Every Edition Bigger, Better, Stronger is Hallmark of the HK Chain of Expos Spring 2007 Extravaganza a 5-Day Event Now

Hong Kong is a global gems and jewellery hub which I had been visiting frequently, particularly during its ever advancing expertly organized trade fairs that I have seen growing from strength to strength in each edition. Besides innovative expansion in 2007, the extravaganza has been extended to a full five day event to facilitate global sourcing and best selections as well as to provide more entertainment pleasure apart from the memorable ambience and hospitality of the organizers. With a vast variety of all kinds of precious goods brought in by a larger number of exhibitors from different parts of the world, the HK Spring Show has become an all the more important event for brisk business.

Diamonds Dazzled:

During my visits to various well-stocked segments of the HK Fair, I noticed that diamonds have gained more importance collectively. Fancy shapes, colored diamonds and bigger size goods were being picked up readily. Indian offerings were also moving well. Israeli and Belgian firms dealing in bigger sizes, fancy cuts and colored diamonds did brisk business as Indian traders from USA and India as well bought a lot of such goods obviously because India is becoming a major market for these goods. %% An important first this year was an auction of rough diamonds organized by Alrosa, the Russian diamond giant that mines and markets most of the Russian high quality gems. It was the first auction organized by Alrosa at the Hong Kong Show. It attracted about 40 buyers from various countries. Victor A. Poriadin, Head of the External Affairs Department of Alrosa called this an important sale and disclosed that Alrosa intends to hold such auctions in the future also.

Colored Gemstones:

In the colored gemstones sector, the scarcity of rough emeralds has resulted into a price spiral of both Colombian and Zambian goods. According to P.D. Ajmera, Colombian emerald prices have gone up around 40 per cent. Zambian goods have also become dearer by nearly 60 per cent. Some Jaipur-based emerald manufacturers disclosed that Colombian emeralds are treated therefore prices of these goods has not shot up as much as the Zambian emeralds which are not treated. %% Jewellery of all varieties including gems–studded as well as branded commanded satisfactory sales.

Splendor, Opportunities Galore:

In short, the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show impressed the precious world as a business and entertainment extravaganza. The mega Show that started on March 11, 2007 had as many as 2,180 exhibitors from over 41 countries and regions across the world. Besides 21 pavilions, including three new pavilions from Germany, Malaysia and Spain added to the ever expanding Show. The total number of visitors increased by 6.01% while the overseas visitors increased by 8.19%. Exhibitors seemed happy with the prevailing prospects at the Fair.

Formal Inaugural:

The opening ceremony was attended by the VVIPs, several high officials, esteemed members of press and exhibitors. In his opening address to the gathering Charles Chan, JP, Chairman, TDC Jewellery Advisory Committee, welcomed exhibitors to the 24th edition of the Show. %% The presentation of prizes to the winners of the 8th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition was also held with the inaugural ceremony.

New Additions:

The Show included several special sections besides the usual, namely Antique and Vintage Jewellery section which displayed designs from yesteryears and the Jade Jewellery Section. Other sections included Treasures of Nature showing high quality loose diamonds, le salon extraordinaire that flaunted hi-end jewels from major international jewellery companies, Designer Jewellery Galleria that exhibited branded and designer jewellery and the Watch & Clock Pavilion showcasing distinguished time pieces. Designer Jewellery Galleria was enchanting indeed.

Knowledge Promotion:

A series of informative seminars spurred desire for knowledge amongst the attendees. Gems and jewellery industry- Tapping the Indian Market, Major Trends In Jewellery, Anatomy of GIA’s Pearl Grading System were some of the topics for the attentive audience. Addressed by experts these seminars were a big hit. %%{{ Party Time All Along: }}%% Entertainment at the Show was hotly on at full swing throughout. ‘La Passion Rouge’ was the event that celebrated the opening of the Show. Distinguished guests of the evening were mesmerized with captivating violin and dance performances. The winners of the 6th International South Sea Pearl Jewellery Design Competition were awarded on the same evening. Another enjoyable event was the Cocktail Reception hosted by the Italian Trade Commission. The evening titled ‘Jewels of Italy’ displayed striking Italian jewellery. A dinner hosted by ICA served an exciting platform for colored business opportunities too. %% Delicately clad lovely models roaming about flashing sparkling jewels claimed everybody’s attention. %% The March edition of the HK International Gems & Jewellery Show emerged full of business prospects for sellers and buyers alike, claim the organizers. Majority of the exhibitors were happy; the ones who weren’t, were not disappointed also. Overall, it succeeded in retaining the momentum of precious trade shows. %% To draw out the organizers further, Diamond World interviewed Anne Chick the Exhibition Manager of the HK Trade Development Council. Here is the information she added through Kanice S.K. Ho. %%{{ How many people could accomplish the latest mega Hong Kong Show? %% Anne Chick :}} It is difficult to tell you exactly how many people worked so hard for the Show. The Show was organized by the Exhibitions Department of %%{{ HKTDC.}} All the staff in the department, that is all of us put in all efforts to make the Show impressive. Besides, staff of 40 overseas offices also helped in promoting the Show. %%{{ More Indians in HK Show : %% More booths appear to have been put up in the Show ? How Many, please? %% Anne:}} There were 2,185 exhibitors in 2007, an increase of 11 % compared to the 2006 Show. The 2,185 exhibitors represented 41 countries and regions, 43 of them came from India. %%{{ Many more attendees have come to the Show. How many nationalities are represented? %% Anne:}} Totally 31,004 visitors from 129 countries and regions visited the HK Int’l Jewellery Show -2007 (6% more than last year). 13,626 were local buyers, and 17,378 were from overseas. There were 805 buyers from India, compared to 686 in the last year Show. %%{{ Overall, is the Show better than last year? %% Anne:}} Both in terms of exhibitors and buyers, the Show this year is better than the last year. %%{{ What is the notable difference from the last year? %% Anne:}} This year, the Fair has been extended to 5 days , so that the buyers could have longer time to do sourcing. Two new zones have been added this year, namely Antique & Vintage Jewellery and Jade Jewellery.