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RAPAPORT... As expected, traffic slowed markedly for the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show at AsiaWorld-Expo yesterday as the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show at the Hong Kong Convention Center opened its doors. Overall, however, diamond and gemstone dealers indicated they were fairly happy with the results of the diamond venue of the show.
“This year’s show is very good; the shortage of goods has caused a big demand,” observed David Sasportas of Akshar Impex, India. At Olympic Diamond of New York, Leah Kraitenberg agreed. “The show last September had half the number of buyers,” she said. “This time, there were lots of buyers, new people and new connections.” Her customers were looking for all types of goods: Buyers from South Africa and Europe wanted fancy yellows in cushion and emerald cuts, while Asian shoppers sought white diamonds 1 carat to 3 carats in size. Gershon Rosenberg of Espeka Diamonds in Antwerp, a specialist in parcels of small Russian diamonds, said most customers at this show were price-shopping. “People are looking for 10-to-50-point sizes and cheap prices.” However, he added that buyers have had to accept price rises of 10 percent to 15 percent due to the shortage of nice quality, small goods on the market.
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