(Press Release)
Antwerp, Belgium – World Federation of Diamond Bourses’ (WFDB) President Ernie Blom believes the diamond and jewelry industries have reason to be optimistic as they head into the critical fourth-quarter holiday season after solid results at the just-ended Hong
Kong Jewellery and Gems Fair. Although sales were generally far from spectacular, the show was ahead of expectations, he said.
“From what I saw and heard from many different sources, the show exceeded expectations,” said Blom said. “Given the slowdown in China and Hong Kong, we were not expecting an exceptional performance, but foot traffic was heavier than forecast and there was certainly plenty of interest from buyers, even if they were looking for highly specific items and not buying in large volumes.
“Prices were firm given the reduction in manufacturing towards the end of last year. Of course there was price resistance, that’s part of the negotiating procedure, but it was important that we saw a healthy show, and one that was definitely better than the 2015 fair. With the American market stable and even growing slightly, I believe we can be hopeful as we enter the holiday sales season, with Diwali, Christmas and the Chinese New Year ahead of us,” Blom concluded.
The Hong Kong fair was also notable for the inaugural meeting of the WFDB’s Young Diamantaires group on Sept. 15. Only launched four months ago, the initiative has been the subject of widespread interest among younger diamond industry members from across the globe, and the meeting was well attended.
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
