Core Insights - The article highlights the rise of Shantou, Guangdong, as a global hub for colored gemstones, with significant contributions to the industry from towns like Ketang and Meilong [3][4][8] - The upcoming "2025 China Shantou Colored Gemstone Industry Development Conference and the First Shantou International Jewelry Exhibition" is expected to mark a pivotal moment for the local industry, transitioning from manufacturing to brand building and standard setting [6][15][18] Industry Overview - The global colored gemstone market is experiencing steady growth, with an annual growth rate reflecting a shift from survival-based consumption to emotional and value-based consumption [8] - Shantou's colored gemstone industry has evolved from a decentralized processing model in the 1980s to a robust cluster development, with over 50,000 tons processed annually and a market value exceeding 5 billion yuan [4][9][11] Economic Impact - The colored gemstone industry in Shantou has become a significant driver for local economic development, contributing to rural revitalization and high-quality growth, with over 120,000 people employed in the sector [4][11][19] - The industry is projected to reach a scale of approximately 35 billion yuan by 2024, with e-commerce transactions surpassing 13 billion yuan [4][11][19] Infrastructure and Connectivity - Shantou is enhancing its transportation network, including the construction of new roads and the integration of high-speed rail, which facilitates better access for domestic and international businesses [19][21][22] - The city is also developing a multi-modal transport system to improve logistics for the colored gemstone industry, further supporting its growth [19][21] Future Prospects - The upcoming exhibition aims to attract top enterprises, designers, and institutions, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that includes logistics, certification, jewelry finance, and brand marketing [15][18] - The event will also introduce the "Gemports Index (GPI)" as a key reference for global colored gemstone raw material trading, further solidifying Shantou's position in the industry [16][18]

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 China Shantou Colored Gemstone Industry Development Conference and the first Shantou International Jewelry Exhibition aim to transform Shantou's colored gemstone industry from "behind-the-scenes processing" to "front-stage branding" and create an international industrial platform that integrates design, culture, and branding [2][4]. Industry Upgrade - The exhibition will showcase Shantou's ambition to establish the colored gemstone industry as a pillar of the modern industrial system, transitioning from "manufacturing" to "standard-setting" [4][5]. - The exhibition will feature a "main exhibition area + sub-exhibition areas" model, with 60 booths in the main area attracting renowned domestic brands and international exhibitors from countries like Sri Lanka, South Korea, and Poland [4]. - Over 3,000 exhibitors from the two major industrial belts of Ketang and Meilong will participate, highlighting Shantou's complete industrial chain advantages and manufacturing strength [4][5]. Standard Setting and Value Leadership - The global Gemports Index (GPI) will be released for the first time at the exhibition, serving as an important reference for colored gemstone raw material trading and market analysis [4][5]. - Several high-value industrial projects, such as the Global Semi-Precious Stone Raw Material Trading Center, will be signed at the event, further expanding the industrial ecosystem [5]. Multi-Dimensional Integration - The exhibition is part of Shantou's "Hundred Thousand Project" to promote urban-rural regional linkage, featuring diverse activities including industry inspections, fashion displays, and cross-industry integration [7]. - Activities will include a T-stage show to showcase jewelry art, a design competition to stimulate original design, and a non-heritage cultural lecture series to present traditional crafts [7]. Strengthening the Industry - The choice of Haifeng County as the venue reflects its deep-rooted development in the gold and silver jewelry industry, with approximately 20,000 market entities and over 90,000 employees [9]. - The industry scale is projected to reach around 35 billion by 2024, with e-commerce transactions exceeding 13 billion annually [9]. - Haifeng plans to build a global semi-precious stone raw material trading center and integrate over 120 types of raw materials, leveraging local university resources for innovation [9]. Event Readiness - Preparations for the exhibition are nearly complete, with global jewelers, designers, and buyers expected to gather in Shantou to explore the future of the colored gemstone industry [11].