Core Insights - The article highlights the significant role of Shantou, particularly the town of Ketang in Haifeng County, in the global colored gemstone industry, processing over 50 billion yuan worth of gemstones annually and accounting for more than 70% of the world's crystal products [1][3][4] 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 [4] - Shantou has emerged as a crucial manufacturing hub for colored gemstones, with a complete industrial chain that includes raw material import, design, production, and e-commerce sales [7][8] Economic Impact - The colored gemstone industry in Haifeng County is projected to reach a scale of approximately 35 billion yuan by 2024, with e-commerce transactions exceeding 13 billion yuan [3][8] - The local industry supports over 120,000 jobs and has around 20,000 market entities, showcasing its significant contribution to the local economy [3][8] Historical Development - The rise of Shantou's gemstone industry can be traced back to the 1980s when local entrepreneurs capitalized on the opportunities presented by the reform and opening-up policies, establishing small processing workshops [5][7] - By the late 1990s, a cluster development model emerged, integrating local businesses with external orders, which solidified Shantou's position as a key processing base for semi-precious stones in Southeast Asia [7] Recent Innovations - The integration of e-commerce and live streaming has transformed the local industry, with significant sales achievements, such as a record-breaking 1.2 billion yuan in a single live-streaming event [7][8] - The upcoming 2025 Shantou Colored Gemstone Industry Development Conference and the first Shantou International Jewelry Exhibition aim to enhance the region's visibility and attract top-tier enterprises and designers [9][10] Future Prospects - The conference is expected to facilitate the establishment of a more vibrant and competitive colored gemstone ecosystem, addressing challenges such as low brand value and weak design capabilities [9][10] - Shantou's strategic initiatives, including improved transportation infrastructure and a favorable business environment, are set to further enhance its role in the global gemstone market [16][17][18]