By David Brough
HONG KONG – JGW Hong Kong September 2026 reported a firm increase in North American and European buyers, signalling a need to restock and a “new normal” as markets absorbed the impact of tariffs.
Turnout by buyers from mainland China at the “two venues, one show” format – Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and Asia World Expo (AWE) – was soft again. Chinese buyers were seen negotiating for lower prices at loose pearl stands.
The global jewellery market faces headwinds powered by geopolitics, which has accentuated volatility in precious metals markets and complicated international trade due to uncertainties over tariffs and the impact of the U.S.-Iran war.
Press corps at JGW Hong Kong September 2026.
Live-streamers – acting effectively as online retailers – were out in force selling lower value goods from inside booths, notably loose pearls.
Russian visitor numbers were sharply up compared to the previous edition, as the domestic retail market sought to restock, apparently due to buoyant domestic retail spending, with higher attendance from Italian and German buyers.
Overall visitor footfall at the show appeared steady to strong, with vigorous traffic seen around the synthetic (laboratory-grown) diamond jewellery pavilion.
Coloured gemstones saw vibrant activity at the Asia World Expo (AWE), located near Hong Kong airport, with prices of high-end rubies well-supported due to tight supplies and resilient demand.
One of the busiest halls, on Level 5, housed jewellery manufacturing machinery and tools, with strong interest from buyers in acquiring the latest AI-driven technologies, in order to cut production costs and boost operational efficiencies.
Celine Lau, director of jewellery fairs at Informa Markets, organiser of JGW Hong Kong September 2026.
