Story Highlight
– Francéclat nearly doubled in size; India showcased 50 exhibitors.
– Inhorgenta solidifies Europe’s leading jewellery and watch platform.
– Strong growth observed across jewellery and watch sectors.
– India’s jewellery exports valued at USD 32 billion.
– Sustainability and ESG integration prominent at Inhorgenta.
Full Story
Inhorgenta has significantly expanded, nearly doubling in size, with over 50 exhibitors from India participating in collaboration with the Indian Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). This partnership, alongside a groundbreaking alliance with the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH), has enhanced international visibility and boosted visitor satisfaction. Inhorgenta 2025 has reinforced its status as Europe’s preeminent platform for jewellery, watches, and gemstones, providing a robust boost to the industry and instilling confidence for the future.
The closure of Baselworld in 2019 has created a notable gap in the market that Inhorgenta has successfully filled. There is an evident need for strong in-person events where brands can connect with buyers and showcase their offerings, fulfilling a role that Inhorgenta has embraced. Since 1974, the event has been distinguished by its comprehensive coverage of the entire value chain, originally branded as the “International Trade Fair for Watches, Jewellery, Gemstones, and Silverware,” which includes manufacturing and operating sectors. The absence of Baselworld has allowed Inhorgenta to attract independent and mid-sized luxury brands, further enhancing its global standing. The groundwork for this growth was laid well before Baselworld’s issues became apparent, with strategic repositioning starting in 2016.
Currently, various sectors are witnessing significant growth. The jewellery segment is particularly enlivened by new entrants like Krisonia, Terzihan, and Yoko London. The watch industry is also seeing a resurgence, highlighted by fresh participants such as Pavillon Francéclat, Eberhard & Co., Favre Leuba, and Fossil. The Carat hall, specialising in gemstones, continues to be an important space, especially for goldsmiths. To foster international partnerships, the event has recently participated in the ICA Congress in Brazil.
Several trends are influencing the future of the jewellery market. Experts note that the sector is progressing more rapidly than in recent years, driven by changes in consumer behaviour, technological advancements, and cultural transformations. Projections indicate an annual global growth rate of 4.8% until 2034, with high-quality jewellery and mechanical watches increasingly viewed as investment assets. Creative trends also reflect a shift towards statement items, such as oversized earrings and bold bangles, whereas sustainability and the ethical sourcing of materials remain paramount. Concurrently, a rising trend towards personalised and unique jewellery pieces is developing as consumers seek individuality.
India continues to emerge as a key player in the luxury jewellery market, benefiting from economic growth and a burgeoning middle class. The segment boasts jewellery exports amounting to USD 32 billion, highlighting its significance to the national economy. A proposed free trade agreement with the EU is expected to further enhance growth. Exhibitors from the Indian Pavilion expressed satisfaction with their experiences, with many indicating plans to return in the future.
The sustainability agenda is increasingly essential in the jewellery and gemstone sectors. Inhorgenta has made a concerted effort to prioritise these themes over recent years, as consumers demand transparency regarding the sourcing and production of materials. While many precious materials are recycled due to their inherent value, the communication of such practices can be lacking. With new regulations emerging, the European Union’s Green Deal has introduced various frameworks shaping industry standards, including the CIBJO Guidelines and Responsible Jewellery Council standards. Initiatives such as Sustainable Jewellery Day and the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 are contributing to these developments. However, the challenge remains significant, particularly for smaller exhibitors facing stringent compliance demands that larger entities address with dedicated compliance teams.
To embed sustainability within its operations, Inhorgenta has made ESG principles integral to its offerings. The event showcases innovative initiatives like gemstone traceability through blockchain and Fairtrade gold certification, alongside new ISO standards for recycled gold. This year, discussions particularly focused on the differences between natural and synthetic diamonds and the implications of greenwashing. Messe München, the event’s organising body, is committed to achieving CO₂ neutrality by 2030, having long worked to enhance the sustainability of its exhibition space with various environmentally friendly measures.
Despite the growing awareness of the environmental and social impacts associated with gold, diamonds, and gemstones, demand remains resilient. This paradox presents an ongoing challenge for the industry. Initiatives aimed at ethical sourcing and sustainability are emerging, yet the “attitude-behaviour gap” persists, highlighting the disparity between consumer values and purchasing decisions. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts across society to establish equitable legal frameworks, while individual companies and consumers are encouraged to pursue incremental sustainability measures.
The next Inhorgenta event is scheduled to take place in Munich from 20–23 February 2026, with preparations already underway by various participants.