Displays draw close attention at the gemstones and jewelry exhibition area of the 5th CIIE. [Photo/WeChat account: scofcom]

The gemstones and jewelry sector was really under the spotlight at the fifth China International Import Expo, or CIIE, which took place in Shanghai city in East China on Nov 5-10.

The exhibition area for them covered a whopping 8,000 square meters, with the participation of over 100 organizations and businesses from 20 countries and regions. The exhibits they brought were valued at more than $200 million and intended deals that were signed reached $100 million.

Among all the exhibition areas of CIIE, the gemstones and jewelry area proved to be a big hit. Many government officials – including vice-minister of commerce Sheng Qiuping – visited the sparkling displays. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lanka's ambassador to China, also visited – helping out with the live streaming selling of that country's wonderful gems.

Yong Tai jewelry from Thailand, which has participated in the expo five times, this year brought over a hefty 50.69 karat Paraiba tourmaline. Schaffrath from Belgium, along with parent company Tache, brought a ring with a free-moving diamond, which demonstrated their unique damascene technique.

A summit promoting the high-quality development of the jewelry industry, as well as a support event for the fifth CIIE, was held on Nov 10. The forum actively explored effective ways to strengthen brand construction in the jewelry industry.

To top it off, the International Jewelry Alliance was launched during the summit.