From March 18 to 25, 2010, diamonds will be in the limelight again at BASELWORLD. More than 200 leading companies from the diamond industry will be presenting their latest products to the 90,000 visitors and the watch and jewellery manufacturers.
The World Watch and Jewellery Show constitutes a fixed date in the diamond expert’s diary – a showcase for the world.
|
In 2010, Baselworld will once again be the rendezvous for the international diamond trade. The diamond and precious stones sector is acquiring increased importance alongside the watch and jewellery industries. On the exhibitor side, the world’s leading diamond traders will be present in Basel: more than 200 companies are listed as diamond suppliers at the World Watch and Jewellery Show. On the buyers’ side, it will not only be the visitors from all over the world but also the watch and jewellery brands on display at the show that have the greatest impact on demand for diamonds. Every year, Baselworld reflects the market situation prevailing all over the globe, permitting market-driven pricing for precious stones and diamonds of all sizes and colours.
Valuable visitor contacts in Basel
The exhibitors particularly emphasise the quality of the diamond buyers. “Of all the trade shows, Baselworld claims the most inter¬national visitor profile. It provides us with a balanced worldwide view of the market,” says Peter Martin of Pluczenik Diamond Company in Antwerp. “We gain insight into the views of customers from Asia, the Middle East, Japan, Europe and still a lot of U.S. clients as well. It is unquestionably the best show for opportunities to make new contacts. At Basel, you have to be there; the walk-ins are better than any other show.”
Anna Chapovskaya from Taché Diamonds in Antwerp says: “We attend important sales shows in Asia and India, but Baselworld is a vital show for maintaining and creating contacts all over the world.”
Platform for Market Introductions
Baselworld’s significance as an international rendezvous means that the show remains the preferred platform for launching new products on the world market. Comprehensive reporting in the media is assured by the 3000 accredited journalists from specialist journals, popular magazines and the daily media. “We have chosen Baselworld as the place to launch our parnerships with FRED and Chaumet in recent years,” says Peter Martin of Pluczenik. He also stresses just what an important date in the year the show is: “The timing of the show is perfect for launches. The year is beginning, past collections have had their run-through and visitors are looking for something new. We are also able to reach the widest range of journalists – both geo¬graphically and by audience – of any other trade show.”
Netta E’dan-Harel of the Rachminov Group in Ramat-Gan says: “Baselworld is a great venue for product launches, but for basic programs as well. Buyers come from around the world, so it’s a good venue to receive client feedback on soon-to-be launched new pro¬duct. Our existing clientele visits us every year at the show.”
Trends at all Levels
Baselworld has traditionally been a key venue for big or unusual diamonds which attract an international clientele on the lookout for special precious stones. More modest stones are also on display, however, giving buyers the opportunity to be the first to see new pro¬ducts and to supplement their inventory at all the different levels.
Ephram Zion of Dehres Ltd. in Hong Kong, explains: “If you want to showcase something special, Baselworld is a great stage; it’s possible to create a lot of buzz.” His company is planning to exhibit an exceptionally large, flawless diamond this year. “But even for regular goods it is important, especially if you have a particular program you want to promote.” The importance of the world show in respect of industry know-how is appreciated by both visitors and exhibitors alike. Ephram Zion confirms this: “Not only is it the perfect venue to create and cement relationships, it is an important place to see the latest developments in design, trends and products on an international level.”
|
Anna Chapovskaya of Taché adds: “Baselworld is mainly a watch and jewellery fair; we are manufactures of loose diamonds – raw ma¬terial for watches and jewellery, so to speak. So our level of ‘judging’ the show extends to the fact that it helps us to stay in touch with the luxury industry.“Avi Paz, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and President of the Israel Diamond Exchange, agrees with this: “Baselworld is by all means one of the most important diamond and Jewellery fairs in the world, and it is the most important one in Euro¬pe. It has a very strong impact on the diamond industry worldwide both in regular times and especially in times such as we are facing nowadays in the international economy.”
