Southeast Asia's oldest english-language trade journal on the international gems and jewellery community

Insights from Industry Leaders: HKTDC Twin Jewellery Shows March 2025

By Julius Zheng

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) hosted two of its most anticipated annual events in 2025, bringing together global leaders, designers, and exhibitors to showcase the latest trends, insights, and innovative creations in the jewellery industry.

The HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show took place at AsiaWorld-Expo from 2-6 March 2025, while the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show ran from 4-8 March 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Additionally, the virtual platform Click2Match will complement the live events, enabling exhibitors and buyers to connect online from 23 February to 13 March 2025 through HKTDC’s EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. This innovative setup offers a seamless blend of physical and virtual interactions to maximize networking and business opportunities.

These jewellery events are more than just exhibitions; they are pivotal moments of exchange, innovation, and global collaboration within the jewellery industry. With its forward-thinking agenda and hybrid approach, the HKTDC continues to shine as a leader in promoting trade and creativity on the international stage.

A highlight of the Jewellery Show week is the Media Gathering on 5 March 2025 at the HKCEC，bringing together 30 international journalists and over 10 exhibitors from regions such as Mainland China, Japan, Spain, the US, Thailand and more, the session facilitates meaningful discussions on industry trends and product developments.

The meeting started with opening remarks from moderator Mr. Eddie Lee, Associate Director (Marketing) of HKTDC, followed by insightful presentations from two industry luminaries, Mr. Winston Chow, Chairman of the HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee, and Mr. Lawrence Ma, Chairman of the fairs organizing committee.

Industry Insights from Winston Chow

Mr. Winston Chow presented an optimistic overview of the industry’s performance in 2024. Hong Kong’s fine jewellery exports reached HK$80.5 billion, showcasing a notable 10% growth in exports to the United States and steady increases in trade with the EU, Middle East, and ASEAN countries. However, the export of jewellery raw materials, which totaled HK$121.2 billion, faced slight declines in key regions like India and Mainland China, while UAE and Thailand recorded sustained growth for a fourth consecutive year.

Looking ahead, Mr. Chow outlined emerging trends crucial to staying competitive. He highlighted the growing demand for affordable luxury jewellery, as younger consumers seek high-end designs at accessible price points. Additionally, male and unisex jewellery are on the rise, presenting untapped opportunities for brands willing to cater to evolving demographics.

Sustainability is also a priority. With consumers increasingly valuing environmental responsibility, jewellers with strong commitments to ethical practices stand to benefit significantly. On the design front, innovations such as irregular baroque pearls, sporty minimalistic pieces, and jewellery inspired by themes like the Lunar New Year are captivating global buyers.

Event Highlights from Lawrence Ma

Mr. Lawrence Ma offered a detailed overview of the twin jewellery shows, which are expected to host approximately 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions, reinforcing Hong Kong’s reputation as a global jewellery trading hub. This year’s exhibitions include a rich blend of raw materials such as diamonds, gemstones, and pearls, alongside finished jewellery, designer brands, packaging solutions, and jewellery-making tools.

The events will feature 38 thematic pavilions, ranging from Mainland China and Thailand to Italy and the US. This diversity underscores international support for the fairs, with organizations like the Asia Pacific Creator Association and the International Coloured Gemstone Association lending their backing. For the first time, the Asia Jewelry Culture Design and Crafts Association Pavilion will highlight young designers’ creativity and craftsmanship.

To celebrate innovation, the fairs have introduced new themed zones, including the Gold Jewellery Zone and the Young Jewellery Designer Arena, displaying cutting-edge designs that blend tradition with modernity. Attendees can also marvel at winning pieces from the International Jewellery Design Excellence Award and Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition on display.

Another key highlight is the growing focus on male and affordable jewellery, with nearly 200 exhibitors showcasing collections catering to these trends. The Rare and Precious Pieces zones, such as the Hall of Fine Diamond, will impress visitors with their offerings of high-grade diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.

To complement the exhibitions, over 30 seminars and events will explore essential topics like AI, big data, and jewellery trend analysis. Networking opportunities abound, with jewellery parades and interactive platforms creating an engaging and vibrant marketplace for industry players.

Diamond Price and China Diamond Market

In an interview by Gem Spectrum and Bangkok Gems & Jewellery magazines, Mr. Lawrence Ma said that recently, confidence in the market has been improving, especially following remarks by China’s central government emphasizing stability and clarity in economic direction.

In the diamond market, natural diamond prices have reached a low point, but the lab-grown diamond prices have dipped much more steeply. This has created a divide between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, similar to the differentiation seen in ruby and sapphire markets over decades. Natural diamonds remain limited in supply, as their availability is dictated by nature.

In the past, when the economy was stronger, diamond production was stable, with approximately 110 million carats mined annually, valued at $13-15 billion. These were transformed into polished diamonds worth $20-23 billion, contributing to a retail market of $50-70 billion. However, since 2019, growth has slowed, and prices have stabilized. Many believe the market is finding a balance, and some are asking when it will be a good time to invest in diamonds again, as the market shows signs of recovery.