2C customers at the fair, with domestic buyers showing increased interest in Japanese Akoya pearls, he continued. 

Luxury jewellery selections

Unheated Burmese rubies, emerald necklaces, conch pearl jewellery sets, and a new diamond jewellery collection meanwhile were the stars at Saboo Fine Jewels’ booth.

Surendra Saboo, president of Saboo Fine Jewels, said the company is offering a more diverse selection. 

“We have some special diamond jewellery made in Italy, Bangkok and Hong Kong. We used to focus more on coloured gemstones, but we are now offering white diamond jewellery. No loose diamonds though,” added Vijay Maheshwari, marketing manager at Saboo. The predominantly nature-inspired collection features rose-cut diamonds.

Rare and highly coveted jadeite jewellery is likewise faring well in the industry today, shared Yu Chung-ta, owner of Taiwan-based Chia Ta Jewellery Co Ltd. The company offered a special jadeite jewellery set with diamonds at the fair.

“We usually use white gold setting but this time around, we used black gold to make the diamonds sparkle even brighter,” Yu explained. “The egg-shaped jadeite pieces are of the same size and are clean and flawless, which make them truly outstanding.” 

The set includes a pair of earrings, ring and bracelet with diamond accents. Chia Ta also presented a wide array of exclusive gemstones and intricately designed jewellery pieces adorned with opals, rubies and sapphires.

Demand remains robust for high-end jewellery pieces, according to Chang Wahid Hatta, chairman of Hatta New World Co Ltd. The company displayed a wide range of premium-quality diamond, pearl and coloured gemstone pieces that are considered collectors’ items.

“Interest in top-quality jewellery is very high because people cannot travel but they have to do business; they need the goods,” remarked Hatta. 

The physical edition of JGW was complemented by a B2B digital component, JGW Virtual, which offers online discovery-driven product sourcing for trade buyers until September 30. 

Click here to view JNA's coverage of Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong 2021.