Combining K-gold and silver, the new jewelry series derives inspiration from the Shanghai World Expo and the growing connection between China and the international community.

More companies in emerging markets like China and India are looking to leapfrog into the high-profit-margin luxury industry by acquiring well-known Western brands and take advantage of lower labor costs, developed supply chains and distribution networks at home.

If spring was any indication, in the months ahead expect to see mainland Chinese collectors enthusiastically bidding for fine wines, rare watches, Chinese contemporary art, traditional art and antiques from popular historical eras, and jewelry in Hong Kong.

From the archives: It’s no surprise that companies are bending over backwards to find out what drives the estimated 825,000 people worth over 10 million RMB (US$1.46 million) and 51,000 individuals worth over 100 million RMB (US$14.64) to make purchases.

Taiwanese designers and fashion brands are set to break into mainland China in a big way as a result of the trade agreement recently signed between Taipei and Beijing, which will cut tariffs on apparel and other goods while better protecting intellectual property.

The Chinese films that will be shown in Venice this year include works by directors Huang Wenhai, Stanley Kwan, Xun Sun, Tsui Hark, John Woo and Su Chao-Pin, and Zhang Yuan. In addition, John Woo will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.

This week the German automaker Opel, a unit of GM, was given the nod by its parent company to begin more aggressively expanding into new markets like China and Australia.