FOCUS 焦点 18 | JNA November/December 2023 在过去几年中，中国的珠宝和宝石行业实现了前所 未有的增长，但2023年对于珠宝和宝石行业来说 是相当具有挑战性的一年，因为价格的持续上涨 和消费者情绪的低迷对某些领域的业务造成影响。 然而，黄金首饰等传统产品仍然备受青睐。中国珠宝玉 石首饰行业协会(GAC)发布的《2022年中国珠宝行业发展报 告》数据显示，国内对黄金的需求依然稳固，2022年占整个 珠宝市场规模的57%左右。 据业内专家称，黄金首饰的业务在2023年很可能有助抵 消在钻石首饰方面的损失。与此同时，奢华珠宝的需求预计 也将保持强劲。 Lu. “Consumer-level products, which we thought were costeffective in the past, are no longer as easy to sell as they used to be.” Instead, two major market developments are taking place: Top-notch products that can be considered as investments are moving faster than before while inexpensive but personalised items are gaining greater favour among younger customers. “Change in the industry in inevitable. A number of companies may enjoy steady sales because they focus on a niche category while some may face challenges since they cannot acquire inventory at high prices and cannot sell at retail,” Lu remarked. Further price hikes can be expected, following price increases for rubies, sapphires and emeralds. According to the company official, prices of Mahenge and jedi spinel likewise registered substantial price hikes. Other gems such as opals and some varieties of tourmaline such as lagoon tourmaline are likely to follow suit. Lu continued, “Chinese jewellers still have strong purchasing power, especially among emerging e-commerce jewellers and those with digital and social media expertise.” Allure of pearls China’s pearl jewellery sector accounted for around 3 per cent of the country’s jewellery market in 2022, but it has witnessed the highest growth over the last two years. Prices, too, have escalated. Li Tao, director of Purchasing of top retailer Keer Jewelry, said, “Prices of Akoya pearls have significantly increased in recent years, with the current price levels approximately two to three times higher than pre-pandemic times. Prices in 2023 have risen by 60 per cent.” Prices of Tahitian and South Sea pearls have likewise skyrocketed. Traders are attributing these hikes to lower production amid growing demand in China. Younger consumers are buying more pearls as manufacturers increasingly develop more modern designs and utilise digital channels and celebrity marketing to boost sales. Freshwater pearls are also witnessing solid demand. According to He Tieyuan, secretary general of Zhejiang Pearl Trade Association, the quality of some freshwater pearls produced in China can easily rival that of their saltwater counterparts. And they are more affordable. China is the world’s largest producer of freshwater pearls. Shanxiahu Town in Zhuji City, Zhejiang Province, also known as the Pearl Capital of China, has the biggest freshwater pearl market, accounting for 73 per cent of global freshwater pearl production and 80 per cent of China’s freshwater pearl output. China, however, has been producing fewer freshwater pearls as some pearl farms, which failed to meet government standards, were shut down. Data from the Zhejiang Pearl Trade Association showed that overall production of pearls in China reached 800,000 kilograms in 2021, down from 1 million in 2020 and 1.2 million in 2019. Government data showed prices of freshwater pearls grew 30 per cent to 50 per cent in 2023. Special pearls have become even more expensive, with an 80 per cent uptick in prices. Many pearl dealers and retailers are willing to replenish their inventories but there are also price concerns, according to industry players. Tiara adorned with sapphires, pearls and diamonds by Privaguet Jewelry. The patented piece was designed for the 69th Miss Universe China in 2020. Photo courtesy of Privaguet Jewelry Privaguet宝姬珠宝的冠饰，饰以蓝宝石、珍珠和钻石，这款专利设计 产品是为2020年第69届环球小姐中国赛区设计的。照片由Privaguet 宝姬珠宝提供 Bespoke diamond jewellery by Kimberlite Diamond. Photo courtesy of Kimberlite Diamond 金伯利钻石的 定制钻石首饰。照片由金伯利钻石提供
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjAxOTU=