By Cynthia Unninayar

With record numbers of attendees, this year’s Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, held in February, was a showcase not only for Asian designers but also for brands from around the world.

Another new record was set for attendance at this year’s Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, HKTDC. Over 38,000 buyers came to see the show’s 3,100 exhibitors (up nearly 300 from last year), who hailed from 48 countries and regions. The second largest jewellery fair in the world, the HKIJS is clearly the place to see and be seen.

The event is also a showcase for the Hong Kong industry, which did well in 2011. The world’s fifth largest exporter of fine jewellery, Hong Kong’s exports grew 35 percent in 2011 to US$6 billion. By value, exports increased to all major regions, with the USA up 29 percent and the euro zone up 20 percent, while the ASEAN and BRIC markets were up 56 and 76 percent, respectively. “Rapid economic development in the emerging markets, especially the Chinese mainland, has resulted in an expanding middle class, which in turn is creating huge product demand,” explained Benjamin Chau, HKTDC deputy executive director.

Anecdotally, many exhibitors also indicated that China is helping fuel the recovery in the gem and jewellery sector, along with increased demand from India. Notably, the number of American and European exhibitors was up, as they look towards the Asian markets. Their presence at the Hong Kong fair also offered the additional opportunity of attracting the attention of buyers from their home countries.

The overall mood was positive, although opinions from individual brands varied from “better than expected” to “good.” One of the highlights of the show was the 13th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition where pieces—many inspired by the Year of the Dragon—showed great originality and creativity. In terms of colours and trends, just about everything was available in Hong Kong, from simple metal, to gemstone-set pieces, to elaborate coloured and diamond-studded creations. Companies from around the globe offered something for every taste and pocketbook.

Creativity in exhibitor stands was also evident. Among them was first-time exhibitor, Gumha Chilbo, based in Seoul, Korea, which specializes in one-of-akind enamel jewellery and metal objects decorated with vitreous enamel, precious metals, and gemstone inlays. “People like unique pieces today,” said Park Soo- Kyung, creative director, “because they represent a person’s individual nature. No two enamel pieces are ever alike.” Another Korean brand, Gina, showed off a diamond and gold tiara and earrings, as well as a range of delicate flower jewellery cast from real flowers using a special proprietary technique.

From Singapore, Forever Jewels created an attention-grabbling booth called the Captain Jewels Training Camp where military dress-clad models showcased jewellery while holding a variety of military accessories and equipment. Also from Singapore, designer Yang Lay featured intricately handcrafted silver jewellery adorned with gemstones, which can be worn in a variety of different ways. From neighbouring Malaysia, Amezin’s Creations provided lots of colour withnature-themed pieces, ranging from flowers to underwater motifs.

Kuwayama, showcased its delicate Arabesque line—created by hand from tiny 5-mm pieces—and its Chiffon line made from woven gold mesh chains, as well as platinum pieces. Also from Japan was first-time exhibitor Space Rock Jewelry Studio, whose designer Dai Iwama created some amazing insects and arachnids, with movable joints in 18K gold and gemstones.

Last, but certainly not least, exhibitors from Hong Kong included a variety of beautiful designs. Green G, with its delicate natureinspired motifs, presented a carved jade pendant decorated with diamond-set bats. E&V Jewellery offered collections featuring colourful jewels with themes ranging from romantic to natural. Elan offered a wide variety of delicate diamond-set flower pieces, among other motifs, while Aspire featured lovely creations from MVee as well as its new brand Vida.

One of the larger Hong Kong companies, Aaron Shum Jewelry, which sells in global markets under brand names Gemtique, Coronet Solitaire, Icestrella, and La Posy, announced the collaboration with Swarovski Gems, to create a new collection of Gemtique pieces combining silver, gold, and Swarovski GemsTM genuine gemstones, giving a touch of light-hearted luxury.

The next fair will be held March 5 to 9, 2013.

www.hktdc.com