Recognised as the most prestigious jewellery event in Singapore and Southeast Asia, the Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE) returned for its 18th edition from 13 to 16 July 2023. This was the first edition co-organised by Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS) and Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) Asia.
Held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, the exhibition was the largest ever in SIJE history, spanning 8,000 square metres, with more than 280 exhibiting brands and representatives from 28 markets, including Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, and Italy.
This year, SIJE elevated the event experience by introducing an innovative new AI-powered business matching tool, which streamlined attendees’ search process within the expansive exhibition halls. Based on individual inputs, the tool offered personalised recommendations and facilitated meaningful connections between buyers and exhibitors.
With its unique hybrid business-to-business and business-to-customer format, SIJE offers prime opportunities for exhibitors to connect with 10,000 attendees comprising trade as well as direct buyers and investors across the region.
Exhibitor Jack Zybert, CEO of renowned Italian jewellery brand ZYDO, was particularly impressed not just with the sheer number, but also the excellent quality of visitors. According to Zybert, the show’s ability to attract high-value buyers is one of the key reasons why SIJE grows year after year.
A DAZZLING EXPERIENCE
From silver coins and shimmering gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, to finished products made of diamonds, pearls, and precious metals, SIJE was a treasure trove for buyers and enthusiasts alike. The fine jewellery collections, which included luxury timepieces, were worth S$200 million in total.
Among the show-stoppers on display was a 31.82-carat Colombian emerald from local bespoke jewellery house, Ivy Masterpiece. Priced at S$2.01 million, the gem is certified and described by the GemResearch Swisslab as an important cushion-cut emerald. The show also worked with renowned jeweller Simone Jewels to feature the Rockstar Synth Unisex ring set in solid gold and diamond from its Jouer collection, known to be a favourite of American pop icon Taylor Swift.
To keep attendees engaged, the four-day show also featured a variety of fringe activities. These included fashion shows presented by SIJE’s country partner, Indonesia; a fashion designer showcase by the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry Singapore; and jewellery appreciation workshops by the founders of Carat 55, a local bespoke fine wedding jeweller.
Lisi Fracchia, a jewellery designer and Board Member of the Spanish Gemological Institute who attended SIJE 2023 as a buyer, expressed her admiration for the diverse range of premium jewellery that was available at wholesale prices at the tradeshow. "I'm really excited because I haven't seen the quality of pearls like I've seen today," said Francchia, who added that Singapore’s offerings as a MICE destination with its vibrant culture and delectable cuisine also made it “the perfect place” for events like SIJE.
SINGAPORE AS A GLOBAL HUB FOR MICE EVENTS
Building on its reputation as a leading jewellery event organiser in Italy, IEG hopes to continue enhancing its existing shows, like SJIE, and developing new events in Southeast Asia. As part of its expansion in the region, IEG acquired two prominent tradeshows from Conference & Exhibition Management Services: SIJE and Café Asia, Sweet and Bakes Asia, Restaurant Asia. IEG also recently established IEG Asia, a wholly-owned subsidiary in Singapore.
Ilaria Cicero, CEO of IEG Asia, shared that Singapore is an ideal host country for tradeshows like SIJE due to its central location in Asia and the support from the government, through Singapore Tourism Board and Enterprise Singapore. She said, “Singapore connects all of Asia. It has been easy for IEG Asia to organise the event and create business opportunities that attract international exhibitors and visitors.”
The partnership between IEG and STB is set to further augment Singapore’s position as a leading MICE destination, with the jewellery tradeshow slated to return for its 19th edition from 11 to 14 July 2024.
