QUALITY BUYERS AT HK SEPTEMBER FAIR

While local political protests and ongoing U.S. China trade war were posing a threat to the sustenance of the fair, it has definitely given a boost and uplifted the sentiment of the local trade, as the gemstone section was seen buzzing with activity

The 2019 edition of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair – the biggest marketplace for the global jewellery community – presented a wide selection of diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls as it opened its doors at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE).

The show featured 30 group pavilions and 25 theme zones, with precious materials at the AWE from September 16 to 20, and unveiled finished jewellery collections, packaging solutions, tools and equipment, and industry-related technologies at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from September 18 to 22.

A lot has been at stake for the September Hong Kong fair given the current political unrest. Speculations were rife about the prospect of the show because of the ongoing local protests against the government and the US-China trade war. There had been requests from the GJEPC as well as the Antwerp Diamond Centre to postpone the show, but Informa Markets, which organizes the show rejected the requests as the continuity of the show was important for the health of the local businesses.

As many companies avoided participating and some buyers too did not participate in the show because of the local protests, the expectation as such was below average. The show marked its beginning with far less visitors as compared to the previous years, but exhibitors claimed that the response has not been bad. The gemstone pavilion was especially buzzing with serious activity. All the major international brands including Full Richmond Group were seen on the floor buying.