June Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 2016 is an ideal opportunity to replenish stock with more than 2,200 exhibitors from 41 countries and regions

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The June Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 2016 thrives on being a one-stop-shop sourcing platform for the global jewellery trade to select jewellery, pearls and gemstones, and related products.

The 29th edition of the premier mid-year jewellery trade show welcomes visitors to the Convention and Exhibition Centre from June 23-26.  

The schedule is ideal for the trade to replenish stock in preparation for the September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, the world’s largest jewellery fair. “The June show is a well-established sourcing platform,” says Celine Lau, director of jewellery fairs at UBM Asia. “Visitors from around the world, as well as exhibitors select jewellery designs and loose materials for their new collections to be launched at the September fair, an important show for the global trade to stock up for the year-end shopping season.” UBM Asia organises the June and September fairs.     

The June fair showcases more than 2,200 exhibitors from 41 countries and regions. It features 16 speciality-themed zones for visitors to source specific products with ease. The 58th Paspaley Pearl Auction (June 20-22) and Diamond Auction by PJSC ALROSA (June 23-26) are happening immediately before and during the fair, respectively.

A well-established trade fair distinguishes itself with benefits, especially during an economic slowdown. “Most companies will select reputable trade fair organisers,” Lau adds, “and opt to exhibit at fairs that attract quality buyers”.

In addition to visitors from developed markets, UBM Asia has focused on tapping into emerging markets, Lau notes. “Many retailers in these markets no longer rely onimporters/wholesalers to do the selection for them. An increasing number visit trade fairs themselves, bypassing the middlemen. They are able to view a broader range of products, not just the selections made by the importers/wholesalers.”

The June show is a vital showcase for coloured gemstones. Upmarket exhibitors at the Fine Gem Pavilion display top-of-the-line gemstones exclusively. The coloured gemstones at the June show run the gamut from such traditional favourites as rubies, sapphires and emeralds, to jadeite, opals and other precious gemstones. Christie Dang, publisher and editor, Jewellery News Asia Chinese Edition, thinks manufacturers and retailers the world over have enriched their collections with multicoloured gemstone designs, from stylish to ultra edgy. “Jewellery designs have diversified tremendously as retailers seek to appeal to a broad range of shoppers, particularly young consumers. Many designs are youthful and set with gemstones in vibrant colours. Consumers’ attitude towards jewellery has changed: many consider precious jewellery as accessories instead of investment items.”

The June fair also features fashion jewellery specialists because “crossover” designs have captivated many fashion-conscious consumers. There is fashion jewellery in silver mounted with semi-precious gems and fine jewellery incorporating parts that are not in precious metals. “Designers and manufacturers are constantly innovating on designs and materials for creative sparks,” Dang adds.

A highlight of the fair is the Hong Kong Premier Pavilion gathering some of the city’s best jewellers under one roof. Lau believes that diverse designs by Hong Kong jewellers are full of surprises because the city is a cultural melting pot. “Designs reflect the individual styles of the wearers … there is a big variety and diversity in terms of designs.” 

Sharing Lau’s notion, Dang says many Hong Kong designs are enhanced by superb craftsmanship. “The unique designs are complemented with a high level of wearability. Many are suitable for Asian consumers as they showcase a fine balance of European styling with sizing tailored to Asians.”

The June show features many networking events and trade seminars that disseminate the most updated professional knowledge. Leading international and local gemmological institutes will share discoveries about rubies and laboratory-grown diamonds.

A press conference on the annual JNA Awards 2016, hosted by Jewellery News Asia, will be held. The awards recognise excellence in the jewellery and gemstone industry worldwide.

Mineral show targets private collectors, museums and traders

The annual Mineral, Gem and Fossil Asia caters to collectors and designers’ growing enthusiasm for one-of-a-kind mineral specimens and fossils.

Held concurrently with the June Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, the mineral show is at the Convention and Exhibition Centre providing convenience for visitors. The mineral show welcomes trade visitors and general public. UBM Asia is the show’s organiser.

“We have gone upstream from fine jewellery,” Celine Lau, director of jewellery fairs at UBM Asia. “There is a growing number of mineral specimen and fossil collectors in Asia. Although Europe has a longer tradition, some collectors in Asia, particularly South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, are highly sophisticated. The number of mineral enthusiasts in mainland China is also rising steadily.”

The mineral show targets private collectors, museums and traders. A growing number of trend-setting interior designers develop designs incorporating mineral pieces in the decorative feature walls of exclusive residences. Mineral specimens are also displayed in many luxury homes. “Many exhibitors and gem traders visit the mineral show to select rough gemstones,” Lau adds.

Collectors have different preferences for their collections. She says that many mainland Chinese collectors enjoy large-scale items because they have spacious residences while collectors in other Asian countries opt for exquisite pieces. “The items on display cover a wide price range that caters for beginners and seasoned collectors,” she says. “Expert geologists host seminars discussing the various approaches to building a mineral collection and correct ways to take care of rare specimens.” 

The four-day mineral show showcases rough and polished gemstones, fossils, art pieces and rare mineral specimens from around 20 countries and regions, Lau adds. “Although many of the traders and collectors stay in touch with one another via email, the mineral show is the platform for them to view the items in person … a lot of on-site trading happens at the show because all items on display are one-of-a-kind.”

The show also plays an important role in making science more popular among local students and the public. Schools are welcome to preregister for interactive workshops for students. Two rare fossil collections dating back more than 150 million years ago are among the exhibits. The mineral show is supported by Stephen Hui Geological Museum of the University of Hong Kong and The Mineralogy Society of Hong Kong.