HCMC – The HCMC Gemstone Association held its inaugural Minerals Show in District 1 on January 5, marking the first event of its kind in Vietnam.
The show, inspired by the Singapore Mineral Show, was organized with input from the event’s founder in Singapore and scientific advice from the HCMC Geology Museum.
It attracted over 600 attendees and featured 20 exhibition tables showcasing crystals, gemstones, and minerals.
Nguyen Van Do, vice chairman of the HCMC Gemstone Association, said the event connected enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals in the field. He described it as a platform for sharing experiences and fostering passion for minerals and gemstones.
Jeff Tan, a Singaporean co-founder of the Singapore Mineral Show, attended as a guest of honor. Speaking to The Saigon Times, Tan noted the scale and variety of products on display in HCMC from raw mineral specimens to jewelry and art crafted from gemstones. He added that while the event prioritized showcasing collections over sales, it could raise awareness of the field and attract new enthusiasts.
Drawing on his experience from Singapore, where livestreamers and TikTok influencers were used to promote similar events, Tan suggested leveraging social media to expand the event’s reach. For future shows, he plans to prioritize quality over quantity by reducing the number of display tables.
The event also attracted international attendees living in Vietnam. Vincent Maisonneuve, a geology professor at France’s Le Mans University, said the show allowed him to see the diversity of gemstones and crystals in Vietnam. Maisonneuve highlighted the opportunity to view Vietnam’s raw gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
Thanh said Vietnam’s gemstones are increasingly recognized internationally, with the event helping to spotlight their value and potential.
