AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL JEWELRY EXPO 2026
9 July 2026 11.15AM
MARINA BAY SANDS EXPO AND CONVENTION CENTRE HALLS A, B & C
Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of National Development
Mr Fabio Conte, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Singapore
Mr Giorgio Calveri, Trade Commissioner for Singapore and the Philippines Italian Trade Agency
Dr Ilaria Cicero, CEO, IEG Asia
Members of the Diplomatic Corps., valued exhibitors, members of the media and guests.
A very good morning to you.
- Good morning, and welcome to the Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2026— the most dazzling edition we have ever staged. This year isn’t just a milestone; it’s a landmark. We are celebrating our 21st anniversary by going bigger and bolder than ever with over USD 250 million worth of gemstones and fine jewellery, spanning 10,000 square metres, featuring 460 exhibitors from 26 countries. This is not just an expo; it is the definitive pulse of the Asia-Pacific luxury market. The Singapore Jewellers Association is immensely proud to bring this global stage to life, showcasing the very best of our craft to the region.
- We are particularly thrilled to witness the strength of our local industry. The Singapore Pavilion is our largest yet, hosting 109 iconic brands—from heritage names like Foundation Jewellers and Simone Jewels to contemporary powerhouses like Caratell and The Jewel Box. But we are a global hub, and our international contingents are equally impressive. We extend a special welcome to our largest delegations from Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Thailand, and China, and we are grateful for the invaluable support of the Italian Trade Agency, the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, and the Uzbekistan pavilion.
- However, luxury must be built on a foundation of trust. Today, we are not just showcasing beauty; we are championing integrity. With gold prices at historic highs, we are seeing a surge in alternative products—and unfortunately, misleading marketing. That is why the SJA is taking a decisive step forward. We are delighted to announce our collaboration with CASE and the Singapore Pawnbrokers’ Association to tackle the ambiguous use of terms like “gold-wrapped” head-on. Later this morning, we will unveil a joint statement backed by a mystery shopping exercise, ensuring that consumers are armed with facts, not fiction.
- Let’s be clear: when information is vague, trust erodes. Products marketed with ambiguous labels—such as “GWS”—risk misleading buyers who may not be experts in metallurgy. If a product is gold-plated, it must be called gold-plated. Anything less is a disservice to the consumer and a risk to Singapore’s reputation as a trusted retail destination. We cannot and will not allow information gaps to be exploited.
- We urge consumers to remember: true value holds its weight. Products like GWS jewellery have no trade-in value—a fact often hidden in the fine print. International standards, including those from the British Hallmark Council, mandate transparent classification. Our mission is to ensure that every purchase is made with full confidence. Through education and fair-trade advocacy, we are building a marketplace where honesty is the only policy.
- On a brighter note, we are here to celebrate the future of design. The Singapore Jewellery Design Awards have once again drawn the world’s finest talent. This year, we received 272 visionary designs from 114 participants across 19 countries—a testament to the boundless creativity in our industry. The winners will be revealed shortly, and we can promise you, the future of jewellery is incredibly bright.
- We also extend our congratulations to the Diamond Exchange of Singapore for bringing the World Diamond Congress back to our shores after 38 years. It is a homecoming that underscores Singapore’s standing as a neutral, strategic hub for the global diamond trade, and we eagerly anticipate the vital conversations that will shape the industry’s future.
- We are deeply honoured to have Minister of State, Mr. Alvin Tan, grace this occasion with his presence. Our sincere gratitude goes to IEG Asia for orchestrating such a magnificent event.
- To our exhibitors: thank you for bringing your brilliance to our shores. To our visitors: prepare to be inspired. May the next four days spark connections, ignite passion, and drive success.
Have a great show ahead and enjoy every moment with your business associates and customers.
Details of SIJE 2026 Edition
Dates: Thursday, 9 July to Sunday, 12 July 2026
Time: 11am to 8pm (9 July to 11 July); 11am to 7.30pm (12 July)
Opening ceremony on Thursday, 9 July 2026
Location: Level 1, Halls A to C, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands
Website: www.sije.com.sg
Registration is now open：https://tinyurl.com/GSSIJE26
Articles about SIJE:
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https://gem-spectrum.com/tag/ieg
