Two major international jewellery trade shows wrapped up on March 8 with strong attendance and positive industry sentiment, according to organizers.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council says the 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show drew about 80,000 buyers from up to 150 countries and regions.

Jenny Koo, deputy executive director of the HKTDC, said roughly 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions participated, with buyer growth noted from the Philippines, Korea, Australia, and Switzerland.

The events featured more than 30 seminars, along with new pavilions showcasing hard pure gold, turquoise, and watch manufacturing.

A survey of 1,509 exhibitors and buyers showed cautious optimism, with 44.3 per cent expecting sales to rise over the next one to two years.

Survey results indicate that trendy fashion jewellery shows the strongest growth potential at 57.3 per cent, followed by precious jewellery at 35.1 per cent and designer pieces at 21.1 per cent.

Karat yellow gold is the top-ranked precious metal at 40.1 per cent, followed by karat white gold at 31.7 per cent and pure gold at 28 per cent. Diamonds lead gemstone preferences at 28.8 per cent, with rubies at 24.7 per cent and pearls at 19.7 per cent also drawing strong interest.

Exhibitors from markets including the Chinese mainland, Korea, Turkey, and Uzbekistan reported sales exceeding expectations and new international partnerships. The shows continued their hybrid format through online matching tools, facilitating more than 100 virtual business sessions for buyers unable to travel.