Gembridge, the online gemstone trading platform, has appointed Shanghai-based gemstone dealer Chen Shen (pictured) as its new ambassador to China, in a bid to increase its business there.
Chen is the founder of Skywalk Global, a wholesale gemstone business specializing in Colombian emeralds, and a board member of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).
In 2009, with Ronald Ringsrud, he coauthored Emeralds: A Passionate Guide, the first book about the gemstone’s history to be published in China. Three years later, he established Shanghai retailer Rico Gems.
Chen notes his appointment follows the 2020 launch of China’s Hainan Free Trade Port, which has turned the island into a duty-free shopping hub.
“Without having to travel abroad, Chinese consumers can now buy about $15,000 per person of duty-free products, including gemstones and jewelry, on Hainan Island,” he said in a statement.
Singapore-based Gembridge is a digital trading marketplace for colored gemstones, pearls, and jewelry, founded by CEO Nick Marrett. In November, it appointed Gübelin veteran Helen Molesworth as director of business development.
(Photo courtesy of Gembridge)
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