JGW Hong Kong Highlights Industry Transformation, International Expansion and New Opportunities for the Global Jewellery Market

Jewellery industry leaders gathered at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) to discuss the evolving global jewellery landscape, highlighting sustainability, artificial intelligence, changing consumer preferences, international expansion and Hong Kong’s continued role as a bridge between East and West.

With approximately 3,000 exhibitors across two venues, JGW continues to bring together a comprehensive product range, from colour gemstones, diamonds and pearls to fine jewellery and luxury designs. The exhibition’s two-venue format provides buyers with access to a broad spectrum of products while creating opportunities for focused sourcing and business development.

Navigating transformation through innovation

Celine Lau highlighted the importance of helping the industry navigate disruption and gain clarity amid rapid change. Sustainability, AI-driven transformation and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping jewellery businesses, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.

“JGW is about transformation,” she said, underscoring the exhibition’s role as a platform for industry dialogue, product discovery and the exploration of emerging trends.

The show’s next-generation initiatives, including the Design Challenge and the Next Gen Colour Gemstones Excellence Awards, celebrate creativity and encourage fresh perspectives. Discussions around men’s jewellery trends and the growing gender-fluid market further reflect the changing dynamics of jewellery consumption.

The Gem & Conference and sessions exploring metal innovations in jewellery art add to the show’s programme of industry education. A seminar hosted in collaboration with the Hong Kong Gold and Silver Merchants General Union will examine Hong Kong’s position as a global gold trading hub and the benefits this brings to the jewellery industry.

Allen Xiang, Managing Director, highlighted the increasing diversity of jewellery buyers and the rapid expansion of sales channels.

“JGW connects the jewellery world in Hong Kong,” he said, describing the city’s distinctive position between established jewellery centres such as Basel and Dubai.

Built on trade, trust and innovation, Hong Kong offers an internationally recognised platform for business connections. JGW June also provides mid-year restocking opportunities, supporting buyers as they respond to changing market needs.

Xiang described JGW’s vision as being a market maker, with a framework designed to evolve and adapt alongside the industry.

“Embracing innovation and championing sustainability, we remain committed to fostering relationships that drive this market,” he said.

Dan Ye discussed the international expansion of the JGW brand through collaboration between Informa and MCH Group, the venue owner and organiser behind the Basel exhibition.

Basel’s rich history and legacy provide a strong foundation for the partnership, while Informa brings new energy and a forward-looking vision to the development of new events.

The collaboration’s focus includes the mid-market segment, with jewellery representing approximately 50% of the offering. Ye noted that the first edition delivered a strong performance, demonstrating the potential of the new platform to serve evolving industry requirements.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in jewellery businesses’ workflows, including those of small and medium-sized enterprises. The discussion highlighted the role of AI in supporting business processes and the industry’s continuing digital transformation.

The phygital platform — combining physical and digital experiences — represents another area of opportunity. The organisers expressed their intention to further develop this space, bringing innovation into the way jewellery businesses connect, discover products and engage with markets.

Allen Xiang also highlighted the expansion of the Gold Pavilion, which is twice the size of last year’s edition. The pavilion features participation from the World Gold Council, alongside Turkey, Italy and Malaysia, reflecting the continued importance of gold and international collaboration within the jewellery industry.

China and India remain among the leading buyer markets, with participation also extending across a wider range of Asian countries.

The organisers expressed a positive view of international buyer participation, including the presence of Russian buyers. On the first day at AsiaWorld-Expo, Russian buyer numbers had doubled compared with the previous year, rising from approximately 105 to more than 200.

Victor Chan discussed the significance of Asian markets, particularly China, and the evolving demand for jade. As the industry continues to explore new international markets, the Hong

Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA) will evaluate opportunities for further development and engagement.

The discussion reflected the importance of understanding regional consumer preferences while creating platforms that connect local expertise with international business opportunities.

JGT Dubai continues to serve the Middle Eastern market, with its positioning tailored to the region’s jewellery trade and business needs. The organisers also noted that the exhibition calendar is expected to see the return of all shows next year, including the winter events serving the GCC region.

From Hong Kong’s established role as an international trading centre to new opportunities in Dubai and Basel, the JGW ecosystem continues to expand its global reach.

JGW Hong Kong’s press conference reflected an industry undergoing significant change, with innovation, sustainability, international expansion and evolving buyer needs shaping its next chapter.

Through its exhibitions, conferences, awards and business platforms, JGW aims to provide the jewellery industry with opportunities to discover new products, build relationships and respond to the market’s changing demands.

As the jewellery world continues to evolve, JGW remains focused on connecting the industry, encouraging innovation and creating opportunities for the future.