AGIL's "500 Years of World Jewellery" Lecture and Antique Jewellery Catwalk Show Concludes Successfully
International Authority Dr. Jack Ogden Delivers Keynote; Teachers and Students Grace the Catwalk to Illustrate 500 Years of Jewellery Style Evolution

[Hong Kong, 6 March 2026] The "500 Years of World Jewellery" Antique Jewellery Lecture and Catwalk Show, co-organised by the Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory (AGIL) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), was successfully held today at "The STAGE" in Hall 3B of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event attracted numerous jewellery enthusiasts, industry professionals, and members of the public, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

As one of the key events of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, the Institute was honoured to invite internationally renowned jewellery historian, Dr. Jack Ogden, as the keynote speaker. Addressing the topic "The Origins of Style: Tracing the Imprint of Time and Craftsmanship," Dr. Jack Ogden provided an insightful analysis of the evolution of jewellery styles from the Georgian era to the Art Deco period. He guided the audience from mere visual appreciation towards a deeper understanding of the historical and craftsmanship contexts.

The "500 Years of World Jewellery" Antique Jewellery Catwalk Show, held immediately following the lecture, became the focal point of the event. The show was hosted by AGIL Founder and Principal, Dr. Dominic Mok, who led a group of Institute graduates, instructors, and teachers and students from Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) to model and collectively interpret a collection of classic jewellery treasures spanning five centuries.

The eight participants are exceptionally versatile, with backgrounds spanning television and film, media, design, and education. The group includes a renowned television personality, a prominent Chinese jewellery influencer, a Chinese television news anchor, senior gemmology instructors and HKMU Senior Lecturer, as well as a young Hong Kong jewellery designer. Each excels in their respective fields, and together, united by their passion for jewellery art, they delivered a visual feast that seamlessly integrated academia and aesthetics.

The catwalk segment was divided into eight chapters, showcasing in sequence the Imperial Glory of the East with its Kingfisher feather inlay, the Classical Elegance of the Georgian era, the light delicacy of the Victorian period, the lace-like style of the Edwardian era, the geometric modernity of Art Deco, and the splendid gold designs of the post-war Vintage period. The show also specially featured contemporary jewellery inspired by Hong Kong's city flower, the Bauhinia, created by a local designer, embodying a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Notably, renowned artist Miss Kelly Fu appeared as the finale guest, presenting rare Vintage jewellery from the 1940s and 1950s, including a ring featuring a 60-carat natural, unheated blue aquamarine from Brazil. Miss Kelly Fu, who is also an AGIL Graduate Gemmologist and an HKMU student, fully exemplified the Institute's spirit of "integrating academia and aesthetics, and passing on knowledge through generations."

Dr. Dominic Mok, Founder of the Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory, stated, "This event was not only a feast of jewellery but also a profound cultural and academic exchange. Through combining a lecture with a catwalk show, we hoped to allow the public to appreciate the beauty of jewellery up close while also understanding the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship behind it. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Jack Ogden for his wonderful sharing, and to all the participating teachers, students, models, and friendly organisations who lent their precious collections, for making this journey through 500 years of jewellery a complete success."

The Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory will continue its commitment to promoting gemmological education and jewellery culture, and plans to organise more similar public events in the future. Interested parties are welcome to follow the Institute for the latest information.

About the Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory (AGIL)
Founded in 1983, the Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory (AGIL) is the oldest professional gym testing laboratory in Hong Kong. The Institute offers internationally recognised gemmology diploma courses, diamond diploma programmes, and various jewellery workshops, dedicated to enhancing professional standards within the industry and public awareness of jewellery culture.

For more inquiries:
Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory
Tel: (852) 2723 0429
Email: agil@agil.com.hk
Website: www.agil.com.hk
WhatsApp: +852 5492 4117
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