It was a pleasure being at the 7th edition of GemGenève; a trade fair curated by Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber from 2 to 5 November 2023, at Palexpo. The show showcased a diverse range of gems and jewels and offered a unique platform dedicated to the world of exceptional diamonds, precious stones, pearls, and antique and contemporary jewellery. After attending the 5th edition of GemGenève in November 2022, I was thrilled to be back in Geneva!
The 7th edition GemGenève had the very best international dealers from across the whole spectrum of the jewellery industry and offered an impressive variety of rare gems and exceptional pieces worthy of museums to contemporary creations illustrating all the genius of today’s emerging talents!
This edition GemGenève paid tribute to Natural Pearls with a dedicated “Discovery Exhibition” titled The Pearl Odyssey that retraced the story of pearls and their tradition; through a selection of around 30 outstanding pieces from the greatest private and heritage collections alongside previously unseen projects and archive material. This unique exhibition offered visitors the rare opportunity to revel in the splendour of one-of-a-kind creations while delving into the hidden depths of the pearl’s allure.
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The Pearl Odyssey
The poetic exhibition “The Pearl Odyssey” featured an immersive space and began by introducing visitors to the world of pearl divers in the Persian Gulf. The second exhibition area had a display of jewels that reflect the styles and fashions that have prevailed through the ages. These ranged from imperial origin to exceptional pearls and historic pieces from the most prestigious private collections. The last section of the exhibition offered a comprehensive overview of the expert methods used to appraise the quality and origin of pearls and ended with a presentation of the history of pearl study since the last century organised with the support of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF).
GemGenève offered a great platform for Emerging Talents and New Designers to showcase their innovative work of art in the show’s “Designer Village” area. The talented artists were specially curated by Nadège Totah.
Presenting the world of natural diamonds with Rosy Blue one of the world’s foremost diamantaires that aims to contribute to the environmental and social good of the world. For over 63 years, Rosy Blue has been respected for its commitment to the highest ethical standards and is recognised as one of the largest and most trusted names in the global diamond industry. Its business is divided into three key operations: Rough Diamond Procurement, Diamond Manufacturing, and Polished Trading. Rosy Blue has evolved from a company taking its corporate responsibilities to a company where sustainability is central to the core business and aligned with the corporate purpose!
Gemstones and jewellery are a universal form of adornment and have been a part of mankind since before history was written. However, with the change in tastes, fashion, trends and values of different cultures the technique of jewellery has evolved through centuries. Featured above are jewels in
1️) Early Victorian era: Early19 century
Garnet emerald and Ruby brooch.
2) Art Nouveau: 1900c
Lacloche Paris gold & enamel brooch.
3) Art Deco: 1930.
Lacloche Paris diamond brooch.
4) Retro Period:1950.
Natural pearls and diamond necklace by Bulgari
Paraíba tourmalines are trending gemstones known for their stunning and vibrant colours, which are often described as electric or neon. Interestingly, the rough material of these gemstones are purplish in color originally when mined; they become neon only after heating. This extraordinary color quality is highly sought after by gem collectors and jewelry enthusiasts and is one of the key factors that make Paraíba tourmalines popular in the world of gemstones and jewellery!
A few of the rare finds at the GemGenève are a 100cts+ F VVS Kite shape; natural no hear spinel and a rare purple sapphire! Let me know which is your favourite amongst the featured 3.
Antique jewellery has a unique charm and charisma that makes them highly appealing. Each piece has a story to tell about the era in which it was created and also showcases the craftsmanship of skilled artisans. Presenting an exquisite antique tiara made with exceptionally large natural pearls and diamonds featuring a delicate arrangement of leaves on a branch by Horovitz and Totah.
It was a pleasure meeting the Yafa Signed Jewel family at the Gem Geneve and admiring their rare and exclusive collection of vintage Signed jewels by Cartier, VCA and Bulgari.
So what are SIGNED JEWELS? Signed jewels are jewels that bear a signature in full or a maker’s mark from the jeweller that made them. The marks are often very small and engraved or stamped on inconspicuous areas of the metal, usually on the sides or back of the jewel. Sometimes, they also have an engraved inventory number which can be traced back into the archive of the jeweller that made them, revealing the exact date they were made, the client they were made for and the numbers and carat weights of the gems incorporated into the jewel.
Revisit my article on Signed Jewels to know more!
It was an incredible experience being at the show meeting wonderful talents from around the world, and sharing rare finds! I look forward to sharing more gems and trends from the next edition!
Bravo ! Detailed coverage of GemGeneve. Wishing you lot of success.