FOCUS 10 | JNA Jan/Feb 2022 With businesses around the world gearing up for a ‘great reboot’ beginning 2022, the jewellery and gemstone industry is already seeing steady growth in demand supported by sustained economic recovery in the key markets of the US and China. According to industry stakeholders, demand is stronger than ever as consumers find new meaning in owning a piece of jewellery, whether to celebrate life events or as a form of self-reward. Retailers are also back on track. According to US-based National Retail Federation (NRF), retail sales continued to grow in the US in November 2021 – up 14 per cent year on year – signalling consumers’ willingness to spend. As of press time, the NRF said the 2021 holiday season could post record consumer spending amid inflation, supply chain disruptions and Covid-19. Jewellery demand in China is also generally stable, with the government reporting steady increases. The latest data showed a 5.7 per cent year-on-year rise in November sales of gold, silver and jewellery. Retail sales are likewise on the rebound in Hong Kong. The census department said sales of jewellery and other luxury items reached HK$3.52 billion (US$452 million) in October 2021, up 23.1 per cent from 2020 albeit slightly lower than the HK$3.91 billion (US$501 million) recorded in October 2018. This retail optimism is trickling down on all aspects of the supply chain – rough and polished diamond sales are on the upswing as manufacturers fulfilled extra orders for the holiday season. 珠宝贸易：危机后的复甦策略 Resetting strategies post-crisis As the world treads gradually towards normalcy, jewellers and gemstone traders are constantly innovating and discovering new ways to do business. Prospects also appear bright moving forward, thanks to the industry’s resilient and progressive nature. 随着世界逐渐回复正常，珠宝商和宝石贸易商不断开发新的营商方式。 业界凭藉其弹性和进取精神，前景愈见光明。 | Bernardette Sto. Domingo 杜明高 | JEWELLERY TRADE:
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