Loose Stones Segment
On the loose stones front, in the coloured gemstone segment, emeralds and semi-precious received satisfying response. After the high of the Homg Kong fair, loose diamond dealers were a little disappointed at the just about average response. However, Basel is not a show traditionally known for loose stones – it is essentially a watches and jewellery show, with the latter taking a second seat to the former.
Vishal Mehta of Dimexon said that large goods clean to SI all moved well. “There are changes in consumer habits,” Mehta pointed out. “The consumer is opting for better quality products which further drives the demand.” Dimexon mainly concentrates on Europe and Asian markets, and at Baselworld its target audience are european buyers, particularly the watch industry which constitutes a big segment of its business.
The strengthening of the luxury watch sector, and the trend for using diamonds in watches, which also represents value addition for watchmakers has led to the increase in the offtake of loose diamonds by the Swiss watch industry, which is consuming large volumes.
Avrahm Eshed of Eshed Diam opined that the atmosphere in the industry has changed a lot. “There is more confidence in business now,” he opined, however noting the lack of the kind of excitement at Hong Kong. “Here at Basel we miss the action like Hong Kong. In Basel the buyers are mainly European, Russian, and American. However, the visitors are the are serious buyers. Prices are almost 30%-40% up and they are almost at peak levels now.” Eshed said the future depends on the situation in the world in coming years. “I think we are moving towards the positive side and the future will be better. India and China will be the driving force”, he said.
Baselworld on the Net and Mobile
Baselworld is stepping up its communications and visitor services through upgradation of its online presence and by launching free mobile show guide.
Apart from the website www.baselworld.com, Baselworld is also available on Facebook and Twitter. Those interested in the show now have the opportunity to engage in direct commu¬nication with the show as well as network with likeminded people aroud the world.
The new Baselworld App is available for iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry and other smart phones. Containing information about the exhibitors, an interactive 3D map, an index of products and Daily News abstracts, the Baselworld App proved to be a perfect pocket guide for visitors to this year's show.