38th Athens International Jewellery Show: A Hub for Global Jewellery Industry
Athens, February 27 – The 38th Athens International Jewellery Show, the largest sectoral event for jewellery, watches, and precious stones in Greece, has opened its doors at Metropolitan Expo. The exhibition, which runs until March 2, boasts an impressive lineup of 378 exhibitors from 11 countries, including Italy, France, India, and Turkey, showcasing a strong international presence.
The event, organized by TIF-Helexpo, is being hailed as a crucial developmental lever for the upcoming summer tourist season. Mr. Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister of Development, emphasized this point during the opening ceremony, highlighting the sector’s role as a ‘cultural capital and diplomatic tool’ for Greece. He noted that professionals in the gold and silver smithing industry act as ambassadors for Greece, contributing to ‘soft diplomacy’ and connecting tradition, tourism, and exports.
Innovation and Digital Tools: Key for Industry Growth
Mr. Kalafatis also stressed the importance of innovation and modern digital tools, including Artificial Intelligence, for the survival and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector. He encouraged businesses to leverage these technologies to showcase the authenticity of their creations.
Mr. Andreas Mavrommatis, CEO of TIF-Helexpo, reiterated that the 38th Athens International Jewellery Show 2026 is the largest industry event in the country. He stated that visitors would have the opportunity to engage with the creativity of Greek jewellery, explore the latest trends, and establish collaborations with exhibitors.
Greek Jewellery: Setting International Trends
Mr. Petros Kalpakidis, President of the Panhellenic Federation of Silversmiths, Jewellers, and Watchmakers (POBAKO), described the exhibition as an institution that confirms the dynamism, resilience, and prospects of the jewellery industry. He asserted that Greek jewellery actively participates in shaping international trends rather than merely following them. Mr. Kalpakidis also praised the long-standing collaboration between POBAKO and TIF-Helexpo, which he believes guarantees a high-standard event and reinforces its strategic importance as a hub for commercial agreements, dialogue, innovation, and creative expression.
Other industry leaders also voiced their support for the exhibition. Mr. Giannis Chatzitheodosiou, President of the Professional Chamber of Athens, highlighted the historical significance of jewellery in Greece and addressed industry concerns, such as the luxury tax. Mr. Konstantinos Damigos, President of the Athens Chamber of Crafts, praised the exhibition as excellent and comparable to international standards, noting that it was the first time the Chamber participated with its own booth. Mr. George Kavvathas, President of the General Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen, and Merchants of Greece, referred to the exhibition as the ‘home of jewellery, precious stones, and watches,’ emphasizing its continuous improvement each year.
Exhibition Details and Future Prospects
The exhibition features an increased participation of Greek designers and a targeted Hosted Buyers program, attracting commercial visitors from strategic markets such as Estonia, Serbia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Lithuania.
The Athens International Jewellery Show is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00, and on Monday from 10:00 to 19:00. The exhibition is exclusively for trade visitors.
This year’s show underscores the Greek jewellery sector’s resilience and its growing international appeal, serving as a vital platform for business development and cultural exchange.
