The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has moved its international headquarters to Hong Kong from New York following a shift in the market.

The new offices are in Hong Kong’s famous gems and jewellery manufacturing district and are run by a team of English and Chinese speaking staff.

ICA said the decision was taken to bring the not-for-profit organisation closer to the burgeoning Asian market which now dominates the jewellery industry.

ICA president Wilson Yuen said: “This was not a decision that we made easily, and it followed a great deal of debate. After all, our international offices have been based in New York for many years. But we felt that we could not ignore the trends that are sweeping our industry, and the global economy in general. Asia in general, and China in particular, is claiming a larger role in international business, and it is imperative that we are based in the heart of the region to enable us to provide a comprehensive service to our membership and to the industry.”

PIC: The  new Hong Kong offices were opened at a special  in-house  inauguration ceremony attended by the board of directors of the ICA.