A Subdued Opening, But Stakeholders Are Watching
The Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) kicked off with quieter numbers than in previous years. Many Chinese buyers were missing, American participation was muted—factors attributed to trade tensions, tariffs, and shifting global priorities. Yet, even amid lighter foot traffic, exhibitors noted that the buyers who did attend were serious. Loose diamonds and gemstones saw meaningful queries on day two, suggesting demand hasn’t evaporated—just become more selective.
Split Venues, Split Priorities
The fair remains divided in its structure: AWE hosts loose stones, pearls, and raw materials, while the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) focuses on finished jewellery, packaging, and tools. This dual-venue format not only showcases both ends of the supply chain but also underscores a growing consumer appetite for ethical jewelry—buyers want full transparency from stone to setting. When materials sourcing, environmental impact, and traceability gain more weight, how will traditional “flashy display + brand name” booths compare?
Quality Over Quantity: Shift in Buyer Behavior
Exhibitors report that rather than chasing volume, buyers are asking harder questions: Where did the diamonds come from? Is the production process environmentally sound? With lab-grown diamonds vs natural diamonds debates increasing, pieces that can explicitly speak to sustainability and ethical sourcing are getting more attention. A show with fewer attendees can still be meaningful if the intent is aligned with evolving values.
Geopolitics, Tariffs, and Trust
Tariff pressures, geopolitical instability, and uneven global recovery are hitting markets. Some vendors say India continues to hold steady. Many in the trade suspect that ethical credentials could offer a buffer—if brands can prove their materials are sustainable, use recycled metals, or offer lab-grown alternatives. But proving that becomes harder when supply chains are opaque. Can those with less transparent operations survive the scrutiny?
The Future of Trade Shows in Ethical Eras
This fair’s “quiet start” may signal more than just a lull—it may reflect a pivot in industry values. Ethical jewelry, sustainable gemstones, lab-grown diamonds, and traceability are increasingly part of buyer expectations. If trade shows want to be relevant, they’ll need to bring these themes to their booths, signage, catalogs—and not just treat them as add-ons. Business might be quieter, but for those willing to invest in transparency and sustainable supply chains, opportunity is very real.