Antwerp: The company behind next week’s Carat+ event is hopeful the fair will fill a gap in the trade-show scene as the world’s first purely diamond-focused international exhibition.
More than 2,000 visitors from 35 nationalities have registered to attend the show in Antwerp, creating optimism that the event will be a commercial success for participants, according to organizer Artexis Easyfairs. Close to 130 diamond companies will attend.
“There seemed to be enough shows in the world for jewelry. But diamonds are always third or fourth in the show — it’s ‘jewelry and,’ ‘watches and,’” event director Filip Van Laere said Thursday. “We wanted to create a diamond show, and we’ve achieved that.”
The business-to-business trade fair, which will run from May 7 to 9, has attracted representatives from the wholesale and retail sectors. It is also seeking access to “high-net-worth individuals,” according to Van Laere — in particular by pitching the opening night as a glamorous soirée starring “Casino Royale” star Caterina Murino.
“We’ve created a point on Sunday evening when it will become a night at the museum,” Van Laere said. ”What I’m trying to do is create a template where all the elements are there.”
