Hong Kong Show: Strong Demand For Smaller Goods

Half way through the 2006 Hong Kong Watch and Jewellery show, and some clear trends can be identified: a strong demand for smaller goods and certified diamonds.

Thursday morning at the Hong Kong Convention Center saw a great thinning of visitors to the important jewelry exhibition. This is perhaps a lull before a strong weekend. Coupled with yet another day of hardly any traffic at the airport venue, at noontime it is a slow day.

Exhibitors offering loose diamonds report strong demand for smaller goods – 40, 30, 20 pointers, half-carat goods, and even 50 per carat. Demand is also noted for certified diamonds, with an emphasis on GIA, but IGI and HRD certification was also sought.

An interesting trend in the market is a weakening demand for two-carat diamonds, while demand for one carat is strong.

Many of the Israelis and Jewish exhibitors are closing their booths today and leaving the show ahead of the Jewish New Year. Those remaining are taking a certain pause today (Thursday), knowing that tomorrow they will have less competition and expect to be firmer on prices.