The September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, widely acclaimed as the world’s foremost fine jewellery event, commences today, marking a significant milestone in the global luxury goods calendar. This prestigious fair, celebrating its 34th edition, is strategically split across two iconic venues to optimize the visitor experience: AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) and the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). AWE is the dedicated hub for raw materials, including loose diamonds, colored gemstones, and pearls, opening its doors on September 13th. The exquisite finished jewellery section, showcasing the pinnacle of design and craftsmanship, will debut at HKCEC on September 15th. With an anticipated gathering of over 3,600 exhibitors hailing from 55 countries and regions, and an expected influx of approximately 58,000 discerning buyers from across the globe, organiser UBM Asia is poised to facilitate unparalleled business opportunities and foster vibrant trade activity within these two world-class venues.

Unveiling the 2016 Fair Highlights: Innovation and Expansion

The 2016 September Fair solidifies its position as an indispensable platform for the international jewellery industry, boasting an impressive array of features designed to enhance sourcing, networking, and market understanding:

• Expansive Exhibition Space: Covering an immense area of over 135,000 square metres across both venues, the fair offers an exhaustive display of jewellery, gemstones, and related services, making it the ultimate destination for comprehensive industry exploration.
• Introducing New International Pavilions: This year proudly marks the debut of the Myanmar and Portugal Pavilions, enriching the fair’s global tapestry. These exciting additions bring the total number of dedicated group pavilions to 24, underscoring the fair’s diverse international representation. Other prominent pavilions include Antwerp, Brazil, mainland China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, and the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), each presenting unique regional offerings.
• The Grand Showcase of Hong Kong Jewellery: The fair continues to host the single largest exhibition of Hong Kong jewellery, featuring over 1,250 Hong Kong-based companies. These exhibitors collectively represent approximately 35 percent of the total participants, highlighting the city’s pivotal role as a global jewellery manufacturing and design powerhouse.
• World’s Largest Diamond Pavilion & Asia’s Premier Gemstone Marketplace: Cementing its status as the epicentre of diamond and gemstone trade, the fair proudly hosts the world’s largest Diamond Pavilion, with around 500 specialist diamond companies. Concurrently, Asia’s biggest gemstone marketplace welcomes over 750 gemstone companies, offering an unrivalled selection of loose precious and semi-precious stones.
• Expanding Global Participation: Reflecting the fair’s growing international appeal, new exhibitors from diverse regions such as Nigeria, Peru, Portugal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Slovak Republic (Slovakia), French Polynesia, and the Republic of Vanuatu are participating, adding fresh perspectives and unique products to the marketplace.
• Exclusive Diamond Auction by ALROSA: ALROSA, Russia’s preeminent diamond company and the world’s largest diamond miner by volume, will host its prestigious diamond auction at AWE from September 13 to 17. This exclusive event, accessible by invitation only, provides a rare opportunity for high-level buyers to acquire exceptional diamonds directly from a leading source.
• Renowned International Pearl Auctions: The fair is also the esteemed venue for two significant international pearl auctions: the 68th Robert Wan Tahiti Perles Auction and the 59th Paspaley Pearl Auction. These highly anticipated events, held by invitation only, showcase some of the world’s finest and rarest pearls, attracting elite collectors and buyers.
• Introducing the Natural Diamond Declaration Programme: A new and vital initiative, the “Declaration Programme on Exhibits of Natural Diamond,” is being launched at this edition. Participating exhibitors will prominently display a dedicated poster at their booths, clearly assuring buyers that their diamonds are natural. This programme, supported by global diamond trade organisations including the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, the Antwerp World Diamond Center, Belgium, and the Israel Diamond Institute, is designed to provide greater transparency and empower buyers to make informed purchasing decisions with confidence. Diamond exhibitors participating in this programme are strategically located in Halls 5, 7, 9, and 11 at AWE.
• Enhanced Trade Buyer ID Privileges: Since its inception in June 2012, the Trade Buyer ID has been warmly received by esteemed buyers worldwide. This edition introduces an added benefit: holders of the Trade Buyer ID can now enjoy up to a 25 percent discount on dining privileges at participating restaurants, further enhancing the overall visitor experience. Buyers simply need to present their Trade Buyer ID to access this exclusive perk.

Asian Consumer Confidence: A Stable Foundation for Growth

In a global economic landscape marked by varying degrees of challenge, the Asian market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. According to the Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions, consumer confidence in mainland China and across the broader Asian region has remained impressively steady. The survey’s findings for the second quarter of 2016 reveal that the region’s confidence score either reached or surpassed 100 points, indicating a robust and optimistic consumer outlook. Key Asian countries included in this encouraging survey were the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Pakistan, and Thailand, collectively painting a picture of stability and potential.

This sustained healthy growth within the Asian market, particularly the economic powerhouse of China, has not gone unnoticed by leading players in the international jewellery industry. Celine Lau, Director of Jewellery Fairs at UBM Asia, observes a discernible trend: more and more internationally renowned organizations and laboratories are strategically establishing their presence within the dynamic China market. Ms. Lau notes, “They partner with local authorities to hold seminars, set up scholarships, and share knowledge about the latest technologies in the industry. They believe there is room for immense growth in the China market, so they are actively establishing and reinforcing their brands here through these proactive activities.” This strategic engagement underscores China’s critical role as a burgeoning market for high-quality jewellery and related expertise.

The September Fair’s Pivotal Role in Global Jewellery Trade

For over a decade, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair has served as an indispensable bridge, providing unparalleled access to China’s vast and increasingly affluent market. As the preeminent jewellery fair for the industry, it distinguishes itself by offering the most comprehensive product range, not only catering to the sophisticated demands of Chinese buyers but also attracting a diverse clientele from every corner of the world. Ms. Lau further elaborates on the fair’s strategic significance: “The Fair is not only an effective marketplace and platform to tap into the thriving Asian markets, but it also functions as a crucial ‘filter.’ Only serious buyers and dedicated exhibitors will attend world-class fairs of this calibre, like the September Fair. An event of this magnitude offers tremendous value to both exhibitors seeking qualified leads and buyers searching for authentic, high-quality products. It also provides seamless access to some of the industry’s most reputable vendors, thereby actively contributing to the continued growth and innovation within the global jewellery sector.”

In its ongoing commitment to connect exhibitors with the most vibrant markets, UBM Asia has significantly intensified its visitor promotion efforts in key regions. As a direct result of these enhanced strategies, this edition of the fair is proud to host 24 dedicated buyer delegations from mainland China, underscoring the fair’s magnetic pull for serious business engagement. Furthermore, a substantial number of overseas delegates are also converging on Hong Kong, representing countries such as Finland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, the Russian Federation, and Vietnam. This strong international presence reaffirms the September Fair’s undeniable status as a truly global meeting point for the jewellery trade.

Must-Visit Destinations: Signature Theme Pavilions

The September Fair curates a series of exquisitely designed Signature Theme Pavilions, each offering a distinct and highly specialized sourcing experience for discerning buyers:

• The Hong Kong Premier Pavilion

  Located in Halls 1D & E of HKCEC, the Hong Kong Premier Pavilion is a testament to the city’s enduring legacy in jewellery manufacturing and design. This exclusive showcase features approximately 30 of Hong Kong’s most outstanding jewellery companies and their prestigious brands. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a world of master craftsmanship, where exquisitely crafted jewellery collections reflect the very best of Hong Kong’s innovative spirit and rich traditions. This pavilion is a mandatory stop for anyone seeking the unique blend of quality, design, and market understanding that Hong Kong offers.

• The International Premier Pavilion

  A true destination for trendsetters and those seeking cutting-edge designs, the International Premier Pavilion can be found in Halls 3B & C of HKCEC. This elite pavilion brings together a carefully selected group of over 50 exhibitors from 17 diverse countries and regions. Representing the forefront of international jewellery trends, participants include designers and manufacturers from Belgium, mainland China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. It is a melting pot of global artistry and contemporary styles.

• The Fine Design Pavilion

  Housed within the opulent Grand Hall of HKCEC, the Fine Design Pavilion is a sanctuary for luxury and exclusivity. It hosts 76 internationally renowned jewellers who present their most exquisite creations. Here, visitors will discover breathtaking jewellery pieces meticulously set with luxurious and rare diamonds, precious gemstones, and exceptional pearls. The pavilion also features top-quality bejewelled watches, invaluable masterpieces, and exclusive one-off designs sourced from the world’s most distinguished artisans, promising an experience of unparalleled elegance.

• The Fine Gem Pavilion

  For connoisseurs and buyers of loose stones, the Fine Gem Pavilion is the definitive destination, dedicated entirely to the world’s finest loose diamonds, pearls, and gemstones. Situated in Hall 9 of AWE, this pavilion gathers 54 esteemed exhibitors who proudly showcase an extraordinary variety of high-quality loose gems. From investment-grade diamonds to vibrant colored stones and lustrous pearls, this pavilion offers an unmatched opportunity for direct sourcing of the raw beauty that forms the foundation of all fine jewellery.

Engaging & Value-Added Special Events

Beyond the extensive exhibition floors, the September Fair is renowned for its comprehensive programme of value-added special events, designed to enrich the experience of all attendees:

• Press Conference

  A pivotal event for media and industry stakeholders, the Fair press conference will be held on September 15, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, in meeting rooms S226 – S227 of HKCEC. This platform will see leaders of prominent jewellery associations sharing their invaluable insights on the latest developments and future trends within the global jewellery trade. Furthermore, Mr. Wolfram Diener, Senior Vice President of UBM Asia, will unveil the newest advancements and strategic directions within UBM Asia’s impressive jewellery fairs portfolio.

• Fair Welcome Reception

  To commemorate the grand opening of the finished jewellery section and foster invaluable networking, a celebratory Welcome Reception, expertly organised by UBM Asia, will take place on September 15 at 6:30 PM in the magnificent Grand Foyer of HKCEC. This elegant gathering provides an ideal setting for industry professionals to connect and collaborate.

• Diamond Auctions

  The prestigious Diamond Auction by the Alrosa Group is scheduled from September 13 to 17 at AWE, offering a unique opportunity for high-volume buyers. Admission to this exclusive event is strictly by invitation only, ensuring a curated environment for significant transactions.

• Pearl Auctions

  Two globally renowned pearl auctions will captivate experts and collectors: the 68th Robert Wan Tahiti Perles Auction (September 11-12) and the 59th Paspaley Pearl Auction (September 18-20), both hosted at HKCEC. These auctions, also accessible by invitation only, present an unparalleled chance to acquire rare and exceptional pearls from leading sources.

• Comprehensive Seminars and Industry Events

  Throughout the fair, a diverse range of leading international jewellery organisations, associations, and companies will host a myriad of informative seminars, conferences, product parades, and networking receptions. These events are tailored to provide deep insights into market trends, technological advancements, ethical sourcing, and business strategies. Esteemed hosts include:

  • Asia Fancy Color Diamond Association (AFCDIA)
  • Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory Limited (AGIL)
  • The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
  • Gemfields plc
  • Gübelin Gem Lab & Gübelin Academy
  • Shanghai Kimberlite Diamond Co Ltd
  • The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK)
  • The Gem & Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) (GIT)
  • Tanzanite Foundation

  For a complete and up-to-date schedule of these enriching special events, visitors are encouraged to visit the official fair website at http://exhibitions.jewellerynetasia.com/9jg/specialevents.

One Trip, Two Attractions: Concurrent Fair Access

Enhancing the value proposition for all attendees, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair is held concurrently with Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair (AFJ) at AsiaWorld-Expo. Buyers attending the September Fair are granted complimentary access to AFJ, offering an expanded sourcing opportunity to explore the latest trends in fashion jewellery and accessories without additional cost or effort.

Convenient Free Shuttle Bus Service

To ensure seamless navigation between the two major venues and key transport hubs, the Organiser has thoughtfully arranged a continuous free shuttle bus service. This convenient service runs directly between HKCEC, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tung Chung, and AWE, facilitating effortless travel for all registered exhibitors and visitors. For detailed information on pick-up points and comprehensive bus schedules, please refer to http://exhibitions.jewellerynetasia.com/9jg/transportation.

Fair Dates & Opening Hours: Plan Your Visit

Admission Requirements & Security Measures

The September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair is exclusively open to jewellery trade professionals and accredited members of the press, fostering a focused and business-centric environment. Free admission will be granted to visitors who present their valid business cards or an official invitation, accompanied by a Hong Kong Identity Card, Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau, or a National passport. Please note that visitors under the age of 18 will not be admitted, upholding the professional nature of the event.

Security Measure — Mandatory Identity Verification at Entrance
To further enhance the robust security measures and ensure a safe and trustworthy environment for all participants, all attendees are required to wear their official badges prominently at all times. Furthermore, access to the exhibition will strictly not be permitted without the presentation of a valid form of photo identification document for identity verification at the entrance. Your full cooperation in adhering to these essential security protocols is highly appreciated, as it significantly contributes to maintaining a secure and business-friendly atmosphere throughout the fair.

**The Organiser reserves the right to refuse admission and forfeit the admission badge at its discretion.

Tentative Future Fair Dates: Plan Ahead

For those planning future participation and attendance, the tentative dates for upcoming editions of the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair are provided:

Robust Industry Support: A Collaborative Success

The enduring success and global prominence of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair are significantly bolstered by the invaluable support and collaboration of key industry organisations:

• Advisory Board
  • The Hong Kong Jewellers’ and Goldsmiths’ Association
  • The Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association
  • Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association
  • Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China
• Local Sponsors
  • The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong
  • Hong Kong Gold & Silver Ornament Workers & Merchants General Union
  • The Kowloon Pearls, Precious Stones, Jade, Gold and Silver Ornament Merchants Association
• International Sponsors
  • Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
  • Antwerp World Diamond Center, Belgium