CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
Policies & IssuesAug 11, 2016
Should US jewelers lose sleep over Hong Kong?
Columnist Jan Brassem advises retailers and others in the U.S. jewelry business to keep a close eye on the Umbrella Revolution that’s opened in Hong Kong.
You might have read about the pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, the story du jour. If you are a jeweler, you should be paying special attention to what’s happening there.
Hong Kong is the location of arguably the world’s two largest jewelry shows: in March (with 46,000 visitors) and in September (with 3,600 exhibitors). The shows are held in the gorgeous, bird-shaped, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The city also is home to thousands of jewelry designers whose creations are found in the United States and around the world, and, as such, is a major exporter of finished jewelry. The U.S. Department of Commerce reported that almost $1 billion worth of jewelry was shipped to the U.S. from Hong Kong in 2013.
What’s all the peaceful demonstration and social unrest in Hong Kong about right now? It all started in 1984 when Margaret Thatcher, the British prime minister at that time, negotiated and signed a joint declaration handing Hong Kong, then a British colony, back to China in 1997.
The handover came with the Chinese “promise” to let Hong Kong select its own leader by 2017, among a long list of additional rights and ethos. The promise came under a “one-country, two-system” doctrine. China was to maintain a “hands-off” position in Hong Kong affairs for 50 years.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken a hard line and reneged on the promise. Hong Kong, it was announced, can vote for its chief executive but only after candidates are approved (vetted) by the Chinese 1,200-member General Assembly.
Our Hong Kong-based associate with 20 years of jewelry experience in Hong Kong and China, emailed a status report recently that stated, “When the hard-line decision was announced, peaceful demonstrations followed. Tens of thousands of high school and university students along with office workers occupied the major highways leading from the Central Business District to the major shopping area. The demonstrators’ focus is on the government offices.”
Demonstrators in what has been termed the Umbrella Revolution tried breaking into the government building
but were turned away easily. They promised to try again. If they do get in, it is guaranteed that Xi will send in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Anyone remember Tiananmen Square?
The thousands of students, of course, blocked traffic (Hong Kong is a small and hilly city with few major roads) and the trolleys are not running. Buses and subways are operating only sporadically. The Umbrella demonstrations have been extremely peaceful. Nevertheless, Xi has cut communications between Hong Kong and China.
Journalists and editors are being beaten and judges, classically independent under British law, are being “persuaded” to be “patriotic” to the Communist line.
The government’s ill-advised use of tear gas and pepper spray on the peaceful protestors was an obvious miscalculation; “like prodding a hornet’s nest with a stick” wrote one newspaper correspondent. In what should be taken as a sign of admitting their mistake, representatives of the police went into the crowds to apologize the next day. After that, tensions cooled somewhat.
Stores now are returning to normal, with little or no damage, a sign of the caring and peaceful marchers. Protesters remain but are trying to help restore traffic order. They have, however, built medical positions every 1,000 yards with water stations in between--they, seemingly, are not about to give up anytime soon.
It appears Hong Kong is experiencing calm before the storm. The storm could be the PLA.
So, how could all this affect the U.S. jeweler? Some facts about doing business in Hong Kong:
-- Seasonal orders, estimated by a Hong Kong trade association, in the neighborhood of $550 million have been placed with Hong Kong companies.
-- Last-minute orders for Christmas delivery could be disrupted.
What should the U.S. jeweler do under these circumstances?
1) Keep in extremely close contact with your suppliers using email, not the phone. Telephones are reportedly being tapped.
2) Immediately contact, via email, the suppliers you’re working with for 2014 Christmas. Ask: Will deliveries be delayed? If so, can orders be shipped via the city of Shenzhen as an alternative?
3) If you own molds or models and are kept with your Hong Kong factories for safe keeping have them shipped, via FedEx, to your office if the situation worsens.
4) If shipment cannot be made in a timely manner for Christmas cancel the orders and request a refund of your deposit.
5) Do not discuss the location of the factory in an email and especially not on the phone.
6) Jewelers planning to visit Hong Kong this year for their 2015 design and merchandise plans should delay their visit until the situation settles down. If it doesn’t, start a search for a replacement country soon. It will be difficult, however, to find a similar location.
Hopefully, this civil unrest will end with a peaceful resolution soon. What a shame if it doesn’t. Please stay tuned.
The thousands of students, of course, blocked traffic (Hong Kong is a small and hilly city with few major roads) and the trolleys are not running. Buses and subways are operating only sporadically. The Umbrella demonstrations have been extremely peaceful. Nevertheless, Xi has cut communications between Hong Kong and China.
Journalists and editors are being beaten and judges, classically independent under British law, are being “persuaded” to be “patriotic” to the Communist line.
The government’s ill-advised use of tear gas and pepper spray on the peaceful protestors was an obvious miscalculation; “like prodding a hornet’s nest with a stick” wrote one newspaper correspondent. In what should be taken as a sign of admitting their mistake, representatives of the police went into the crowds to apologize the next day. After that, tensions cooled somewhat.
Stores now are returning to normal, with little or no damage, a sign of the caring and peaceful marchers. Protesters remain but are trying to help restore traffic order. They have, however, built medical positions every 1,000 yards with water stations in between--they, seemingly, are not about to give up anytime soon.
It appears Hong Kong is experiencing calm before the storm. The storm could be the PLA.
So, how could all this affect the U.S. jeweler? Some facts about doing business in Hong Kong:
-- Seasonal orders, estimated by a Hong Kong trade association, in the neighborhood of $550 million have been placed with Hong Kong companies.
-- Last-minute orders for Christmas delivery could be disrupted.
What should the U.S. jeweler do under these circumstances?
1) Keep in extremely close contact with your suppliers using email, not the phone. Telephones are reportedly being tapped.
2) Immediately contact, via email, the suppliers you’re working with for 2014 Christmas. Ask: Will deliveries be delayed? If so, can orders be shipped via the city of Shenzhen as an alternative?
3) If you own molds or models and are kept with your Hong Kong factories for safe keeping have them shipped, via FedEx, to your office if the situation worsens.
4) If shipment cannot be made in a timely manner for Christmas cancel the orders and request a refund of your deposit.
5) Do not discuss the location of the factory in an email and especially not on the phone.
6) Jewelers planning to visit Hong Kong this year for their 2015 design and merchandise plans should delay their visit until the situation settles down. If it doesn’t, start a search for a replacement country soon. It will be difficult, however, to find a similar location.
Hopefully, this civil unrest will end with a peaceful resolution soon. What a shame if it doesn’t. Please stay tuned.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LAThe full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
