Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah, GemGenève founders, hosted a lively, interactive press event and cocktail at the Grand Hyatt Hotel to share with guests their experience of last year’s show and their expectations for the second international gem and jewellery show taking place this May 9-12, 2019 in Geneva. Both spoke about their mission in creating GemGenève, explaining how this year’s show has grown slightly, with a total of some 200 exhibitors.
Guests were greeted in a room themed with this year’s campaign, “Find and Feel”, referring to the sense of discovery at GemGenève and the importance of learning, feeling and discovering the gemstones, jewels and pearls on offer at the show.
Showcases displayed a spectacular selection of jewels and gems, of antique and contemporary jewellery and exceptionally rare loose coloured stones, of the style and quality on offer at GemGenève. These included a 19thcentury Renaissance-revival brooch featuring a magnificent amethyst, ring set with a rare Burma ruby, no heat, 12.84 carats, the breath-taking Pink Paradise necklace centred on a 15 carat fancy pink diamond, and a Lacquer eggshell modernist cigarette case, c 1925. Another highlight was the announcement, by Windsor Jewels, that they will be exhibiting the Shirley Temple Blue Bird, a 9 carat fancy deep blue Internally Flawless diamond that belonged to the child star.
Founders explained that they had both felt the time was right for a new-style of gem and jewellery show, one that was smaller, more intimate and focused on fine quality; a show that would reveal the true spirit of the international world of gem and jewellery trading. They added that one of the factors that set GemGenève apart from other shows was the fact that it is organised by industry insiders, by exhibitors themselves.
Jewellery historian Vivienne Becker then spoke briefly about the Designer Vivarium, showcasing the work of contemporary designer jewellers from around the world. It will include several new names, including Hong Kong-based designer, Nicholas Lieou, who was present and explained his background and described his style of imaginative classicism. Also on display was the work of London-based designer, Alexandra Jefford, another new addition to the 2019 Designer Vivarium. The Russian design duo, Ninotchka, presenting for the second time this year, were present at the event. All three join the list of contemporary designers showing in May, Ming Lampson, Milio, Tatiana Verstraeten, Nadia Morgenthaler, Alexander Tenzo, Sean Gilson, Cora Sheibani, Oselieri Racine.
During the press conference, the founders also explained how GemGenève searches out the most exciting, embryonic designers and artisans starting out in our jewellery world and gives them a platform in the emerging talent section of the show. This year all Emerging Talents are from Switzerland and include Pierre d’Alexis, featured on the wall panels, Syz Fireworks, Ena Iro, Cléa Horowicz as well as the collaboration with HEAD, the Geneva Design School.
EXHIBITS AT THE HONG KONG PRESS EVENT
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