A slow beginning is what the June Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 2012 began with. The Fair which began on 21 June 2012 and concludes on 24 June, saw soft activity at the diamond section.

The trade event coincides with tough economic situations – the falling of the Indian rupee, the slow stock market situations, the European economic strain all of which are creating a negative impact to the trade enthusiasm.

The Indian traders were less active, affected by the falling Rupee. Also, the Chinese market delivered slow paced results. Amongst the diamond categories, the fancy shaped diamonds did get a better edge compared to the round shaped. According to exhibitors, the sentiments at the show are low, which is impacting the trade, otherwise the rough is not soft and they don't see a downfall in prices.

Although the mood at the diamond section has been a bit tepid, the colored stone hall was busy and has a decent demand from the mainland China.