JGW organisers praise GemGenève ‘solidarity’

Jewellery and Gem World Hong Kong (JGW) organisers have praised Gemexpo SA’s decision to move GemGenève’s fair dates to 1 November – 4 November, in a bid to ensure the two industry events do not overlap. 

Informa Markets Jewellery said the rescheduling would allow both events to maximise business opportunities for exhibitors and buyers, who plan to attend both the Geneva fair and the recently rescheduled JGW. 

GemGenève, the Geneva International Gem and Jewellery Show, was originally scheduled to take place between 5 November and 8 November at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland.

By hosting the event four days later, Gemexpo has “enhanced the chances” of exhibitors and buyers attending both GemGenève and JGW, which had earlier postponed its dates to 9 November and 13 November. The event will return to its September slot in 2021.

Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery, said: “We deeply appreciate this extraordinary gesture by our colleagues and friends at Gemexpo, and the exhibitors and buyers powering GemGenève. 

“They have proven that we, as a community, can indeed come together, seek creative ways to maximise sourcing opportunities for our show attendees, and remain united in our common goal of helping the industry bounce back from the pandemic crisis.”

Ronny Totah, Co-founder of the Geneva show, said: “I’m convinced that now is the time to turn to more human values. We will not be able to go through this challenging period without solidarity and respect.”

The adjusted GemGenève show dates will give the two fairs’ overlapping exhibitors and buyers sufficient time to attend both events should travel and social distancing restrictions ease.

Lau added: “This has been a bruising year for everyone, including the jewellery sector.This makes events such as JGW and GemGenève more important than ever for the industry as we all prepare for our post-Covid-19 revival plan.”