OGP | Collectors' Recommendations
Oct 7, 2024
Industry experts noted that while uncertainty persists, high-end collectors remain optimistic about the long-term investment potential of rare gems, viewing them as stable stores of value. The gap between top-tier gems and mid-range stones has grown increasingly stark, with lower enthusiasm for mid-priced items.
The 2024 Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem World (JGW) exhibition has garnered highly positive feedback, particularly highlighting its role as a premier business-to-business (B2B) event in the global jewelry industry. Attendees appreciated the dual-venue format, which hosted over 3,300 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. Specialized pavilions, including those focused on gold jewelry, fine gemstones, and pearls, provided buyers with a comprehensive range of offerings, from loose diamonds to antique jewelry. This year’s event also gained attention for its focus on sustainability, which was praised by industry insiders. The inclusion of environmental management and social empowerment awards, alongside educational panels on pearl farming and its environmental impact, enriched the experience for attendees, many of whom found the sustainability initiatives inspiring.
Despite this positive reception, the 2024 JGW exhibition revealed a mixed sentiment, particularly regarding price volatility in high-end gemstones. Although the event attracted more than 50,000 international visitors from 140 countries, many buyers approached the luxury gemstone market cautiously due to the unstable economic landscape. Exhibitors displayed a variety of products, from rare and high-end gems to innovative sustainable designs, reflecting a diverse market. However, the rapid surge in high-end gem prices, particularly for premium stones, left many buyers in a wait-and-see mode rather than making substantial purchases. Nonetheless, rare and historically significant items continued to attract serious collectors, resulting in impressive sales despite broader market hesitations (by Diamond World).
Industry experts noted that while uncertainty persists, high-end collectors remain optimistic about the long-term investment potential of rare gems, viewing them as stable stores of value. The gap between top-tier gems and mid-range stones has grown increasingly stark, with lower enthusiasm for mid-priced items. This dynamic mirrors broader trends in the luxury market, where wealthy buyers are willing to invest heavily in exclusive, high-quality goods, while adopting a more cautious stance toward other products.
This trend suggests that while the luxury gemstone industry remains strong, buyers have become more selective, focusing on quality over quantity and seeking pieces with lasting value.