By David Brough
GemGenève, the Geneva International Gem and Jewellery Show, reported nearly 3,000 visitors, signalling strong orders as buyers stocked exquisite diamonds, coloured gemstones and jewellery from a huge array of high-quality goods at the event in Palexpo, which ran from November 4-7, 2021.
GemGenève, which returned in-person after a prolonged absence due to the pandemic, was a magnet for high-end buyers, including Bond Street retailers such as Boodles, seeking some of the best quality goods available in the international marketplace.
The event was held under tight security with strict COVID Pass checks in place at the entry to reduce risks of spreading coronavirus.
“Visitors’ delight in gathering in-person again, has been in step with commercial success,” said Ronny Totah, a co-founder of GemGenève.
Thomas Faerber, the other co-founder, said, “We have had far more buyers and visitors, notably Americans and Asians, than we had expected.”
GemGenève co-founders Thomas Faerber (speaking) and Ronny Totah
The market for upscale coloured gemstones, diamonds and high jewellery, has been resilient during the pandemic, with many collectors seeing a store of value in rare, beautiful, well-made top quality goods, dealers said.
High visitor turnout at GemGenève from the start
The event featured eight cutting-edge, under-the-radar jewellery designers joining the Designer Vivarium, curated by jewellery historian Vivienne Becker, and presented for the first time the Flair Project, featuring art inspired by gemstones and jewellery, organised by a leading influencer, Katerina Perez.
Inauguration ceremony of GemGenève on November 3, 2021, attracted leading figures of Geneva society
GemGenève featured a series of talks including presentations about Art Deco jewellery by L’Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels, and the history of coloured gemstone markets, by digital platform Gembridge’s head of business development, Helen Molesworth.
