The Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA) fair for 2021 concluded on a high note, with some exhibitors calling the event a highly anticipated opportunity to reconnect with buyers and industry players, and conduct in-person business transactions.
Some vendors also said the show exceeded expectations, with a great deal of buyers visiting the fair.
JGA 2021, held from June 24 to 27 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, was the first physical jewellery show to be held in Hong Kong this year.
The trade fair, organised by Informa Markets Jewellery, was the physical component to JGA’s first omnichannel edition, which brings together the benefits of face-to-face engagements with virtual experiences through its digital element, JGA Virtual, from June 17 to July 7.
JGA welcomed pre-registered individual attendees, including social buyers, for the first time while still retaining its focus on the core B2B visitor group. This was a one-off arrangement only. In 2022, JGA will revert to its original format.
Some exhibitors were upbeat about prospects at the fair, saying that it was an effective way to stimulate the jewellery and gemstone business.
Ashish Dangayach, director of Hong Kong-based Gems Trading Co, said the first day of the fair was better than expected, adding it was imperative for the industry to start doing physical shows once again.
Sankalp Nigam of fine jewellery manufacturer Oriental Gemco meanwhile commented that consumers who are unable to travel and spend on luxury trips abroad are redirecting their income to valuable gems and jewellery.
Occupying Halls 1BCDE of the HKCEC, the fair featured more than 150 exhibitors representing key product categories, from finished jewellery and loose diamonds to coloured gemstones and pearls.
Visitors also benefited from limited-time offers and special rates. They were also given access to a slew of activities and original programming spread out over four days, including nearly 20 engaging talks and presentations by influencers and experts from the world of jewellery, gemstones and fashion.
There was also a daily Diamond Lucky Draw sponsored by diamond manufacturer R A Gem.
