Jewellery Show Opens with Exhibitor Record

contents

asia

More than 2,300 exhibitors from 46 countries and regions, a new exhibitor record, are taking part in the 26th annual HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, which kicked off today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), continues through 8 March, and includes the International Jewellery Design Excellence (IJDE) Award presentation gala this evening. Showcasing the "best of the best, " the award is open only to top-prize winners from other international jewellery design competitions, all vying to be the Champion of Champions. "The result is an elite group of entrants with a proven track record in creativity and design competing for the highest honour, " said Raymond Yip, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC. This year, the IJDE competition received 170 entrants from 27 countries and regions.

Speaking at today's opening ceremony, Lawrence Ma, Chairman of the Jewellery Advisory Committee and the Fair Organising Committee, acknowledged that "these are trying times." But, he added, "We at the HKTDC are working hard to develop business opportunities in emerging markets and to enhance Hong Kong's role as Asia's major sourcing and distribution centre." Joining Mr Ma at the opening ceremony were Emily Lau, Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Fred Lam, Executive Director of the HKTDC.

Group pavilions come from the Chinese mainland, Dubai, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United States. The show also includes eight trade pavilions from organisations such as the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, the Israel Diamond Institute, the International Colored Gemstone Association, the Japan Jewellery Association and the Platinum Guild International.

The Hall of Fame, a special area set aside to promote branded jewellery, makes its debut at the fair, hosting companies from France, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Monaco, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The newly launched "Treasury of Carving" zone joins Le Salon Extraordinaire, a dedicated area for premium, luxury and distinctive pieces, the Designer Jewellery Galleria, showcasing designers and their collections, Antique and Vintage Renaissance, focusing on antique and vintage pieces, the Jadeite zone, featuring top-grade jade pieces, and Les Salons Privés, Treasures of Nature and the Watch & Clock Pavilion.

Fair highlights include two seminars, "Meet the Jewellery Design and Craftsmanship Master – Wallace Chan, " and "Jewellery Valuation and Investment Value, " as well as a briefing: the "European Retail Market for Jewellery, Watches and Precious Stones in the aftermath of the Financial Crisis." The Paspaley Pearl Auction and the Robert Wan Tahiti Pearls Auction will again be held, along with jewellery parades, receptions and tonight's gala.

The show is organised in association with the Hong Kong Jewellers & Goldsmiths' Association, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, the Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers' Association and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China. Sponsors include the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries.

write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Exhibition News :: home page