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Record Exhibitor Turnout for Hong Kong Jewellery Show

Global Design Talent Glitters on Display and in Competitions

Hong Kong, Mar 4, 2011 - (ACN Newswire) - The HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show opened today with more than 2,800 exhibitors from 46 countries and regions - a new show record - taking part in the five-day fair, 4-8 March, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism) Andrew Wong and Chairman of the HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee and the Fair Organising Committee of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show LawrenceMa officiated at today's opening ceremony, along with Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Executive Director Fred Lam. Mr Ma noted that the global jewellery market was on the upswing, "driven, in good part, by the Chinese mainland and its growing appetite for jewellery. Last year jewellery sales on the mainland totalled some US$30 billion," he said, adding that "there's no better place to tap this vast consumer market than Hong Kong."

Italian Spotlight

Ethiopia is taking part in the show for the first time, and Italy, a major player in the global jewellery market, is the fair's first "partner country." With more than 120 exhibitors, the Italian pavilion is the largest European pavilion at the fair. Italian design and market trends will also be featured at a "Jewels of Italy" seminar on 5 March, and a gala celebration of Italian design that evening. The show's other group pavilions are: Brazil, the Chinese mainland, Columbia, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United States.

Pavilions have also been set up for seven trade organisations: the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, the Israel Diamond Institute, the Israel Export & InternationalCooperation Institute, the International Colored Gemstone Association, the Japan Jewellery Association, the Japan Pearl Exporters' Association, and Platinum Guild International.

Buying Missions

A number of buying missions representing major international jewellery retailers and department stores are on hand for the show. They include: Argentina's Diamonds DC and Jose Peskin e Hijos SA; Brazil's Amsterdam Sauer, Folic and Vivara; Canada's Ann-Louise Jewellers and Sears Canada Inc; Japan'sGSTV; Paraguay's Luxor SA; Saudi Arabia's Farsi Jewellery; the United Arab Emirates' Joy Alukkas and Malabar Jewellery LLC; Uruguay's Brela Joyas and Laffitte Joyas; and the United States' Jewelry International Manufacturers Association and NationalChinese American Jewelers Association.

World of Glamour

Special zone highlights this year include the Hall of Fame, which features international brands, and the Hall of Extraordinary for high-value pieces of outstanding craftsmanship. The Designer Galleria houses fashionable collections, and buyers can source loose pearls, diamonds and gemstones at the Hall of Nature. The World of Glamour features fine jewellery from Hong Kong exhibitors, and the Exclusive Showroom spotlights diamonds. Other zones include the Antique & Vintage Jewellery Galleria, the Hall of Jade Jewellery and the Hall of Time.

Some 20 special events are taking place during the show, including seminars, jewellery parades and networking receptions. Seminar topics range from online diamond trading to high-end jewellery in Russia and the market for fancy-coloured sapphires.

Design Excellence

The biennial International Jewellery Design Excellence Award adds to the show's international flavour. More than 100winners of jewellery design contests around the globe are competing. The "Champion of the Champions" will be announced at a networking reception this evening. Other prizes include an Aesthetic Award, Craftsmanship Award, Innovative and Uniqueness inDesign Award, Distinction Awards and Merit Awards. The competition pieces are on display throughout the show at the Hall 1C entrance.

Winning entries in the Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition are also on display, at the Hall 1E Concourse. The12th annual event, which promotes creativity, innovation and craftsmanship, was held last month. The fair is also displaying winning items from the eighth International South Sea Pearl Jewellery Design Competition at the Hall 1D concourse.

Three world-class jewellery auctions are taking place during the fair: the Alrosa Diamond Auction, the Paspaley Pearl Auction, and the Robert Wan Tahiti Perles Auction.

Major Exporter

Hong Kong is the world's fourth-largest exporter of fine jewelleryafter Italy, the United States and Switzerland. Hong Kong's exports of fine jewellery amounted to HK$34.6 billion in 2010, with many export destinations posting double-digit growth.

Fair Website: www.hktdc.com/hkjewelleryshow

About HKTDC

A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 11 on the Chinese mainland and three in the US, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more, please visit www.hktdc.com.

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Source: HKTDC

Contact:

HKTDC

Corporate Communication Department

Joe Kainz

Tel: +852 2584 4216

Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org