Hong Kong jewelry exports in the first 10 months of 2006 exceeded 23 billion HK dollars, an increase of 14 percent over the same period last year, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturer's Association (HKJMA) said Friday.

Speaking at the "2006 World's Jewelry Design Masters, Strategists & Leaders Forum" opened here Friday, Edward Cheung, chairman of the association, noted that Hong Kong will continue to be the world's fourth largest exporter of precious jewelry in near future, supported by its remarkable design, quality and craftsmanship.

According to HKJMA, Hong Kong jewelry exports will continue its up trend in near future, with the United States, Europe and Japan as its major markets.

Experts from the industry believed the Chinese mainland will become more important to Hong Kong manufacturers as the demand of precious jewelry keeps growing in the market because of the rapid economic development.

They believed the Chinese mainland will not only act as a manufacturing factory but also an enlarging market for Hong Kong jewelry industry.