Hong Kong Jewelry and Gems, September 2012's big jewelry fair in Hong Kong, began yesterday at the fair center next to the airport and will last until Sunday, September 23. There are diamonds, pearls, precious gems, equipment and packaging displayed at the center, while the completed pieces of jewelry are displayed in the municipal convention center, starting on Friday September 21.



The fair organizers pointed out that more than 3,500 presenters from 48 different countries – of which 400 were diamond companies - participated in the fair, which has become the city's headliner. The Israel Diamond Institute has a respectable presence with more than 100 companies presenting at the Israeli pavilion, located at the center of the area for diamonds. An informative presenter booklet in English and Chinese, with a map of the pavilion, as well as additional marketing material, is being distributed to all consumers passing through the pavilion. Information on new potential customers is also being collected.



Since the fair falls so close to the Rosh Hashana holiday, some of the presenters arrived only in the afternoon on the first day of the fair. During the morning customer traffic was sparse, and presenters attributed this to the Jewish New Year and to an Indian holiday celebrated yesterday. During the afternoon the stream of customers increased somewhat and the presenters are hopeful that more customers will arrive in the days to come.



The IDI once again sponsored the opening event of the fair and handed out personal invitations to all Israeli presenters. Wine and kosher food was also served.