Month: September 2025

The ASEAN Gems & Jewellery Trade Association (AGJA) and the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA) have joined forces to host the 2025 AGJA Conference in Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone during HKJJA’s 60th anniversary. This partnership aims to bolster ASEAN’s presence in the global jewellery sector, leveraging the region’s youthful, digitally savvy population of 600 million. Industry leaders emphasized the potential for a cohesive jewellery network that connects Hong Kong’s trading expertise with ASEAN’s rich resources, fostering innovation and growth for businesses across the industry.

The recent 2025 AGJA Conference in Hong Kong, hosted by the ASEAN Gems & Jewellery Trade Association and the HKJJA, has underscored the vital role of ASEAN in the global jewellery landscape. With strong international participation, discussions focused on the creation of a unified ASEAN jewellery network, catering to a young, digital-savvy market of 600 million consumers. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and the potential for innovative opportunities, setting a promising future for the jewellery sector in the region.

The ASEAN Gems & Jewellery Trade Association (AGJA) and the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA) have marked a significant milestone by hosting the 2025 AGJA Conference in Hong Kong. This partnership underscores the growing importance of ASEAN’s jewellery market, highlighting the region’s vibrant, young, and digitally savvy consumer base. The event brought together industry leaders to explore collaborative opportunities, with discussions centred around establishing a united ASEAN jewellery network and leveraging Hong Kong’s trading expertise. As ASEAN emerges as a pivotal player in the global jewellery industry, the conference showcased a commitment to innovation and cooperation among stakeholders.

In August, Swiss watch exports to the United States plummeted by 24% following a significant tariff increase to 41% enacted by the Trump administration. This decision has raised alarms among Swiss manufacturers, even as year-to-date exports to the U.S. remain up 19%. Meanwhile, sharp declines in exports to China and Hong Kong, alongside a more stable European market, highlight a complex global landscape for the iconic Swiss watch industry. Despite challenges, select markets like Spain and Saudi Arabia offer a glimmer of hope amidst an overall slight global decline.

Cartier has raised prices in the United States by approximately 10%, effective immediately, as the luxury watch market grapples with the impact of steep import tariffs nearing 41%. This follows a 15% increase in recommended retail prices by Patek Philippe and an upcoming price adjustment by the Swatch Group on October 1. While manufacturers are adjusting prices in response to rising costs, brands like Rolex and IWC have yet to alter their pricing strategies, leaving consumers to face heightened expenses across the luxury watch sector.

Grand Seiko has unveiled its latest Spring Drive movement, the 9RB2, at Watches and Wonders in Geneva, promising remarkable accuracy of ±20 seconds per year. The new SLGB005 ‘Violet Dawn’ showcases a stunning purple dial, reminiscent of frost-covered trees, and is crafted from corrosion-resistant Ever-Brilliant Steel. Limited to just 1,300 pieces, the watch will be available from November but notably lacks the micro-adjust clasp featured in previous models. Retailing at $11,100, this exquisite timepiece exemplifies Grand Seiko’s commitment to innovative design and precision craftsmanship.

The 56th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show has launched in Sharjah, featuring over 500 exhibitors and the awe-inspiring “Dubai Dress,” a Guinness World Record holder for the heaviest and most valuable gold dress, weighing over 10 kilograms. With free public entry available, visitors can explore a vast exhibition space, participate in workshops, and enjoy competitions, including exciting prize draws. This year’s event underscores the region’s prominence in the global gold and jewellery industry, showcasing a blend of traditional artistry and modern design.

The 56th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show is currently taking place in Sharjah, showcasing the remarkable “Dubai Dress,” the world’s heaviest and most expensive gold dress, valued at AED 4.6 million. With over 500 exhibitors participating, 68% of whom hail from international locales, the exhibition offers a vibrant showcase of global artistry. Attendees can engage with workshops and competitions, enhancing the interactive experience. Entry is free, inviting jewellery enthusiasts to explore from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.

The 56th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show has officially launched in Sharjah, showcasing an array of over 500 international exhibitors and innovative designs. Among the highlights is the “Dubai Dress,” which has set a Guinness World Record as the heaviest and most valuable gold garment, weighing over 10 kilograms and valued at AED 4.6 million. This five-day event not only features extraordinary pieces but also offers workshops, live demonstrations, and exciting prize draws, all accessible to the public with free entry. The exhibition promises to be a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity in the jewellery industry.

Sharjah is hosting the 56th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show, where the spotlight is on the “Dubai Dress,” now a Guinness World Record holder for being the heaviest and most valuable gold dress. Weighing over 10 kilograms and valued at AED 4.6 million, this exquisite creation showcases the craftsmanship of Al Romaizan Gold and Jewellery. The five-day event features 500 exhibitors from around the globe, alongside workshops and grand prize draws, with free public entry available at specific hours.