With the flattening of the COVID infection curve becoming apparent in a growing number of countries around the world, economic activity is beginning to pick up. Stores are reopening, often under strict conditions of hygiene and social distancing, and foot traffic is climbing.

But questions remain as to whether consumers will be prepared to pick up where they were when the lockdowns were first imposed, particularly when it comes to non-essential products such as jewellery. Will the trauma of the past several months suppress the appetite for luxury goods, or will it raise demand as people seek to reward themselves and affirm their appreciation for others during this difficult period? And how will the economic crisis that accompanied the lockdown impact jewellery sales?

CIBJO’s “Jewellery Industry Voices” webinar series looks at the impact and implications of the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis from the perspective of industry figures. This edition examined the challenges facing the industry as it returns to business, and more specifically considers what can be done to raise and then maintain demand in what remains a global health crisis.

Entitled “Return to Business: Communicating Jewellery’s Unique Appeal in a Market during a Health Crisis,” the webinar featured four leading industry experts, with each representing a different sector – David Kellie, CEO of the Diamond Producers Association; Huw Daniel, CEO of Platinum Guild International and President of CIBJO’s Precious Metals Commission; Jennifer Heebner, Executive Director of the Cultured Pearl Association of America, and Emmanuel Piat, owner of Maison Piat, who also is Vice President of CIBJO’s Coloured Stone Commission.

The webinar was co-moderated by Edward Johnson and Steven Benson, and Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO President, welcomed the participants.