The premiere edition of CARAT+, the international trade show dedicated exclusively to the loose diamond and diamond jewellery trades, has ended on a high note, with both its organisers and participants describing it as an unqualified success.

During the three days of the show, 2,927 industry professionals from 29 countries visited the event at the Antwerp Expo, with entry being restricted only to members of the trade. Some 116 companies from 13 countries exhibited loose diamonds, branded and non-branded diamond jewellery, as well as offering diamond and diamond jewellery industry-related services.

Declaring that the CARAT+ debut has surpassed its originally-set targets, the show’s organiser, Artexis Easyfairs, announced that preparations will begin immediately for an even more impressive second edition in 2018, with the dates being 6 + 7 + 8 May 2017.

“Our intention in 2017 was to create a strong template for a show that will become a fixture on the world industry’s calendar,” said Filip Van Laere, the CARAT+ Event Director. “Based on what we have learned over the past few days, as well as during the long months of preparation, we will continue to position CARAT+ as the undisputed annual reference point for the world diamond and diamond jewellery industry, and as such an event at which traders, industry leaders and opinion makers gather year after year.”

While most of its schedule was dedicated to the trading of diamond and diamond jewellery, the exhibition space at the Antwerp Expo was structured with comfortable eating and seating areas, to provide ample opportunity for networking. Participants were also afforded time to relax and enjoy themselves, such as during CARAT+ Night on May 7, an evening of music and fine cuisine that took place among the company booths, where the highlight was a tour through the exhibition hall by Caterina Murino, star of the James Bond thriller, Casino Royale.

CARAT+ also provided an educational programme, with a seminar taking place on May 8, led by Paola De Luca, the world-recognised expert on trends in the luxury jewellery and gemstone markets. Entitling her presentation "The Future of Diamonds: How Social Changes and the New Consumers are Impacting the Diamond Sector," Ms. De Luca pinpointed key strategies that she said needed to be taken on board by companies active in the market today.

With the first edition of CARAT+ behind them, the show’s organisers are intent are maintaining the show’s high industry profile. Information about the second edition will be made available over the coming weeks and months.