The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, which wrapped up on March 8 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, was marred by a controversial incident. A video circulating online shows a woman allegedly dropping a valuable gemstone while browsing, sparking a dispute. Eyewitnesses believe she may have been accidentally bumped by another person.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) emphasized the organisation’s commitment to maintaining order and safety at exhibitions. The matter was swiftly addressed according to established protocols, with HKTDC staff and security present to manage the situation. The police later classified the incident as a private dispute, clarifying that it was unrelated to the exhibition’s products or marketing practices.
The damaged gemstone, a Rubellite valued at approximately US$50,000 (around HK$380,800), is a rare and high-quality variety of tourmaline known for its striking color. In the footage, the woman can be seen explaining to the police that she was not responsible for the accident, having previously asked about the price of the gemstone before it fell.
After the incident, the woman is said to have purchased a replacement gemstone of equal value from the same vendor. The HKTDC reiterated that the situation did not reflect any issues with the exhibition’s items or its marketing practices.
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