Swatch Watch Maker Dies

The jewelry industry lost one of it´s icons this week when Nicolas Hayek, the founder of the Swiss watch company Swatch died suddenly at work on Monday June 28th.  Hayek was 82, but still passionate about his company where he still worked as the chairman.  Hayek is credited for turning the Swiss watch industry around during the 1980´s by introducing cheaper plastic fashion watches with strong branding that were able to compete against the influx of mass produced Japanese watches that were entering the market.  Hayek was a born innovator, and was also involved in helping Daimler develop the Smart car.

Hong Kong Jewelry Show Wraps Up

The 2010 Hong Kong Jewelry Show was another huge success.  The biggest event of it's kind in Asia, and a major event for the global industry hosted over 2,500 exhibitors and saw 32,000 buyers attend from all over the world.  The show blends an exciting mix of well known brands, private luxury sources and trendy, up and coming new designers providing access to the full range of talent available within the jewelry industry.  As well as finished jewelry there are also many exhibitors selling gemstones, pearls and services.  Luckily there is no need to travel so far to find out how to get your hand on some of the goodies though - these suppliers can all be contacted via their exhibitor page on the HKJS website.