Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) is leveraging the power of its digital resources to deliver an efficient product discovery and sourcing platform for B2B buyers – anytime, anywhere – through JGW Virtual, a new format and experience that complements the energy and excitement of the show’s physical edition.

Set for September 13 to 30, JGW Virtual aims to spark meaningful connections and inspire synergy between the global B2B buyer community and select suppliers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Russia, Taiwan and Thailand, according to Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery. It also perfectly complements JGW’s physical edition, which is open to both B2B buyers and jewellery lovers for the first time from September 17 to 20. 

JNA, Informa Markets Jewellery’s flagship trade publication, serves as the official media partner of JGW’s first omnichannel edition.

Product discovery

Tailored to meet the market’s evolving needs, JGW Virtual enhances the reach and impact of the physical show, allowing buyers and sellers to engage and trade from anywhere in the world.

“JGW Virtual is offering three weeks of discovery-driven product sourcing to wholesalers, retailers and other B2B buyers who are still unable to travel due to coronavirus-related restrictions,” Lau said. “Perfectly timed for seasonal buying, this engagement platform enables trade professionals to reconnect with their current suppliers and get to know new vendors; find ideas and inspirations that can help them smartly plan their inventory replenishment strategy, and identify design trends that could impact retail demand in the coming months from the convenience of their homes or offices.”

JGW Virtual is also anticipated to generate buzz for the much-awaited launch of Informa Markets Jewellery’s enhanced JewelleryNet, a 365-day jewellery and gemstone platform that will go live in October. The revamped platform seamlessly expands the group’s industry-leading physical fairs and digital events such as JGW Virtual, providing buyers and sellers an omnichannel experience that will help them generate more business opportunities all year-round.

The virtual fair aims to keep the jewellery community better connected and more vibrant online and off, Lau continued. “To get the most out of this digital product sourcing journey, we are encouraging buyers to come overprepared as they would at a physical event,” she said. “The platform offers tools for enhanced business matchmaking, including online showrooms, filtered product/supplier search options, event scheduling and networking features such as one-on-one video conferencing and live chats.”

Further boosting audience engagement is a webinar on “Cost-Saving Jewellery Plating Solutions” on September 14 from 3:30pm to 4:15pm HKT. Powered by JGW Virtual, JNA and Umicore Electroplating, this session will feature presentations by Markus Legeler and Benjamin Wieser of Umicore who will share insights about Rhodium alternatives that could help manufacturers stay competitive and gain new business opportunities in a high-price precious metals market, and other cost-saving techniques.

Quality exhibitors

The virtual fair offers buyers access to a wide range of products, which is primed for the coming peak selling season and beyond. Celebrating craftsmanship and artistry, JGW Virtual features group pavilions highlighting select manufacturers from the following markets:

Japan Pavilion
This pavilion shines the spotlight on world-class suppliers who excel in terms of product quality, design and manufacturing – from loose pearls and finished jewellery collections to a wide range of diamond and coloured gemstone selections. 

Korea Pavilion
Featuring a select line-up of Korea’s key exporters specialising in gold and diamond jewellery, this pavilion highlights jewellery collections ranging from lifestyle products for daily wear to contemporary takes on classic designs.

Russia Pavilion
Offering one-of-a-kind statement pieces to everyday essentials, this pavilion puts design-focused and handcrafted fine jewellery in the limelight. Also not to be missed are fine ornaments embellished with gemstones, jewellery made of “innovative” precious alloys and loose diamonds, emeralds and alexandrites in fine qualities.

Taiwan Pavilion
This pavilion is a must-visit destination for buyers looking for handcrafted creations set with precious coral, diamonds and coloured gemstones. Bespoke collections that show off the beauty of coral are available alongside loose materials. 

Buyer registration for JGW Virtual is open until the fair ends at this link.