From sparkle to shattered: $390,000 gem dropped in at HK jewelry show

A woman who accidentally dropped and damaged a gemstone valued at around US$50,000 (approximately HK$390,000) at the Hong Kong International Jewelry Show has attracted considerable attention online.

An attendee recounted the incident on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, stating that a customer -- likely bumped by someone -- inadvertently let the gem slip from her hands during the event.

A long-haired woman, believed to be the one who dropped the gem, explained the mishap to the police.

Footage from the scene captured the broken corner of the gem, which sparked speculation among viewers and commenters that it was the coveted Rubellite gemstone.

Police said they received a report from a female staff about a 54-year-old woman was involved in the incident, which happened around 6pm on Friday (Mar 7).

It was reported that the situation was resolved when the woman agreed to purchase items of equal value at the stall.

Police have listed the case as personal dispute, which does not involve issues related to the exhibited items or marketing practices.

In response to inquiries from Sing Tao Headline, the sister publication of The Standard, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) emphasized its commitment to maintaining order and safety at the event.

Regarding the incident, the HKTDC noted that staff and security personnel have been deployed to maintain order during the incident. 

The 41st Hong Kong International Jewelery Show and 11th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show attracted over 82,000 buyers from 141 countries and regions.

Among them, some 51,000 buyers from 133 countries and regions attended the International Jewelery Show and there was an increase in the number of buyers from ASEAN, the Middle East, Western Europe and North America, HKTDC said.