HKTDC HKTDC

  • Home
  • Quality Suppliers by Industry
    Product Suppliers
    • Auto Parts & Accessories
    • Book & Printed Item
    • Computer & Peripherals
    • Environmental Protection Equipment
    • Food & Beverage
    • Furniture & Furnishing
    • Gift & Premiums
    • Health & Beauty
    • Jewellery
    • Medical Supply & Medicine
    • Pet & Pet Supply
    • Raw Material & Chemical
    • Specialised Product
    • Stationery & Office Equipment
    • Toy & Game
    • Small-Order Zone
     
    • Baby Product
    • Building Material, Hardware & Machinery
    • Electronics & Electrical Appliances
    • Eyewear & Accessories
    • Footwear
    • Garment, Textile & Clothing Accessories
    • Handbag & Travel Goods
    • Household Product
    • Lighting Product
    • Packaging Product & Material
    • Photographic & Optical Equipment
    • Sports Goods
    • Telecommunication
    • Watch & Clock
    • More...
    Service Suppliers
    • Accounting Service
    • Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations Service
    • Association Service & Government Organisation
    • Business Management & Consultancy Service
    • Design Services & Brand Strategy
    • Education & Training
    • Entertainment
    • Environmental Protection Solution & Service
    • Event Organisation
    • Finance Service
    • Franchising & Licensing
    • Information Technology
    • Infrastructure & Real Estate
    • Legal Service
     
    • Logistics & Transport
    • Medical & Healthcare
    • Packaging
    • Printing
    • Publishing
    • Quality Inspection & Testing
    • Storage Service
    • Technology
    • Telecommunication
    • Tourism
    • Inventory
    • More...
  • HKTDC Events
    • Asian Financial Forum
    • Book Fair
    • Chinese Medicine & Health Products Exhibition
    • Eco Expo Asia
    • ElectronicAsia
    • Electronics Fair (Spring Edition)
    • Fashion Week (Spring/Summer)
    • Food Expo
    • Home Delights Expo
    • Houseware Fair
    • Inno Design Tech Expo
    • Licensing Show
    • Lighting Fair (Spring Edition)
    • Optical Fair
    • Stationery Fair
    • Toys & Games Fair
    • Wine & Spirits Fair
    • World SME Expo
    • Baby Products Fair
    • Building and Decoration Materials & Hardware Fair
    • Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show
    • Education & Careers Expo
    • Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition)
    • Fashion Week (Fall/Winter)
    • Film & TV Market (FILMART)
    • Gifts & Premium Fair
    • Home Textiles & Furnishings Fair
    • ICT Expo
    • Jewellery Show
    • Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition)
    • Medical Devices & Supplies Fair
    • Printing & Packaging Fair
    • Tea Fair
    • Watch & Clock Fair
    • World Boutique
  • HKTDC Research
  • Service Highlight
    • About HKTDC
    • Product Magazines
    • SME Startup Program
    • Buyer Meetings
    • Customized Business Matching
    • Mobile Applications
    • Design Gallery
    • Supplier Services
    • Buyer Services
    • SME Centre
  • Events

  • Press Release

  • Podcast

  • Hong Kong Means Business

  • Video

  • Media Resources

  • Media Photos and Registration

  • Contact Us

Media Room > Press Release > March 2019 > Forum examines impact of new tech on jewellery industry
Press Release3 March 2019
Download Photos

Forum examines impact of new tech on jewellery industry

Experts discuss changes in design, manufacturing and retail

3 March 2019 – Industry experts came together at a forum on the second day of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show on Friday (1 March) to discuss how new technology is changing different aspects of the jewellery industry, including design, manufacturing, marketing and retail, and what the trends indicate for the next decade.

Breakthroughs in computer-aided design and manufacturing
The rise of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) has brought about a revolutionary transformation of the jewellery industry, said Thomas Ng, Core Member of the International Association of Jewellery Merchandize Planning Professionals and representative of French software developer 3DESIGN.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr Ng explained that unlike in other industries, CAD and CAM applications only gained a major foothold in the jewellery industry from 2013, when global jewellery sales saw a downtrend following many years of solid growth. Manufacturers started looking more closely at CAD/CAM to develop new products and improve their craftsmanship.

In response to the challenges faced by the jewellery industry, including high cost, small quantities and short lead times in the production process, new technologies using CAD/CAM software have helped to improve efficiency and reduce costs. “It enables companies to break the distance barrier”, said Mr Ng. “It allows them to complete a design in one hour instead of 10 days and release it immediately around the world.”   

Fundamental changes have also been seen in sales channels as the software used in online apps allows customers to custom-design their own jewellery, changing the colour, shape, stone and metal as they require. Meanwhile, new social media platforms are allowing companies to publish videos of their products instantly to target specific groups.

The future of 3D printing in the jewellery industry
At the manufacturing level, the advanced development of 3D printing in the jewellery industry has largely benefited jewellers in the areas of prototype-making and mass production, explained Robin Wang, co-founder of Jiangsu Totus Technology Co Ltd.

Reviewing the latest technologies used in jewellery 3D printing, he said printing with materials such as silver and gold has been regarded a breakthrough in direct production. “The key benefit is fast turnaround,” he said, adding that new printing technologies have largely shortened the manufacturing cycle, allowing higher precision and resulting in faster delivery times.

However, Mr Ng pointed out that 3D printing for mass production has only gained traction among the giants of the jewellery industry at present, given the high cost of machines and the factory space required. He explained that as technologies advance in the future, more jewellers could benefit from 3D printing.

Using mobile commerce to enhance shopping experience
Andrew Loo
, founder of La Salle de Fabrication, told the seminar audience that his manufacturing company had developed a customised mobile app, which allows consumers to design their own affordable and unique jewellery. “Everyone can be a designer!” he enthused. Customers can design their own piece by simply describing it or providing a rough sketch to the company. Loo said they can provide the finished product to clients within 10 days of receiving   a design.

In the Q&A session, Mr Loo was asked who his company’s target customers were. He replied that their major targets at this time were “office ladies” and those in the 50-60 age group, but that their goal was to use social media platforms to reach out to the younger consumer market.

Using AI and big data for smart retailing
Li Sha
, Operation Director at Tencent Smart Retail, explained how Tencent uses artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to help individual shops and retail chains in Mainland China develop smart retailing, with a range of tools including WeChat payment, QR code scanning, and facial recognition technology. 

Tencent smart retail can help stores in Mainland China track customer behaviour while they are in the store, such as where they go and in what order, where they linger, what they buy, and how they pay, according to Ms Li. This provides a database that allows stores to improve the accuracy and efficiency of their retail operation.

Tencent shows them how to modify their shelves and where to put hot items. Retailers are also encouraged to set up a membership system, with vouchers and special activities for members to develop interest and loyalty. This allows the retailer to target its members with promotions instead of spending much more money on general advertising. Tencent can also help small retailers develop mini-apps and use the WeChat platform to connect with their members, offering online promotions to combine the retailer’s online and offline business.

Tencent smart retail is focused on developing the retail industry, identifying problems and providing solutions, Ms Li concluded.

The 36th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and runs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre until 4 March 2019.

 The forum, “From Manufacturing to Retailing: How Technology is Reshaping the Jewellery Industry”, was held on the second day (1 March) of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Thomas Ng, Core Member of the International Association of Jewellery Merchandize Planning Professionals, explained how the latest technology employing computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has transformed jewellery sales, allowing consumers to custom-design their own jewellery pieces

Robin Wang, co-founder of Jiangsu Totus Technology Co Ltd, told the audience that 3D printing has shortened the manufacturing cycle for jewellery pieces

Andrew Loo, founder of La Salle de Fabrication, said his company has developed a customised mobile app that allows consumers to design their own affordable and unique jewellery

Li Sha, Operation Director of Tencent Smart Retail, explained how the company uses artificial intelligence and big data to help shops and retail chains in Mainland China develop smart retailing using a range of tools

Fair Websites:

Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show: http://hkdgp.hktdc.com/
Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: http://hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.com/
Enhanced Security Measures for Buyers: http://hkjewellery.hktdc.com/dm/2019/security/index_en.html 
 

Media Enquiries:
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Natalie Wong           Tel: (852) 2584 4472                       Email: natalie.hy.wong@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng                 Tel: (852) 2584 4357                       Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

About the HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade.  With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

Back to Top