As the largest jewellery fair in Japan, the International Jewellery Tokyo (IJT) was successfully held between 22 and 25 January 2014. According to the show organizer Reed Exhibition Japan Limited, the 25th edition of the show attracted 1,025 exhibitors from 31 countries and regions over the world. IJT 2014 brought nine national pavilions including France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and more. The United States was the theme country for the 25th edition, leading 20 top companies such as Aaron Basha, Galatea and Toby Pomeroy to showcase their spectacular jewellery designs.
The opening ceremony gathered worldwide industry professionals and leaders for ribbon cutting. Followed the event was a business card exchange session, which aims to provide exhibitors with an opportunity to get in touch with leading jewellery retailers in Japan and Asia Pacific.
Local attendees included As-me ESTELLE, Sadamatsu, Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry while overseas major retailers included Chow Tai Fook and Chow Sang Sang from Hong Kong, Soo Kee Jewellery from Singapore, Platinum House from Korea, etc. We observed an overwhelming traffic where most of the overseas exhibitors showed great interests in expanding their businesses to the Asian markets. Aaron Basha’s president Sasson Basha said: “We keep expanding our business in Asia. This time, we get in touch with two leading renowned jewellery retailers Chow Sang Sang and Chow Tai Fook, looking for future cooperation opportunities.”
The four-day show has recorded an attendance of 27,157 trade visitors, mainly from Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and India. Established in 1949, local enterprise Meijido has exhibited at IJT for many years. Its marketing representative Wanjiao Deng expressed that some trade visitors were still buying cautiously due to hiking prices of diamonds and gemstones. “Generally, the show went well with the particular support and attendance of Chinese visitors. Buyers preferred sourcing diamond jewellery due to its popularity and investment value,” she concluded.
For the first time in IJT, Toby Pomeroy brought its nature-influenced jewellery design to the show. Its chief operation officer Les Oehler stated: “Our brand aims to promote environmentally sustainable and socially responsible jewellery. We would like to target at the Japanese market, therefore choosing IJT to test the water. The show generally went well and I would like to participate next year.” Another US company Galatea showcased its innovative pearls with gemstone nuclei at the show. Its founder Chi told us: “We are confident in expanding the Japanese market and the show went well. Pearls mean a lot to the Japanese. And I can see local people start to accept our innovative and unique Galatea Pearls.”
The article was published on Hong Kong Jewellery Magazine Mar 2013 edition.
