(IDEX Online News) – Diamond companies exhibiting at the Hong Kong Jewellery Show that began yesterday (Wednesday) said trading has so far been in line with expectations.

 

"I would not say that trading has been amazing, but it has not been terrible, either," said a Belgian diamantaire. "We didn't come here with sky-high expectations so I assume we will not be disappointed in that sense."

 

Foot traffic on the second day of the show appeared to be rather slow, with little problem for visitors making their way among the booths, many of which were empty.

 

"It depends on what you mean by 'not busy' said a senior executive of a shipping company. "I know for a fact that business is being done. I will only get a clearer picture when the shipping orders arrive.

 

"The first days of these shows are typically characterized by potential buyers doing a form of window shopping. Towards the end of the fair, when they have checked prices at a range of firms they come back to place orders."

 

The first part of the fair at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), near Hong Kong airport, runs until September 15.

 

The AWE venue is for exhibitors of diamonds, jewelry raw materials, equipment and packaging. Meanwhile, the second venue, the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), hosts exhibitors of finished jewelry from September 13 to 17.

 

The two venues provide 135,000 square meters of exhibition space.

 

The annual show attracts more than 50,000 visitors and 3,500 exhibitors from 48 countries and regions.