GemGeneve showcases exceptional gem-set jewellery
By David Brough
GENEVA, May 12, 2019 – GemGeneve, which has wrapped up its second edition, showcased extraordinary gem-set jewellery, including a blue diamond ring that once belonged to Hollywood child star Shirley Temple.
GemGeneve, which took place from May 9-12, coincides with the Geneva Christie’s and Sotheby’s magnificent jewellery auctions, opening this week, with both events attracting the world’s leading retailers, collectors and dealers.
Standout pieces at GemGeneve included the Shirley Temple Bluebird, featuring a more-than-9-carat fancy deep blue, internally flawless diamond, offered by Windsor Jewelers, and a modern sky blue diamond ring from Cartier weighing 8.01 carats, exuding extraordinary energy, presented by Rajesh Popley.
Veerasak Gems presented an unheated 10-carat pigeon blood Burmese ruby, while Henn of London showcased one of the world’s largest yellow sapphires (366.51 carats) from Sri Lanka, and an exceptional Paraiba tourmaline from Mozambique, weighing 72.95 carats.
Opening ceremony at GemGeneve
ORGANISED BY EXHIBITORS
GemGeneve is unique because it is organised by exhibitors rather than event organisers, and prides itself on adapting efficiently to the requirements of exhibitors.
“The ambiance is very family-like here at GemGeneve,” Ronny Totah, one of the founders, said.
He said 95 percent of last year’s exhibitors had returned and that all of the exhibitors had a different position in the hall this year.
The show format was set up like a labyrinth rather than in parallel lines, creating more surprises for visiting buyers. This year’s campaign was “Find” and “Feel”.
Visitor turnout was high from the start at GemGeneve, with exhibitor space at the Palexpo venue near Geneva airport up 50 percent from last year.
GemGeneve presented 210 exhibitors this year, mostly from the United States and Europe, up from 147 last year, and 60 applications were refused, Totah said.
GemGeneve presented a variety of designers, curated by jewellery historian Vivienne Becker.
UK-based exhibitors included designers Alexandra Jefford, offering sculptural precious jewellery pieces, and Ming (Ming Lampson), who has a boutique in Notting Hill, showcasing an array of one-off gem-set items.
“The show was a great chance for me to meet more European jewellery connoisseurs,” Ming said.
Geneva-based Nadia Morgenthaler used “extreme craftsmanship” to create her precious jewels which highlight pearls, while Hong Kong-based Mr. Lieou also revealed pearls in his superbly crafted, transformable “high fine jewellery” pieces.
St. Petersburg-based Alexander Tenzo revives the art of gem engraving in his intricately crafted jewellery.
Speakers included Joanna Hardy, who gave talks about rubies and emeralds, and Becker, who spoke about Art Nouveau and jewellery design trends, emphasising a growing appreciation for craftsmanship in the digital age.
GemGeneve is not expected to expand further in exhibition space next year, as it aims to maintain its “family-like” atmosphere, organisers said.
Joanna Hardy’s talk about emeralds
