(IDEX Online) - The second edition of CARAT+, will take place at the Antwerp Expo from May 6 to 8. The fair will have new features and will welcome leading industry professionals from across the globe, the organizers said in a statement.
The CARAT+ was launched last year and featured 130 exhibitors from 13 countries. The debut event attracted 3,000 visitors from 33 global markets.
The show is aimed at diamond wholesalers, jewelry manufacturers, brand representatives, fine jewelry designers, buyers and retailers looking for a mix of loose diamonds and finished jewelry.
This year's show will feature a curated Colored Gemstones Sector, led by renowned German gemstone supplier, Paul Wild, as well as a dedicated China 'Guest Land', bringing leading Chinese manufacturers and professionals from the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE) to the heart of Europe.
There will be a CARAT+ China Night evening event on 8 May at Antwerp's iconic Havenhuis.
CARAT+ 2018 will also include a collaboration with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to host a special GIA GemFest and celebrate the opening of the GIA's new Antwerp office.
The evening networking event, which attracted more than 1,800 industry professionals, exhibitors and visitors in 2017, will also be held again. The debut party was opened by Bond girl, model and actress, Caterina Murino.
Event founder and director, Filip Van Laere, said: "The diamond business has been through a lot of challenges and changes over the past 15 years, and it is my belief that the sector needs an innovative, exciting and attractive focal point to express itself with confidence and pride. After all, diamonds are still the most glamorous luxury item in the world. The next edition of CARAT+ will fill this niche and present a fantastic opportunity to buy, network and engage with the global diamond industry.
The show is timed to fall between Baselworld and the JCK Show Las Vegas.
Pictured above: the official opening of the 2017 CARAT+ show.