Chinese buyers mesmerised by splendour of Ceylon sapphires

Chairman/CEO of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority (NGJA) General Rohan Daluwatte stated that the NGJA, with the collaboration of Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association and the assistance of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing and Sri Lanka Consulate in Shanghai, organised the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the Jewellery Shanghai Show.

The show was held from 16 to 19 June 2011 for the third consecutive year. The Sri Lanka Pavilion showcased the products of 28 Sri Lankan gem and jewellery trading companies.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion was ceremonially opened on 16 June 2011 with the participation of Minister of Land and Natural Resources in China, Consul Sri Lanka Consulate in Shanghai, Commercial Councillor of Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing and General Manager and Exhibition Manager of the Gem and Jewellery Association of China.

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association had arranged a special promotional campaign on Ceylon sapphire – the royal gem stone – and the pavilion was designed to highlight the splendour of the Royal wedding ring worn by Kate Middleton in April 2011, which was mounted with an exquisite blue sapphire from Sri Lanka.

The exhibition was organised by the Gem and Jewellery Traders Association of China with the collaboration of the National Gem and Jewellery Technology Administrative Centre. Continuing last year’s success, the recently-concluded event attracted over 1,100 exhibitors from over 20 countries and regions including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan within a space of 23,000 sqm to feature their exclusive products.

Boosted by rapid growth in the retail market and in the overall economy in recent years, Shanghai is one of the wealthiest cities in China, one where there is high demand for luxury goods, fine jewellery in particular.

Shanghai therefore has become the gateway for overseas enterprises to enter the vast China market, while local enterprises can access the international market via shanghai.

Therefore Shanghai as the Commercial City of China has an amazing consumption market and a trading environment for gems and jewellery.

A vast variety of magnificent jewellery products of excellent craftsmanship showcased at the four-day event included glistering gold jewellery, fashionable platinum and silver jewellery, prestigious pearl, diamond, jade and gem-set jewellery, fine diamonds and fine quality gems.

Packaging and display materials and related products and services were also displayed, making it a highly professional platform for the jewellery industry.

General Daluwatte further stated that the NGJA considered the facilitation of the Sri Lankan gem and jewellery trading community for participation in international trade fairs held throughout the world as its major promotional activity.

Due to the importance of the Chinese market, NGJA has scheduled to organise Sri Lanka Pavilions in two leading international gem and jewellery exhibitions in China during the second half of 2011.

General Daluwatte further emphasised that the National Pavilion, which displayed a glittering array of gems and jewellery from Sri Lanka presented by 28 members of the trade, attracted buyers from China and other leading consuming countries.

The members of the National Pavilion were successful in securing orders for fine quality gems, calibrated sapphires and fine jewellery and established its position as the leading producer of fine quality blue sapphires to the global market.

General Daluwatte added that the NGJA had identified the market requirements and wished to create a strong platform for Sri Lanka’s fine quality gems and gem-studded jewellery in China.