Editor’s Note
Hong Kong’s premier jewellery trade events return this March, underscoring the city’s pivotal role in global gem and jewellery commerce. The concurrent shows at AsiaWorld-Expo and the HKCEC represent a major moment for industry networking and trade.
The jewellery trade has long been a vital part of Hong Kong’s commerce. The 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from March 2 to 6 and March 4 to 8 respectively at AsiaWorld-Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Sophia Chong, revealed that the exhibitions will feature around 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions, with 70% coming from outside Hong Kong. Uzbekistan is participating for the first time, while exhibitors from Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and India have expanded their presence.
Over 110 buyer groups from 65 countries and regions, including the UAE, France, and the UK, have been invited for on-site sourcing. To encourage buyers to extend their stay, the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Tourism Board are jointly offering various local experience activities and dining perks, such as arranging horse racing viewings, harbour night cruises, and tram parties.
Mr. Chow Wan Shing, Chairman of the HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee, stated that Hong Kong’s precious jewellery exports are on a sustained upward trend. The total export value reached HK$84.5 billion in 2025, showing significant growth compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Regarding raw materials, Hong Kong’s exports of pearls, gems, and rough diamonds totalled HK$111.1 billion in 2025, with exports to the UK rising by 79% and to Italy by 35%, indicating Hong Kong’s competitiveness in high-end markets.
Mr. Wong Siu Kee, Chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show Steering Committee, noted that buyers from emerging markets like the Middle East and India increasingly favour gold jewellery, while mainland Chinese buyers prefer jade. Ms. Sophia Chong added that due to rapid growth in the ASEAN jewellery market, specific attraction measures have been implemented, while traditional European and American markets remain a focus.
Mr. Chow Wan Shing pointed out that Generation Y and Z are becoming core jewellery buyers. They tend to view jewellery as a vehicle for personal expression rather than merely an investment for value preservation. Simultaneously, growing consumer attention to brands’ ESG performance is driving the development of personalised customisation services, allowing customers to participate in the design process.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is gradually being integrated into various stages of the jewellery industry chain, from design and production to marketing. Ms. Sophia Chong stated that to help SMEs seize opportunities, the exhibitions will feature AI-powered business matching services to facilitate post-show online negotiations and a live-streaming zone for exhibitors to tap into the mainland e-commerce market.