A one-off special arrangement applicable only in 2022, the unprecedented venue change was enthusiastically received by overseas buyers and exhibitors, many of whom would be travelling to Asia for the first time since the lockdowns of 2020. Trade buyers from around the world are anticipated to attend the event, including hosted visitors from ASEAN-member countries, Europe, the Middle East and South America. “Many jewellers from Poland are interested in JGW Singapore simply because it is the best platform to contact Asian suppliers,” said Piotr Lachowski of Adamas Jewellery of Poland. “Polish jewellers are looking forward to meeting with established suppliers of coloured gemstones, pearls and exclusive jewellery with precious gemstones,” Lachowski continued. Ahmad Al-Muhaisen of Al-Muhaisen Jewellery of Saudi Arabia said he and his team “long to visit an all-in-one show” once again. “It is time for the industry to start thinking big in order to help the sector recover from a tough three years. JGW will definitely be an attraction for me, as for other jewellery professionals from around the world,” Al-Muhaisen said. Cesar Ouzounian of Ouzounian Jewellery of Lebanon and the UAE noted that the choice of Singapore as an alternative venue for JGW could have an energising effect on the industry. “Singapore is a beautiful country, and hosting an exhibition for jewellery in such a place will be very inspiring I believe,” Ouzounian said. “This year’s JGW experience should be unprecedented and will revive in our minds the comprehensive show we used to visit in Hong Kong.” Extraordinary times call for bold measures, and this year’s dramatic configuration of JGW is one of those, said Mauricio Okubo of Julio Kubo Joias, a retailer based in São Paulo, Brazil. “Congratulations to Informa Markets Jewellery for this initiative. COVID has challenged us to be more creative, improvise and move forward, and the Singapore event embodies all that. We are looking to the future with optimism,” Okubo said. Staging an industry-benchmark event against the backdrop of another world-class city is an added bonus for buyers eager for the resumption of face-to-face interactions, added Florencia Boskis of Argentina-based retailer, Floboskis Stad. “Singapore and JGW will make a great combination,” Boskis said. “I can’t wait to experience this buying event.” Gislaine Rial added that the creative staging of JGW this year underscores the power of physical exhibitions. Rial is at the helm of her eponymous retail brand, which operates out of Porto Alegre, Brazil. “I am looking forward to it,” she said. “Imagine experiencing a different but still an opportunities-packed September Fair in a city famous for its warm hospitality, diversity and safety. It’s definitely the event to experience this year.” Yvette Garcia of Peru-based Carre Joyas agreed, noting that the industry is excited for the return of the September show after nearly three years of Zoom meetings. “It will surely be a success,” Garcia said. | 
