Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong 2026: A Jewellery Market In Motion

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» Contrasting fortunes across product categories
» A new chapter in Basel
» Encouraging new design perspectives
» Looking ahead
» Photos and Video
» The Jewellery and Gem World Hong Kong highlights
» Gender-Fluid Coloured Gem Jewellery Design Challenge 2026 Finalists

What does the future hold for an industry as steeped in tradition as jewellery that must also adapt to shifting consumer preferences, geopolitical uncertainty, and fluctuating global trade conditions?

Those questions formed the backdrop to Jewellery & Gem ASIA (JGA) 2026, held from 18-21 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

As one of the industry's key mid-year trading events, the exhibition once again brought together suppliers, manufacturers and buyers from around the world, offering an invaluable snapshot of current market conditions.

The event attracted nearly 24,000 unique buyers from more than 100 countries and regions. These buyers were paired with close to 1,100 exhibitors representing around 30 countries and regions across multiple product categories.

While organiser Informa Markets acknowledged that attendance from mainland Chinese buyers was affected by poor weather and the timing of the Dragon Boat Festival, the show also reflected the increasingly international nature of the jewellery trade.

Visitor numbers from the Middle East and the US increased, while attendance from some specific markets, including the Philippines, India, Thailand and Cambodia, was surprisingly strong. Celine Lau, director of jewellery fairs at Informa Markets, said that broadly speaking, the market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience.

"In spite of the external pressures facing the industry globally, JGA attracted serious buyers committed to purposeful sourcing."

Celine Lau, Informa Markets

"In spite of the external pressures facing the industry globally, JGA attracted serious buyers committed to purposeful sourcing," Lau said.

"What stood out this year was the quality of conversations happening on the floor. A number of exhibitors told us they were having fewer but more meaningful interactions − buyers who knew exactly what they needed and were ready to place orders. That’s the kind of efficient, productive business environment we aim to create."

These comments echoed a broader theme that emerged throughout the exhibition. While many businesses continue to face a challenging commercial environment, exhibitors generally described buyers arriving with defined purchasing objectives rather than browsing broadly.

"The past few years have tested our industry in unprecedented ways," Lau remarked, referencing challenges from tariffs and geopolitical tensions to the lingering impact of the global pandemic.

"From COVID-19 to tariff adjustments and geopolitical tensions, the jewellery sector has faced significant challenges. Yet this is precisely why JGA matters. This is where our industry comes together to address these issues with clarity and purpose. We’re energised to see professionals connect, exchange insights and figure out what these changes actually mean for their businesses moving forward."

Contrasting fortunes across product categories

"Hong Kong unfolded with a better sentiment than the year before, demand for semi-precious gemstones was very strong."

Kunal Shah, House of Gems

Unsurprisingly, exhibitor feedback also suggested that demand continues to vary across product categories.

While interest remains for exceptional natural diamonds, particularly rare and high-value stones, colour gemstones appeared to generate broader momentum across a wider range of buyers. Kunal Shah, managing director of House of Gems, believes supply dynamics are beginning to reshape the natural diamond market.

"Natural diamonds seem to be the most undervalued at the moment due to a lack of demand. However, both large-scale and artisanal mines have shrunk their operations, causing a dramatic reduction in supply," Shah explained.

"Supply and demand reached an equilibrium at the beginning of this year, and prices have started to stabilise for volume products and appreciate slightly for niche market products. I firmly believe in market cycles and anticipate that natural diamonds will become rarer, prompting increased consumer desire. The opportunity lies in diamonds that cater to a niche market."

At the same time, House of Gems reported particularly strong interest in unheated blue sapphires and vivid yellow fancy colour diamonds, reflecting continued demand among buyers for rare and distinctive inventory. Shah also observed differences in purchasing behaviour between regions.

"Hong Kong unfolded with a better sentiment than the year before, demand for semi-precious gemstones was very strong,” he continued.

“Chinese retailers often look for similar products, which indicates their client pool is small. International markets seem steady with a stronger demand for gemstones than for diamonds."

These observations were reflected elsewhere on the show floor. Exhibitors specialising in colour gemstones generally described consistent enquiry from international buyers, suggesting that diversification beyond traditional diamond-focused inventories continues across many markets.

For example, Michael Gad Emerald reported strong interest in its Colombian emeralds from buyers representing China, the Middle East, India, North and South America. The diversity of the exhibition was also evident across other product categories.

French pearl specialist Alain Boite SAS and antique jewellery exhibitor Mikael Dan were among those highlighting the continued appeal of specialist and heritage products alongside contemporary gemstone offerings.

While product trends varied, exhibitors consistently pointed to another enduring strength of trade fairs: face-to-face business relationships. Harshil Shah of Diamonds on Call said the exhibition remained an important opportunity to strengthen industry connections.

"JGA Hong Kong was an excellent show for Diamonds On Call, giving us the opportunity to connect with jewellers, suppliers, and industry partners from across Asia," he explained.

"We were encouraged by the strong interest in our live diamond & jewellery inventory, technology solutions, and global fulfilment capabilities."

"JGA Hong Kong was an excellent show for Diamonds On Call, giving us the opportunity to connect with jewellers, suppliers, and industry partners from across Asia."

Harshil Shah, Diamonds on Call

Indeed, in an increasingly digital marketplace, many exhibitors continue to see international trade fairs as an opportunity not only to generate orders but also to reinforce long-term business relationships that are difficult to replicate online.

A new chapter in Basel

Beyond activity on the exhibition floor, one of the event’s most significant announcements centred on the launch of the Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair, a new trade show being developed through a partnership between Informa Markets and MCH Group.

Scheduled to debut in Basel, Switzerland, in April 2027, the exhibition will focus on jewellery manufacturing, gemstone trading, distribution and watches, with the two organisations managing their respective sectors. Lau was careful to distinguish the project from the former Baselworld exhibition.

"We made it a very clear statement from the beginning: it is not Baselworld," she affirmed.

The organisers believe the event will address a gap in the international exhibition calendar, particularly for mid-market watch brands seeking greater exposure alongside the jewellery trade. Margaret Ma Connolly, president and CEO of Informa Markets in Asia, said the partnership reflected changing industry requirements.

"Partnering with MCH Group was a natural choice. Both of our organisations are leaders in creating platforms where business thrives, and meaningful connections are made."

Margaret Ma Connolly, Informa Markets

"Partnering with MCH Group was a natural choice. Both of our organisations are leaders in creating platforms where business thrives, and meaningful connections are made," Connolly said.

"Together, we are building a global event that responds to the industry’s evolving needs while celebrating the diversity that makes it so dynamic."

The proposed exhibition will comprise approximately 50 per cent jewellery, 25 per cent gemstones and 25 per cent watches. Andrea Zappia, CEO ad interim of MCH Group, said the new event had been designed with future industry requirements in mind.

"Basilia is a platform designed around the future of the jewellery and watch industries and their evolving needs," Zappia said.

"By combining Informa Markets’ global reach and deep understanding of the industrial ecosystem with MCH Group’s expertise in creating world-class event platforms, we are establishing in Basel a new kind of international stage – one conceived from the outset to connect supply and demand across continents.

"Together, we bring the scale, expertise and credibility required to build something truly global from day one. We are excited about what we are building together."

Encouraging new design perspectives

Alongside commercial activity, JGA also highlighted design through the inaugural Gender-Fluid Coloured Gem Jewellery Design Challenge.

"This competition celebrates individuality, craftsmanship, and the power of jewellery as a form of personal expression."

Damian Cody, International Colored Gemstone Association

Organised by Informa Markets, the competition aims to encourage emerging designers while exploring evolving consumer attitudes towards self-expression and colour gemstones. International Colored Gemstone Association president Damian Cody welcomed the initiative.

"ICA was delighted to support the competition where designers are pushing creative boundaries," Cody explained.

"This competition celebrates individuality, craftsmanship, and the power of jewellery as a form of personal expression."

The winners will be selected by a judging panel comprising Payal Shah (L'Dezen), Victoria Yu (Joywith Jewellery) and Ollie Quiniquini (JNA). Lau said the competition reflected the industry's willingness to explore new creative directions.

"This competition celebrates design without boundaries – the essence of jewellery artistry," Lau explained.

"By championing emerging talent and daring ideas, the Challenge reveals what drives jewellery design forward: The courage to break rules, reimagine tradition and push creative limits."

"Basilia is a platform designed around the future of the jewellery and watch industries and their evolving needs."

Andrea Zappia, MCH Group

The winning designs will be produced in collaboration with EJI before being unveiled at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) in September.

Looking ahead

Taken together, the conversations and announcements at JGA 2026 suggest an industry that continues to adapt rather than stand still.

Market conditions remain uneven, with demand varying significantly between product categories and regions. At the same time, international attendance, exhibitor feedback and new initiatives such as the Basilia partnership indicate that businesses remain willing to invest in long-term opportunities despite ongoing economic uncertainty.

For an industry built on heritage, that balance between continuity and change may prove to be one of its defining characteristics in the years ahead.

• Up next for Informa Markets is Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong, beginning on 14 September.

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The Jewellery and Gem World Hong Kong highlights

Gender-Fluid Coloured Gem Jewellery Design Challenge 2026 Finalist

Brooches
Hsu Ya-tang Jewellery Institute of Taiwan Qinghai · Floating Light	Huang Yu-wen Jewellery Institute of Taiwan Boundless Realm	Yan Zining Guangzhou Huashang College Caressing Gaze	Chang Ching-ting Jewellery Institute of Taiwan The Rhythm of Blues
Liang Yufei Guangzhou Huashang College Nature’s Embrace	Liu Yutong Guangzhou Huashang College Surging Waves, Falling Stars	Shuya Huang Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts The Paper Crane Letter of Bauhinia	Zhou Qianyue Shanghai Jian Qiao University Ocean Flutter

Earrings
Du Jiarui South China Agricultural University Star Compass	Du Zesheng South China Agricultural University Zhen Hong	Seongyun Hong Minoss Jewelry Design Academy & Lab Woven Light
Tian Zitong South China Agricultural University Tidal Eye	Wang Yang South China Agricultural University Crown of Hathor	Yiting Liu Gemological Institute, China University of Geosciences Origin − Emergence
Sun Ziyu Jinling Institute of Technology Clear Sound Bottle	Thet Htar Ceesar Minoss Jewelry Design Academy & Lab Wavy Climber	Duan Xinghua South China Agricultural University Lieyu

Rings
Ki Tae Kim Minoss Jewelry Design Academy & Lab Deep Within	Liao Wenbo Guangzhou Huashang College Eye of Tides	Seongyun Hong Minoss Jewelry Design Academy & Lab Urban Tapestry	Kuo Lai Hsiu-Chu Jewellery Institute of Taiwan Geometric Dialogue
Li Ningbo Jinling institute of Technology  Echoes of Flight	Chung Ara Soong Eui Women’s University Blooming Fragment Ring	Park Gyeong-min Soong Eui Women’s University Mechanism of Balance	Liao Jia Sian Jewellery Institute of Taiwan Rebis