Ventures Dialogue

The HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, one of the most important trade events of its kind in the world, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 4 – 8, 2009. Canadian buyers are invited to join their worldwide counterparts to visit the event and enjoy the extra sparkle created by the various new zones this year.

“Hong Kong is the perfect place to stage a jewellery industry event, given its expertise in this sector,” said Andrew Yui, Director, Canada, Hong Kong Trade Development Council. “Hong Kong’s own jewellery manufacturing industry is a sparkling success story: it is the world’s fourth largest exporter of fine jewellery after Italy, the US and India. Hong Kong’s total exports of fine jewellery amounted to US$3.5 billion in the first nine months of 2008. Total exports have maintained strong momentum in recent years, posting increases of 14%, 17% and 21% in 2006, 2007 and the first nine months of 2008, respectively.”

The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show is one of Asia’s premier jewellery trade events. Not only is it a key platform for sourcing quality jewellery, but it also adds value with a series of networking and information-exchange activities. The 2008 event attracted 2,300 international exhibitors from 45 countries and regions, while a total of 31,333 buyers from 135 countries and regions came through the doors.

The 2009 show is expected to attract more than 2,400 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions. Major exhibitors have already confirmed their participation, including Royal Gem from Belgium, Paul Wild from Germany, Man Shan Jewellery Co Ltd, Rio Pearl, Waddy Jewellery Group Limited, Nelson Jewellery Arts Co Ltd from Hong Kong, Busatti SRL from Italy, Lili Diamonds from Israel and London Pearl from the UK.

The number of younger consumers has increased over the past few years. They are fashion-conscious and put great emphasis on the design element. In response to this trend, HKTDC will be presenting the new zone “Hall of Fame” at the 2009 show. This prestigious zone presents esteemed international brand names known for their high quality in a suitably elegant and luxurious environment to be located at Convention Hall.

Building on the success of the last fair, “Les Salons Privés” will return, featuring superb pieces of fine jewellery and diamonds. At the 2009 fair, a new product category – South Sea Pearls – will be added. Exhibitors and buyers can meet in absolute privacy in adjacent exclusive meeting rooms.

Other themed zones will be featured at the fair. The “Antique & Vintage Renaissance” section will exhibit a wide variety of historic jewellery and watches; “Designer Jewellery Galleria” will showcase hip collections from designers; “Jadeite Zone” will highlight top-grade jade pieces; and “Le Salon Extraordinaire” will put fine jewellery in the limelight, in appropriately elegant and discreet surroundings conducive to serious business negotiations. In addition, “Treasures of Nature” will showcase top-quality loose diamonds, gemstones, pearls and other precious materials; while “Watch & Clock Pavilion” will feature watches, and a wide variety of clocks, from the traditional to the contemporary.

A new dimension will be added to the 2009 edition with the debut of the International Jewellery Design Excellence (IJDE) Award. To honour creative and outstanding jewelry designers, the IIJDE Award creates a platform and provides an opportunity for international jewellery designers to exchange experiences and to compete for the highest honour – “Champion of the Champions”. 170 entries from 27 countries & regions – including Canada — have been received. 9 judges from around the world will select the winners based on creativity and uniqueness of the overall concept, quality of craftsmanship and overall beauty.

“The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show has always been well supported by Canadian buyers,” said Andrew Yui, HKTDC’s Director in Canada. “Last year, the event received a total of 364 buyers from across Canada.”

The HKTDC Toronto Office is once again assisting Canadian buyers to pre-register their participation in the 2009 event. Contact Jill Chien at (416) 366-3594 if you’re interested.  For a full list of upcoming trade missions, click here.