Sapphire at springtime

Some of the jewellery that will be available during the exhibition at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star

DIAMONDS may be a girl’s best friend, but sapphires and other gemstones are certainly in her BFF list too!

Malaysia’s International Jewellery Fair (MIJF) – Spring Edition 2016 is back to charm jewellery enthusiasts with the latest jewellery trends at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Themed “Sapphire: The Allegory of Spring”, the fair will exhibit over 100,000 pieces of the most luxurious and trendiest jewellery collections from over 120 jewellery brands from more than 10 countries between Jan 15 and 18.

Organiser Elite Expo Sdn Bhd Public Relations and Communications director Evon Young hopes this fair will strengthen the country’s position as a global standard jewellery trading centre.

“Not only do we hope to bring in new trends, we also want to educate and enhance the public’s understanding of gemstones, and why we should invest in them instead of simply purchasing them,” said Young.

To add glitz to the jewellery fair, a Luxurious Fashion Show will be held on Jan 15 to entice jewellery lovers with the latest unique jewellery pieces from around the world.

Besides that, MIJF Spring Edition 2016 will also present a series of sapphire-related programmes such as The Grandeur of Sapphire galleria, featuring exquisite and signature collections of the gemstone.

Elite Expo on the upcoming Jewellery Fair

Atelier Fine Jewellery founder and Gemological Institute of America gemologist graduate Kan Tsia Hu said the public needs to understand the value of gemstones they purchase and ways to care for them.

“Gemstones like sapphires are no longer perceived as old-fashioned.

“In fact, they can be very trendy as they can be designed and cut to fit each customer’s preference,” said Kan.

He stressed that it was important for jewellers to have a better grasp of the industry and understand the value of natural gemstones so that they can convey this to their customers.

“This will help build much-needed trust and confidence in gems and, in return, customers will appreciate their value and invest in them.

“There are three types of sapphire: synthetic, imitation and natural stones. Synthetic gemstones are heated and treated with a foreign element; quite often they are injected with chemicals to obtain the colour whereas imitation gems are often made out of glass or other cheap materials.

“To determine the value of sapphire gemstones, one should look into their colour, stability and rarity, Kan stressed.

To attract visitors, MIJF Spring Edition 2016 will also host the Visit and Win – Everyday Sapphire Lucky Draw contest whereby a lucky visitor will get to bring home exquisite sapphire jewellery throughout the four-day exhibition.

Other exciting activities include the Spend and Win Contest, mystery door gifts and a list of premium treats for visitors.

“I believe these latest designs in jewellery will continue to serve the niche market and meet the growing demand for luxury pieces in Malaysia,” said Young.

The MIJF fair is endorsed by Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers Association and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.

To register, visit www.mijf.com.my or call 03-5891 1157 (Elit Expo).