Iconic luxury pearl jewellery brands and manufacturers alongside leading industry organisations are joining forces at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) to mark the fair’s “Year of the Pearl” events in celebration of this precious gem.

Among these is legendary brand Mikimoto as well as pearl superstars Paspaley, Autore and Jewelmer, to name a few.

Organised by Informa Markets Jewellery and renowned as the “mother of all jewellery fairs,” JGW is taking place from September 16 to 20 at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) and from September 18 to 22 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). AWE showcases loose gemstones while HKCEC houses the finished jewellery, packaging and technology solutions section. 

Orient Odyssey

This year’s 2024 edition is made even more memorable with the immersive exhibit, “Orient Odyssey: From Shell To Market – The Fascinating Life Of Pearls,” by Informa’s Jewellery & Gem Knowledge Community.

This show floor attraction, located at Booth 3M260 in the HKCEC, is the result of a partnership with The AUTORE Group, Edison Pearls, Hatta New World Co Ltd, Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association (JPEA), Japan Pearl Promotion Society (JPPS), Jewelmer, Paspaley Pearling Company, Professional Association of Pearls Zhejiang, Rio Pearl, Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong (TPAHK) and Zhanjiang Pearl Association, among others.

Dr. Miro Fei-Yeung Ng, founder and president of the Centre for Gemmological Research, serves as project consultant.

At Orient Odyssey, visitors can explore the seamless collaboration between human ingenuity and nature to create one of the world’s most breathtaking wonders. The curated exhibit is set to showcase the process by which the humble pearl oyster produces nature’s perfect gem, offer insights into pearl grading systems, highlight advancements in pearl cultivation and present a collection of fine pearls.

They can also enjoy live demonstrations of pearls being delicately extracted from pearl oysters; pearl jewellery styling by designer Rosemary Chung and onsite pearl faceting techniques by renowned gemstone artist Victor Tuzlukov.

Additionally, this exhibit prompts contemplation on the future of pearls and their significance as indicators of oceanic health and the broader natural ecosystem.

“Few things evoke fascination like the world’s only living gems, inherently perfect from the moment of harvest. Orient Odyssey is celebrating the timeless beauty of pearls while at the same time introducing them to a new generation of buyers and ensuring that their enduring allure remains at the forefront of the industry’s collective consciousness,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery.

Expert discussions

Enhancing the Orient Odyssey experience are two panel discussions. “Beyond Precious: Pearl Farming And Environmental Stewardship” is taking place at the AWE on September 17. This session explores the future of pearl farming and address the environmental challenges currently faced by pearl producers. Furthermore, the discussion examines questions such as why pearl oysters serve as indicators of the health of the aquatic environments in which they grow.

Meanwhile, “The Power Of Pearls: Sustainable Gems For A New Generation,” which will be held at the Grand Foyer of HKCEC on September 18. The panel discussion aims to explore innovative strategies, from design to branding, that strengthen the universal appeal of pearls. Bringing together experts from pearl producers and the world’s top luxury pearl jewellery brands, the discussion will centre on the unparalleled beauty of pearls, emphasising their status as the world’s only renewable gems.

Both sessions have distinguished panels. The AWE discussion brings together Hiroki Goto, General Manager of Kobe Branch, K Mikimoto & Co Ltd and Director of Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association; Jacques Christophe Branellec, CEO of Jewelmer; Jens Knauer PhD, Aquaculture and Marine Conservation Consultant at AUTORE, and Dr. Rebecca Koss, Sustainability Manager at Paspaley. The HKCEC session will feature Rosario Autore, founder and CEO of AUTORE, Zhan Weijian, chairman and general manager of Hong Kong Edison Pearl Co Ltd, alongside returning speakers Branellec and Koss.

Product discovery

On living up to its reputation as the resource destination with the most product debuts than anywhere else, JGW features over 3,300 exhibitors from across 40 countries and regions. The event brings together top-tier names in loose pearls and pearl jewellery, featuring a wide range of products from freshwater pearls to South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls, and Akoya pearls, among others.

JGW has more than 40 pavilions for buyers to explore, including its signature zones – Fine Design Pavilion, Fine Gem Pavilion, International Premier Pavilion and CORE Pavilion, among others – and its newest section, the Gold Jewellery Pavilion.

Exhibitor list may be viewed here.