RAPAPORT... UBM Asia Trade Fairs, the organizer of the inaugural Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair that is scheduled for October 12 to 15, anticipates there will be more than $100 million worth of fine antique jewelry for sale at the show's antique pavilion. This particular event was created to attract the region's high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) as well as buyers from the trade. In addition to antique jewels, UBM created an exquisite pavilion and a designer atelier section for the event space at the Marina Bay Sands. UBM confirmed at least 260 exhibitors are booked for the show and the figure could increase as screening of potential exhibitors continues. The antique pavilion alone will host almost a dozen firms, including Moira of London, Period Jewels of Beverly Hills, California and U.S.-based Windsor Jewelers Inc. One highlight on display will be a Victorian-era diamond tiara, circa 1850, that is valued at $20 million. Paul Wan, the managing director for UBM Asia Trade Fairs, said, ''With antique jewelry fast becoming a buying trend in Asia, our antique pavilion will no doubt be a big draw at our event. Buyers appreciate the rarity of these antique jewelry, their beauty and sense of history and heritage. These buyers form an emotional connection with these unique pieces which often come with their own interesting stories. ''There are also savvy collectors who purchase antique jewelry for investment purposes with significant value appreciation over time. There are also those who buy antique jewelry, especially the finer pieces, with the intention of passing it down to their loved ones as family heirlooms to be loved and treasured for eternity,'' Wan said.
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