Winter is nearly over and buyers and dealers at Asia's largest spring jewelry show  are hoping that there will be a spring thaw in jewelry sales.

Companies at the event in Hong Kong are confident of better times ahead as the global economy begins to show signs of recovery.

There are already signs of improvement. This year's show features a record-breaking 2,600 exhibitors from 44 countries and regions. That's up 12 percent on last year thanks to an improving global economy.

The five-day event features fine and antique jewellery, as well as pieces made from jade, diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones and pearls.

Sebastian Kladiwl, of Chile, came to show looking for precious and semi-precious gems for his family business.

 Sebastian Kladiwl, 22, a buyer from Chile,says;
" Also the quality of the stone ( is good), probably the best fair, so I think there is nothing bad to say about this show so I think it's a very good fair. I am happy to be here."

Koo Tong Fat,an Executive Committee Member from the Hong Kong Jewellers' and Goldsmiths' Association Limited, says Hong Kong's market recovered quickly from the financial crisis in the second half of 2009 due to the strong buying power from mainland China.

But he admits the export business will continue to be affected as the US and Europe recover from the financial crisis and consumers cut back on non-essential items like jewelry.

Ebru News