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RAPAPORT... The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opened to the trade on March 2 at the Asia-Expo center, hosting 1,500 exhibitors and many long lines of buyers who were registering. This event marks the first time that loose gems and raw materials have been featured separately from the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, to be held in the Wan Chai center beginning March 9. Show organizers created this ''two show, two venue'' approach in order to give buyers time to secure loose gemstones before choosing finished jewelry.
As early as opening day, exhibitors were enthusiastic due to strong show traffic. Participating as a group for the first time, the New York Diamond Dealers Club (DDC) exhibited with 10 members. “Having the U.S. suppliers together draws people and gives members increased international visibility,” said David Lasher, the director of marketing and development or the DDC. “We can see the response already” as was evident from the busy aisles. Across the hall from the DDC, in the Japanese pearl section, traffic was even heavier, with hundreds of buyers jamming the stands. Bill Ikeda of Ikeda Pearls in Los Angeles said, “It’s like a swap meet. But you’ll notice it’s most all Asian buyers here, not Americans, Europeans and Middle Easterners. They either want very high-quality pearls or very cheap prices.”
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