The inaugural Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair opened at Marina Bay Sands on Saturday with US$1 billion worth of jewellery and gems on display, making it the largest such fair to be staged in Singapore.

It features 283 exhibitors from 28 countries, including diamond experts from Belgium, Israel and Switzerland, and pearl specialists from Indonesia, Japan and the United Kingdom.

The jewellery and gems are showcased in 12 pavilions: Nine country pavilions and three special-themed ones titled Antique Pavilion, Designer Atelier and Exquisite Pavilion.

Held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre Halls A, B and C, the fair ends on Oct 15.