Tokyo’s largest jewelry fair, a glittering showcase of gold and pearls, wrapped up recently, drawing significant attention from buyers. The event highlighted the growing appeal of these precious materials amid rising prices and shifting consumer trends.
The four-day fair, which ended on Saturday, featured an impressive display of high-end diamonds, gemstones, and pearls. Attendees included jewelry companies and buyers from South Asia and Southeast Asia, all drawn to the event’s dazzling offerings.
Rising Gold Prices Drive Sales
International gold prices have surged recently, and the weakening yen has pushed domestic gold prices in Japan even higher. This has led many Japanese residents to sell their unused gold jewelry. Notably, finely crafted pieces re-entering the market have attracted strong interest from international buyers.
Shigehiro Hirayama, head of a Japanese second-hand jewelry trading company, noted, “In recent years, jewelry is increasingly seen not just as decoration but also as an investment. Heavier necklaces and gold coins are particularly popular.”
A buyer from the Philippines echoed this trend, stating, “We select various types of jewelry, but yellow gold and white gold are becoming more popular in the Philippines.”
Pearls in High Demand
Pearls have also seen a sharp price increase in Japan. The Akoya pearl, renowned for its quality and reputation, was a standout attraction at the fair.
Since last year, global demand for larger pearls, especially those measuring 7 to 8 millimeters in diameter, has surged. At the fair, daily sales of these pearls ranged from 10 million to 20 million yen (approximately 64,000 to 130,000 U.S. dollars).
Tanabe Banichi, a representative from a Japanese pearl company, explained, “Pearl prices have nearly doubled compared to two or three years ago. Production is heavily influenced by environmental factors, and demand is rising. While future trends are uncertain, we expect prices to remain high this year.”
Embracing Online Sales
Adapting to modern trends, many exhibitors set up live streaming areas in their booths to boost sales through online platforms.
A live streaming salesperson shared, “Online sales allow us to sell faster. If clients see something they like, they keep buying.”
Event Highlights
According to organizers, this year’s fair attracted around 23,000 buyers from both domestic and international markets. Approximately 650 exhibitors showcased over 1.3 million items, making it a key event for the global jewelry industry.
The fair underscored the enduring appeal of gold and pearls, as well as the industry’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions.
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