Events & Awards

Alrosa Latest to Cancel Hong Kong Event

Events & AwardsFeb 06, 2020

Alrosa Latest to Cancel Hong Kong Event

The diamond miner joins the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Swatch Group in canceling or postponing events due to coronavirus.

New York—Diamond miner Alrosa became the latest jewelry industry player forced to alter its plans because of the coronavirus.

The company said Wednesday that it is moving its March auction of special-size rough diamonds from Hong Kong to Moscow. The rough auction will take place March 2 to 18.

Ramat Gan, Israel will host the company’s polished diamond auction; dates will be announced later.

Alrosa usually holds its auctions in Hong Kong in March, in conjunction with the jewelry trade shows there.

But show organizer Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced earlier this week it was moving the shows to May after news surfaced that the coronavirus had spread to the city.

The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl show, originally scheduled for March 2-6, and the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, set for March 4-8, are both rescheduled for May 18-21.

Both shows will take place at the AsiaWorld-Expo.

HKTDC also said it is closing its SME Centre and the Design Gallery stores at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and PMQ until Feb. 9, and postponing a career fair and a promotional event in Manila, The Philippines.

The council said it “is closely monitoring the situation and communicating closely with Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP). We will stringently take appropriate measures when new information comes to light or the CHP issues new instructions.”

The novel coronavirus originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan on Dec. 31.

Since then, the virus has spread to 26 countries including the United States and infected more than 24,554 people, causing 492 deaths, according to Wednesday’s update from the World Health Organization.

The vast majority of confirmed cases, 24,363, are isolated to China, though the WHO rates the risk the disease poses globally as high.

The coronavirus is impacting industries worldwide, including the jewelry industry.

Earlier this week, Pandora’s CEO said the disease has the company’s business in the key Chinese market at a “standstill.” It has been forced to close 70 of its 240 locations there (nearly 30 percent) while foot traffic at the stores that remain open is basically nil. 

And Swatch Group canceled its “Time to Move” event scheduled for late February/early March in Zurich, Switzerland in order to “prevent their partners from travelling internationally in an insecure climate.” 


Swatch introduced “Time to Move,” a mini-trade show for retailers and press, last year after pulling out of Baselworld. Time to Move 2020 was slated for Feb. 28-March 2 for retailers and March 4-6 for press. 

The company said it will introduce its new watches to retailers and press during regional events later in the year. Dates and locations have yet to be announced.

While some companies are changing plans because of the coronavirus, organizers of the upcoming Bangkok jewelry show are not.

The 65th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, scheduled for Feb. 25-29 at the Impact, will go on as scheduled.

In a letter shared with National Jeweler Thursday, Somdet Susomboon, director general of Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion, outlined what the country is doing, and will do, to ensure visitors’ health and safety during the show.

Precautions include the installation of thermal scanners and infrared thermometers to identify potentially infected people; spraying disinfectant at the fairgrounds; providing hand sanitizer at all entrances, toilets and meetings rooms; providing masks; and setting up a coronavirus screening unit.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie in Pandora Bridgerton campaign
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms

“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Stuller’s Color of the Year for 2026, “Signature Red”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s White

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

Gracie Abrams Chanel Coco Crush
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry Campaign

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Bobbi L. Avery, Jeffery Bolling, Britney Phillips, and Lindsay Salvo
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board Directors

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Headshot of National Jewler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

Akiva Gil garnet ring
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for Garnet

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Diamonds Do Good 2025 Impact Report
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact Report

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District Brawl

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

Rio Grande xTool F2 Ultra Portable Laser Engraver Bundle
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

Zales storefront
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New Look

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of Sales

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

AGA board 2026-2029
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Board

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Jenna Blake diamond Fan earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s Edition

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

Jacquie Aiche Alien Heart Eye Inlay Necklace, Cicada Dragonfly Brooch, Harkness After the Rain Earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool Blue

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Saks Fifth Avenue flagship window installation
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Couture Retailer Liaison Jan Mohr
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah Real Gems
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of Directors

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

Lalaounis good luck charm 2026
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to Resilience

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Collage of NationalJeweler.com’s most-read stories of 2025
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

Becka Johnson Kibby
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail Academy

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

Stock image of rough diamonds from Diavik mine in Canada
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

Bulova x Stetson collection
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western Flair

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

Rahaminov Diamonds Pop-Up at Yamron Jeweler
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in Florida

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

In Memoriam collage 2025
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025

From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy