Established in 1986; Istanbul Jewelry Show opened its doors at Istanbul Expo Center for the 52nd time from 06-09 October 2022. The Show offered a secure platform for industry leaders to discover the latest products, services, technological solutions, opportunities for new cooperation and a unique way to exchange information. It was my honour to be a part of the show and share the experience through my social media channels!
Let me take you through a few of my discoveries!
Turkey is the world’s fourth biggest market for gold jewellery and its the third largest manufacturing centre in 14K, 18K or 22K gold jewellery. I spotted this unique hand crafted gold jewellery by Sankari Gold.
It’s always a pleasure to share the rich heritage of different countries. Presenting a work of art I came across: the Ottoman Coat of Arms. The sun motif comes from the Sultan’s likeness to the sun and the scales represent justice.
Did you know: The Ottoman period spanned more than 600 years and came to an end only in 1922 when it was replaced by the Turkish Republic and various successor states in southeastern Europe and the Middle East. The eponymous Ottoman Dynasty endured for six centuries through the reigns of 36 sultans.
I came across another magnificent work of art from the Ottoman Sultan’s Empire: a Migfer also known as a helmet made in 22k gold; which was common throughout the Islamic World from the mid- 14th century to the early- 16th century.
The evil eye symbol has been around for thousands of years of history and across various cultures.
Known as Nazar Boncuk in Turkey, this evil eye amulet is known to ward off the jealous look of others, which, according to popular belief, has the power to cause misfortune to a person or his property. Turkish people believe that this amulet protects its holder from bad energies by absorbing them. I found these exquisite amulets by Aren Jewellery.
Do you believe in wearing an evil eye? Let me know in the comments!
Jewellery mounting is made of precious or semi-precious metal like gold or silver that forms the framework for the gemstones and is a very important base of the jewellery. For example, a ring without a diamond is the jewellery mounting for that ring.
The Turkish jewellery industry is amongst the leading jewellery-producing country and the jewellery mounting business is one of the most popular businesses in Turkey since ancient times.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Mustafa Akin -CEO of Sade IS mounting one of the most renowned jewellery mounting companies in the world and the first in Turkey. Mr Mustafa Akin shared “The jewellery mounting business has been popular in Turkey for more than 700 years. During the Ottoman Empire, the Armenian artist made jewellery mounting in gold, setting and polishing; and after setting diamonds these are very luxurious items. The new style of yellow gold ring is gaining popularity. We have a global presence in India, Dubai, America, Belgium, France, and Greece”
I am completely in awe of witnessing and sharing the technology and machines used in our Gems & Jewellery industry. It was a delight to view the procedure of Gold Engraving in the Zümrüt Elmas Maina Kalemleri booth.
In this procedure, the artist uses different types of Diamond Cutting tools to get the desired result.
The rich heritage of superb craftsmanship of the artisans from Tukey continues to fuel and inspire contemporary designs. Besides seeing exquisite gold jewellery and chain I also saw a few gemstone studded jewels. Featured above grand ruby and diamond necklace handcrafted with the finest gemstones by Euro Diamonds a family-run company, and it was my pleasure meeting the second-generation Sami Malgaz who passionately shared his rich family legacy and his vision to introduce Turkish jewellery to the world in the best possible way!! A true amalgamation of heritage with modern contemporary designs!
Read my article on Burma Ruby to know more about these rare gemstones.
Another exquisite discovery is the rose-cut diamond necklace from Storks; Turkey’s First Jewelry Brand made in 8kt gold. The rose-cut diamond is believed to be introduced in European cities in 1520 and originated in India in around 1400. As the name suggests, the Rose Cut Diamond resembles a tightly-packed rosebud petal, with a notable flat and domed top consisting of many facets, typically triangular, meeting at a point in the centre, and a completely flat base with no pavilion. To know more about different diamond cuts in the early century; read my article on the Evolution of Diamonds.
It was my absolute pleasure to share my discoveries from the IJS. I thank the entire team for giving me this wonderful opportunity to present the show through my eyes! To recap these beautiful memories I have curated the highlights from the show. Hope you all enjoy it as much as l did!