World's 3rd Largest Jewellery Fair Celebrates Silver JubileeSpotlight on Jewellery Parades and Design Competitions

February 19, 2008 - The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, the 3rd largest of its kind in the world, will be held March 4-8 at Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Close to 2,300 exhibitors from 46 countries and regions will showcase all kinds of dazzling jewellery items at the trade fair.
Lawrence Ma, Chairman of Fair Organising Committee, said a wide range of activities will be launched to expand the fair's portfolio and celebrate its silver jubilee. He said these initiatives will also strengthen Hong Kong's status as the world's major jewellery sourcing centre.

"More than 20 special events, including seminars, jewellery parades, networking cocktails and a gala evening will be held during the fair period, providing a platform for participants to establish business contacts and exchange market information," said Mr Ma.

He added: "The jewellery parades will display dozens of chic jewellery products made with jade, gemstones, diamond or gold, as well as jewellery watches, antique items and the latest collections from internationally-acclaimed designers."
"Heavy-weight speakers such as renowned designer Lo Kai Yin and representative from the World Gold Council will share the secrets of design, provide updates on the pearl and gold industry as well as the Middle East market in a series of seminars."

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), organiser of Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, will set up seven special zones at the fair, including Treasures of Nature, displaying exquisite loose jewellery items such as diamonds, pearls, and gemstones; Le Salon Extraordinaire, a world of fine pearls and gems; as well as Jade Jewellery Section, Antique & Vintage Jewellery Section, Designer Jewellery Galleria and Watch & Clock Pavilion. Les Salons Privms will launch a new diamond jewellery section this year, allowing exhibitors and buyers to seal business deals in a private setting.

The Show will encompass 14 group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Dubai, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United States.

Major jewellery associations from around the world will also be present at the show, including the International Coloured Gemstone Association, the Platinum Guild International, Antwerp World Diamond Centre, Israel Diamond Institute, as well as Japan Pearl Exporters' Association, Japan Jewellery Association, Japan Jewellery Designers Association and Japan Yamanashi Crystal Jewelery Association.

In addition, three world-class jewellery auctions will be held concurrently at the HKCEC, offering a one-stop shop to satisfy different sourcing needs. Pearl auctions will be held by Paspaley (March 2-4) and Robert Wan Tahiti (March 5-6), while Russia's largest diamond miner, Alrosa (March 4-5) will host a diamond auction for invited buyers.

Also speaking at the press conference, Charles Chan, Chairman of HKTDC's Jewellery Advisory Committee said Jewellery exports grew by 17% to HK$33.8billion (US$4.3billion) in 2007, with the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland topping the major markets list. There was significant growth experienced in emerging markets, for example, Russia with 177%, South Africa 61%, India 45%, Greece 40% and the United Arab Emirates at 39%.
Hong Kong is the 4th largest fine jewellery exporter in the world. Mr Chan said: "The growth potential of emerging markets is enormous. We are expecting moderate growth for jewellery exports this year, driven by a huge demand from the Middle East, Russia and India."

The fair is jointly organised by Hong Kong Jewellers' & Goldsmiths' Association, Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers' Association and Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China. Co-organisers are Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd.

HKTDC announced the results of the 9th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition today at the press conference. This year, more than 400 contestants competed in two groups, the Student Group and the Open Group, under the theme of "Colour of the World". Open Group winners will receive cash prizes and sponsorship for a short design course at the Hiko Mizuno College of Jewellery in Japan.
The winning pieces of this competition, the Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition 2008 and the JJA Jewellery Design Awards 2007 will be on display at Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, promoting the latest designs to international buyers.

Security is an all-time priority of the fair, with no exception this year. The fair organiser is working closely with the Hong Kong Police Force and a briefing session will be held before the Show providing anti-theft tips for exhibitors.

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