The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show (HKIJS), the world's third-largest jewellery fair, attracted 2,306 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions in 2008.

The show boasted 22 group pavilions, including the Dubai, Italy and Spain. Many international associations featured pavilions, including the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, the International Coloured Gemstone Association, the Israel Diamond Institute, and the Platinum Guild International, as well as the Japan Pearl Exporters' Association, Japan Jewellery Association, Japan Jewellery Designers Association and Japan Yamanashi Crystal Jewelry Association.

Every year, there are many jewellery design competitions held worldwide. The winning jewellery pieces have attracted immense attention from mass media and consumers.

To honour the creative and outstanding jewellery designers, International Jewellery Design Excellence Award (IJDE Award) creates a platform and provides an opportunity for international jewellery designers to exchange experiences and to compete for the highest honour - Champion of the Champions.

The JDE Award was launched by Hong Kong Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association in 2006. Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will be the organiser of the IJDE Award 2009, co-organised by Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association, Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association and Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China, with the aims to continue and to sustain Hong Kong as a key platform for the jewellery industry.

HKTDC will invite the organisers of jewellery design competition worldwide and their First-Prize design winners to participate in the IJDE Award. Becoming one of the candidates of the IJDE Award is an indication to one’s excellent and prestigious jewellery designs.

About the HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 offices worldwide, including 11 in the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, visit: www.hktdc.com