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World's No.1 jewellery event opens with
record-breaking number of exhibitors


The largest September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair in the show's 36-year history is welcoming thousands of decision-makers, merchants, trendsetters and professional buyers searching for the finest diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls and other precious jewellery materials at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) today.

Breaking new ground in terms of exhibitor numbers, the September Fair is gathering more than 3,700 exhibitors from around the world in two world-class venues – the AWE and the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Spanning across more than 135,000 square metres of exhibition space, merchandise are grouped by product category and tailored to buyers' purchasing requirements. Diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls – all the precious materials that a jeweller needs – are being presented by industry-leading companies at the AWE from today until Sunday. Finished jewellery collections, and packaging, tools, equipment and industry-related technologies will be launched at the HKCEC from September 14 to 18.

Here are a few highlights of the September Fair:

• The AWE section of the fair alone features more than 560 diamond suppliers, over 220 pearl companies and 800-plus coloured gemstone specialists

• More than 1,290 Hong Kong companies are presenting an unprecedented range of products at the show, making the September Fair the single-largest showcase in the world for jewellery manufactured by Hong Kong companies

• Strong participation of 26 group pavilions and 17 theme pavilions spanning both venues

• A Diamond Preview by ALROSA, a Paspaley Pearl Auction and more than 10 insightful seminars are going to be held during the seven-day event

High Exhibitor Demand

"We are delighted to report that professional buyers have one more compelling reason to visit the September Fair. This year, we have more than 3,700 exhibitors – the highest number in the show's history," says Celine Lau, Director of Jewellery Fairs at UBM Asia. Thailand has once again deployed the largest contingent among international exhibitors, with close to 400 finished jewellery manufacturers and gemstone suppliers.

"We are also seeing strong participation from Japan, which is fielding more than 320 companies. The delegation includes loose pearl dealers, finished pearl jewellery manufacturers and fine jewellery specialists," Lau shares. "We have also seen significant growth in the number of exhibitors from Turkey, and an increase in the level of participation of gemmological laboratories, tools & equipment vendors, and packaging products and solutions providers. This only means that buyers will have more opportunities to make new business connections, find fresh ideas and be better prepared with an attractive mix of merchandise for the coming peak sales periods."

Exhibitors will likewise have the chance to network with an international audience, from wholesalers and importers to retailers and designers, she continues.

Creating Real Connections

UBM Asia is also launching its WeChat official account at the fair. "This provides us with an additional interactive platform to engage with the Chinese community and keep them informed about our latest Global Jewellery & Gem Fairs and activities," says Lau.

Exhibitors and visitors could easily follow the official WeChat account by scanning its special QR code, which is prominently displayed at AWE and HKCEC. In addition to UBM's social media initiatives, the world's leading jewellery fair organiser is doing what it does best – facilitating genuine connections between buyers and sellers, and among decision-makers and influencers. Attendees will also have direct access to gem labs and their wide range of expert services, and catch up on market trends and learnings shared by industry trailblazers at the show.

Unmatched Product Offering

Across 26 group pavilions, buyers can expect to find everything from diamonds of unrivalled fire and brilliance and rare exotic gemstones possessing the most intense colours to the loveliest pearls and gem-encrusted jewellery pieces crafted by masters from the finest materials. Wholesalers, retailers, boutique owners, brands and speciality shops looking to diversify their offering will find at this show everything that they will ever need – and more – to move their business forward.

The September Fair is also known for its theme pavilions, including iconic features such as Fine Gem, Fine Design, CORE, Fei Cui (Jadeite), Designer Arena and the International Premier Pavilion.

The Fine Gem Pavilion, an iconic zone located in Hall 9 of the AWE, features more than 70 of the world's top suppliers of coloured gemstones, including rare gem-grade materials coveted by legacy brands and collectors. The Gemstone Pavilion, where coloured gemstones in virtually every hue of the rainbow are being showcased, occupies AWE's Halls 3, 6, 8 and 10.

Buyers looking for statement pieces set with the most incredible gems will have their fill at the HKCEC section of the show, which will feature the finished jewellery section of the September Fair. The Fine Design Pavilion, which will house more than 70 of the most exclusive and prestigious jewellers in the business at the HKCEC's Grand Hall, is a must-see for attendees searching for handcrafted jewels set with coloured gemstones possessing unusual characteristics, incomparable beauty and in some cases, distinguished provenance.

The most respected names in the world of pearls are also making their presence felt at the show. At the AWE, established loose pearl wholesalers who are recognised for their exacting and rigorous sorting standards are impressing buyers. Starting from Friday, fine jewellery manufacturers who create contemporary and yet timeless collections that show off the beauty of the "Queen of Gems" will unveil their collections at the HKCEC.

Declaration Programme on Natural Diamond Exhibits

The "Declaration Programme on Natural Diamond Exhibits" is also back at the September Fair following its successful implementation in the last two years. This initiative gives buyers an extra assurance about the diamonds they are purchasing and helps them make more informed buying decisions. Supported by the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, Antwerp World Diamond Centre, Hong Kong Indian Diamond Association and the Israel Diamond Institute, the programme acknowledges exhibitors who are members of recognised diamond trade associations and who make a declaration that they supply and exhibit diamonds in line with "Trade Descriptions (Definition of Diamond) Regulations" and in accordance with Hong Kong Law during the show. Diamond exhibitors enrolled in this project are displaying in their booths an official poster issued by UBM Asia identifying them as programme participants.