Building on the momentum generated by its new show dates, new venue and new buyer resources, the third edition of Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (JGTD) witnessed a solid increase in international attendance, notably from the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the CIS countries. 

This boost has further reinforced the fair’s standing as a key B2B sourcing destination and a central meeting point for the global jewellery buying community, according to event organisers Informa Markets Jewellery and Italian Exhibition Group SpA (IEG).

Held from November 12 to 14 in Halls 1 and 2 South of Expo City’s Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), JGTD attracted 4,925 unique visitors, with nearly half of them from overseas, representing almost 120 countries and regions. 

The boost in international buyers came from Asia, showing a 7.6 per cent rise, while Europe and the CIS countries saw a combined 29.3 per cent increase. The latter figure included attendees from Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Furthermore, there was growth in buyer participation from the main Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, including Kuwait, Oman and Jordan.

Buyer delegations representing over 175 companies from 29 countries and regions were likewise out in force, including groups from China, Jordan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam, and delegates from Africa and the Middle East.

Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, director general of the Community Development Authority of the Government of Dubai, inaugurated the three-day show.

Strategic sourcing

JGTD brought together over 350 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and regions, spread across 16 distinct areas. These sections included nine country and regional pavilions, introducing new groups from China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the US, along with returning pavilions representing Hong Kong, India (hosted by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council – GJEPC), Italy and Türkiye.

Further enriching the buyer resources at JGTD were two new themed areas, namely, the Dubai City of Gold Pavilion, organised by the exhibition’s Industry Partner, Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG), and Dubai Jewel Narratives by DBGGJD (Dubai Business Group for Gold & Jewellery Designers). These additions complemented the main show floor sections dedicated to Finished/Semi-Finished Jewellery, Loose Diamonds & Coloured Gemstones, Packaging, Jewellery Technology and Lab-Grown Diamonds.

“JGTD is solidifying its role as a key hub for jewellery, gem and technologies in Dubai, a city cementing its status as a global business centre,” said IEG’s Chief Business Officer Marco Carniello. “This year’s event brought together visitors and exhibitors from major global markets, fostering new opportunities through a well-segmented offering, diverse exhibitors and insightful discussions. With our valued partners, we remain committed to strengthening these connections and expanding future business opportunities.”

The fair’s Q4 timing presented a key opportunity for professional buyers to plan strategically for the coming peak selling seasons and lay the groundwork for a successful 2025, commented Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery.

“It has been an exciting experience to connect with our partners at JGTD. The atmosphere was relatively upbeat – a positive indicator supporting our ‘new show dates, new venue’ strategy. Buyers were also very intentional about their sourcing and this sentiment was clearly felt on the show floor,” Lau said.

Trusted marketplace

Professional trade buyers from around the world said they were able to fulfil their sourcing requirements at the show. 

Neophytos Neophytou, general manager of Neophytou Jewellery in Cyprus, called JGTD a very important and international hub for the jewellery sector as it covers all categories from packaging and fine jewellery to loose stones and manufacturing technologies. “We have found two to three Chinese companies from Shenzhen that produce very nice jewellery, especially in CVD and HPHT stones, which are trending in the international market,” he added.

Yolanda Yara Cunjuca, founder of By Yara in Angola, was out to find coloured gemstones that would allow her to create different stories through her jewellery. “I came across a number of interesting coloured gemstone providers at the show,” she shared.

Freid Chen, CEO of Rosy Clouds Diamonds Co Ltd, China, also said he found many potential business partners at JGTD.

Exhibitors were likewise pleased with business prospects at JGTD 2024.

Piero Speggiorin, product development and export manager of Italy’s Maria De Toni Srl, said JGTD is an important show that is strategic for worldwide markets. “Dubai is an international hub that serves as a gateway to the Middle East, the Americas, Europe and the Far East. In my opinion, JGTD could be an important show and could grow more and more, especially within this new venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre,” he noted. 

Arcadia Gems DMCC of the UAE attended JGTD to get closer to its customers and showcase its unique collections to a broader audience, according to its operations manager Maria Psarrou. “The market is literally global – there are buyers coming from India, the US and Europe,” she added.

JGTD will return to DEC from November 11 to 13, 2025 for its fourth edition.

-    Full story in JNA January-February 2025
 

Click here to view JNA’s coverage of JGTD 2024