PRESS RELEASE: Chinese buyers make strong comeback at Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong
PRESS RELEASE: Chinese buyers make strong comeback at Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong
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Southeast and Central Asian markets also fuel attendance growth at region’s biggest mid-year B2B jewellery sourcing fair
The return of Chinese buyers and increased attendance from Southeast and Central Asia-based visitors energised the show floor of the recently concluded Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA), Informa Markets Jewellery announced today.
Held from 19 to 22 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Asia’s No.1 mid-year B2B jewellery sourcing fair recorded a total of 24,020 unique buyers from 87 countries and regions, representing a 5% year-over-year attendance growth. Notably, nearly 61% of visitors came from outside Hong Kong. This growth in foot traffic was primarily fuelled by the renewed presence of buyers from Mainland China and stronger-than-expected participation from Asian markets – specifically the Philippines and Thailand – and emerging economies like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
While concerns about the Chinese buyer’s purchasing power surfaced during the September 2024 and March 2025 shows, I’m delighted to report strong attendance figures from China at JGA. Does this translate to higher purchasing volumes? Not necessarily. In today’s complex global economy, buyers are understandably cautious – comparing prices across markets and working closely with vendors to maximise budgets,” shared Celine Lau, Director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery.
“Nevertheless, we remain positive about the industry after witnessing the jewellery community’s energy and resilience at JGA. This fair likewise positions buyers perfectly for Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) in September – the global industry’s ultimate meeting point where businesses stock inventory for high-demand seasons while sourcing fresh solutions.”
Another significant trend at JGA is live selling on the show floor, where professional hosts deliver shopping streams that blend entertainment with flash sales and instant purchasing opportunities. These sales anchors, particularly those from China, attract audiences ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands – potentially translating into exceptional market reach and significant sales opportunities.
“We actively welcome real-time sellers,” Lau continued. “This approach delivers two significant benefits. First, we provide live sellers with access to industry knowledge and gemmological expertise – addressing a common challenge in live commerce where product information is often insufficient. Second, these sellers then share what they’ve learned at the show with their online followers, helping stimulate demand among younger, predominantly digital shoppers. Ultimately, our exhibitors benefit since the jewellery buyer base expands to include a younger demographic.”
JGA brought together nearly 1,200 exhibitors from close to 30 countries and regions, showcasing thousands of product introductions. The fair featured 30+ distinct theme and group pavilions, including the Fine Design/Fine Gem Pavilion for high jewellery and gemstone manufacturers, the CORE Pavilion highlighting some of Hong Kong’s best, the Fei Cui Gallery with an expansive jadeite display and the ever-popular Antique & Vintage Jewellery Pavilion. Buyers also found a diverse selection of offerings throughout the show’s various sections, categorised by product types. These encompassed loose diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls; finished jewellery and jewellery mountings; jewellery manufacturing equipment; packaging solutions and technology applications.
One of the show’s premier attractions was the celebrated Orient Odyssey 2.0 (OO 2.0) pearl exhibit, which set new digital engagement benchmarks at JGA when a China-based content creator hosted a live virtual tour. The broadcast drew 420,000+ viewers, demonstrating the powerful convergence of traditional jewellery exhibitions with digital platforms. OO 2.0 was sponsored by Autore, Hong Kong Edison Pearl Co Ltd, Jewelmer, Paspaley Pearling Company and Rio Pearl.
Complementing this was an exclusive content programme exploring sustainability practices, pearls reimagined for a new generation of buyers and jewellery e-commerce trends. Informa also revealed the finalists for the much-anticipated Sustainability Awards 2025 by JWA (Jewellery World Awards). Panel discussion recordings are now available on the JGA website.
In 2026, JGA will be held from 18 to 21 June at the HKCEC.
About Informa Markets Jewellery
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our global jewellery vertical, Informa Markets Jewellery, offers in-person and web-based sourcing experiences, digital solutions and dedicated B2B platforms that bring international buyers and quality sellers together in the fine jewellery, gemstone, and fashion jewellery and accessories markets.
Our resources, industry experience, influence and focus as a partner are enhanced by our global jewellery portfolio consisting of fairs and events in key cities; a powerful digital platform – JewelleryNet; a dedicated Jewellery Media team, led by flagship publication, JNA; an education-based programme – Jewellery & Gem Knowledge Community, and the industry’s most prestigious awards programmes – Jewellery World Awards (JWA). Visit our website for more information.
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