COLOR AND CREATIVITY AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST
GEM & JEWELRY SHOW 
​Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the twin gem and jewelry shows  attracted record numbers of buyers and exhibitors at the March 2018 edition.  
​By Cynthia Unninayar

Sapphire and diamond bracelet by Hong Kong designer, Green G.

Titanium and multi-gemstone brooch by Japanese designer, May Jewelry.

Sculpted ring in 18K gold and silver sulfide with 18K gold eyes by Japanese designer Jurio Fujita.

As jewelry and fashion intertwine even more, Hong Kong-based Coronet launched a patented handbag with interchangeable diamond-set brooches evoking the Coronet logo.

Butterfly brooch in Baltic amber and gold by Poland-based brand Design & Style.

Gold and emerald pendant by Italian brand Garavelli.

Opal, gemstone and diamond earrings by Taiwan-based designer Ammie Kang, of Top Kang.

Brooch in gold featuring a 14-carat yellowish green diamond, three blue sapphires and white diamonds by Taiwan brand Jurassic Colored Diamonds.

Silver dog charm by Hong Kong brand Petory, whose jewels tell a story.

​     Hong Kong has become the capital of global gem and jewelry shows, and the March show can claim the title of the world’s largest jewelry marketplace. The show is divided into two shows. Opening on February 27 was the five-day 5th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show  at AsiaWorld-Expo near the airport, with 1970 exhibitors.
​     Then, the 35th edition of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show began its five-day run on March 1 at the Convention Centre on Hong Kong Island with 2580 exhibitors.
     The combined number of 4550 exhibitors from 52 countries and regions was a record over last year, which itself was a record over the year before that. The number of buyers was also in record territory, numbering more than 87,000.
     “With improving global economic conditions, the jewelry industry has also steadily recovered,” said Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, “and consumers are increasingly looking for product diversity.”
     Diversity was definitely on the menu at the two shows. The products offered were quite diverse, both in terms of jewelry and gemstones. Just about everything was available, from simple silver designs to sleek gem and diamond set silver to trendy titanium in a myriad of colors to fine jewelry in gold and platinum. A wide variety of demi-fine jewelry, generally in 14K gold with less expensive gems was also on the agenda.
     Among the many motifs, nature-inspired themes were in evidence, especially flowers and butterflies. Earwear was shown in a variety of designs, although the number of ear climbers and ear cuffs seemed less than last year’s show. Transformable pieces, especially long to short earrings, were seen at many booths.
     In the gem and pearl hall, products ranged from inexpensive beads to multi-million dollar colored diamonds and gemstones. While all gems were on sale, there seemed to be special interest in spinel in all colors. Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires (in many colors) were also popular, as was Paraiba tourmaline. In the diamond pavilion, some dealers indicated that sales were below expectations, although those selling colored diamonds were anecdotally busier.
     One of the highlights of the show was the 19th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition, whose theme this year was “The Vibrant Hong Kong.” A total of 166 entries were received and the winners were announced during the show.
​     Some of the lovely jewelry creations are featured here.

Best of Show Award in the Open Group category of the 19th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition by Sara Zhuang. The rings are called "Urban Reflection."

Best of Show Award and Craftsmanship and Technology Award in the Open Group. The piece is entitled "Time" and was created by Wong Wing Chung.

Selection of enamel and pearl brooches by Korean brand Gina.

Selection of mosaic pendants in copper modeled after a Hokusai painting crafted by Italian brand Le Sibille.

Titanium "Butterfly" double ring with gemstones and diamonds by Italian brand Giovanni Ferraris.