Twin Hong Kong jewellery shows attract record 87,000 buyers
De Beers announces rough diamond demand is strong for second cycle in 2018
Hallmarking in January rose by 19 %
to 688,220 items ( compared with the previous February )
TAG Heuer becomes official partner of Aston Martin
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MONTH IN REVIEW
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TRADE SHOW
Twin Hong Kong jewellery shows attract record 87,000 buyers
Featuring more than 4,550 exhibitors , the fifth Hong Kong International Diamond , Gem and Pearl Show and the 35th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show concluded with participation from about 87,000 buyers from 145 countries and regions .
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council ( HKTDC ), more than 33,700 buyers visited the Diamond , Gem and Pearl Show , while about 53,000 visitors attended the Jewellery Show .
The HKTDC commissioned independent on-site surveys at the two shows , interviewing nearly 1,300 exhibitors and buyers to gauge their views on industry trends and the demands of exhibitors and buyers .
The survey found that 62 % of respondents expect overall sales this year to remain unchanged , with 33 % expecting sales to increase and only 5 % expecting sales to fall , which is lower than the 16 % recorded last year , suggesting general optimism about future prospects .
In terms of retail prices , 67 % of respondents expect prices to remain unchanged , while 31 % anticipate prices to increase and 2 % expected prices to drop .
Benjamin Chau , deputy executive director of the HKTDC , said : “ With improving global economic conditions , Hong Kong ’ s exports of precious jewellery rose 3.6 % last year . We are delighted that exhibitor attendance at both shows was the highest in years , and that attendance of both local and overseas buyers set new records .”
DIAMONDS
De Beers announces rough diamond demand is strong for second cycle in 2018
De Beers has released data on its second cycle of rough diamond sales for 2018 , with revenues provisionally secured at £ 399m .
The world ’ s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration , mining and marketing of diamonds announced the provisional figure of sales from its rough diamonds mined from operations in Botswana , Canada , Namibia and South Africa .
Despite the figure being a drop from the first cycle of 2018 valued at £ 483m , the total is actually an increase of £ 1m compared with the same period last year .
Bruce Cleaver , CEO , De Beers Group , said : “ The second sales cycle of the year saw the continuation of good rough diamond demand . This was in line with expectations , following strong retail sales of diamond jewellery during the US holiday season and positive early signs for consumer demand over Chinese New Year .”
Hallmarking in January rose by 19 %
to 688,220 items ( compared with the previous February )
Aston Martin has the same genetic make-up as TAG Heuer : luxury , quality , beautiful products , innovation , history , emotion
and performance Biver , CEO , TAG Heuer
COLLABORATION
TAG Heuer becomes official partner of Aston Martin
Andy Palmer , president and CEO of Aston Martin has announced that TAG Heuer has been chosen as the company ’ s official partner .
According to the group the Aston Martin brand is the embodiment of British elegance and luxury , TAG Heuer said it was these values which appealed to the company as it coincided with its own brand ’ s identity .
Biver , CEO of TAG Heuer , said : “ Aston Martin has the same genetic make-up as TAG Heuer : luxury , quality , beautiful products , innovation , history , emotion and performance . We are therefore delighted to be able to work with such a prestigious brand that shares our passion for cars .
“ This collaboration will bring forth a wealth of amazing synergies that will strengthen TAG Heuer ’ s position as an avant-garde luxury watch brand with a leading position in the automotive sector .”
Palmer added : “ This is an exciting partnership for Aston Martin . Both brands have teams of brilliant designers and when two talented teams of designers collaborate like this , incredible things are created . Both of us understand the importance of beautiful bespoke craftsmanship and the importance of peak performance so we already have many common values .”
April 2018 | jewelleryfocus . co . uk JEWELLERY FOCUS 11