Video Feature: 2013 Hong Kong Jewelry & Gem Fair

Tao Hsu and Andy Lucas

September 13, 2013

2013 Hong Kong Show
A view of Hong Kong, a leading global trade port. Stock photo.
The former British colony of Hong Kong, now a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is one of the world’s top ten importers and exporters. Almost half of Hong Kong trade is with mainland China, which makes it a very attractive site for global gem and jewelry trade shows. The fact that it is a free trade port with no tariffs and minimal licensing also draws suppliers and buyers. Alongside Las Vegas and Basel, Switzerland, Hong Kong’s gem and jewelry shows rank as one of the world’s most important in terms of size, trading, and industry trendsetting.

The former British colony of Hong Kong, now a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is one of the world’s top ten importers and exporters. Almost half of Hong Kong trading is with mainland China, which makes it a very attractive site for global gem and jewelry trade shows. Being a free trade port with no tariffs and minimal licensing also draws suppliers and buyers. Alongside Las Vegas and Basel, Switzerland, Hong Kong’s gem and jewelry shows rank as one of the world’s most important in terms of size, trading, and industry trendsetting.

Wolfram Diener
Talks About UBM's Trade Shows in Asia
Wolfram Diener, UBM’s Senior Vice President, gives an interview at Hong Kong’s 2013 Jewellery & Gem Fair about why UBM, the biggest commercial exhibition organizer in mainland China, is attracted to Hong Kong for trade shows.
Three main Hong Kong shows are held every year. The first is usually in March, followed by another in June. The September show is the largest, with two venues needed to accommodate all the exhibitors. The June and September events are organized by UBM, a global communications and marketing firm. This year’s June show, the 26th annual Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC), concurrently with Asia’s Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Fair. It featured several theme pavilions, including diamonds, colored stones, jadeite, pearls, fine jewelry, antique jewelry, design, and manufacturing tools.

David Bindra
A Colored Stone Dealer's Perspective
David Bindra of Los Angeles' B&B Fine Gems gives his perspective on the growth of the September gem show in Hong Kong, which he said has become the "epicenter" of colored gem trading.
Approximately 40,000 buyers attended the June show, a figure that typically reaches 60,000 for the September event. While the buyers represented a truly international mix, the percentage from China has consistently increased. As the country’s wealth continues to soar, the rise of a consumer economy has led to strong gains in gemstone and jewelry purchases. The Chinese consumer is becoming more sophisticated and demands higher-quality diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry.

Western designs and brands are also popular in China, which has created opportunities for international suppliers, including diamond dealers and gold jewelry manufacturers. China is the world’s largest buyer of gold. With its free trade policies, geographic location, and tradition as a gateway to China, Hong Kong is poised to remain Asia’s largest trading hub for fine jewelry, as well as a top destination for international suppliers and buyers.