The eighth edition of GemGenève is swiftly approaching, set to take place from May 9 to 12, 2024, at Palexpo Hall 1 in Geneva. This year’s show will host over 200 exhibitors, including more than 190 professional dealers from around the globe. Annually, GemGenève establishes itself as a premier global platform for esteemed industry professionals. It serves as a critical juncture for traders, jewelers, designers, gemologists and dealers, providing a magnificent opportunity for attendees to delve into their domains, admire their expertise and enhance their appreciation for the storied narratives surrounding jewelry and precious stones.
Futurgem S.rl.
Seaman Schepps
Enzo Liverino 1894
The show features an extensive range of offerings—from diamonds and colored gemstones to antique and modern jewelry, exquisite Haute Joaillerie, corals and natural pearls—encompassing various eras, styles, and craftsmanship.
“Flames of Opal Essence”
This Gemgenève’s edition will astonish the public with an impressive exhibition dedicated to the opal, one of the most enchanting and enigmatic precious stones. Titled “Flames of Opal Essence,” it invites visitors on a sensory journey, providing an aesthetic initiation into the mysteries of this gemstone.
KREIS Jewellery Ring 8.80 ct- Black opal from Australia
Emil Weis Opals
Piaget High jewelry watch. White gold. 275 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.69ct). Opal dial and plates 1972
Curated by GemGenève Director Mathieu Dekeukelaire, “Flames of Opal Essence” has been realized with support from the Geneva Museum of Art and History, Piaget, A.Win Siu, Chris Price Opals, Emil Weis Opals, Ernst Färber, the Faerber Collection, Imagem, Kreis Jewellery and Boris Chauviré of GeoGems. Chauviré, who holds a PhD in mineralogy, lends his scientific expertise to the exploration of opals.
Designer Village
Visitors to Gemgenève should be sure not to miss the amazing space known as Designer Village. “GemGenève is proud to have had a particular focus on contemporary artistic creation right from its inception. Support for young designers and emerging talents is part and parcel of the show’s DNA “, affirmed Mathieu Dekeukelaire. This edition will include five Emerging Talents (Aso Leon, Jaqueline Powers, Shavarsh Hakobian, Villa Milano, William Llewellyn Griffiths) and five New Designers (A.win Siu, Chong Ho Art Jewelry, Diana Zhang, Diva Jewels and Estelle Lagarde). Their innovative and original creations offer a fascinating glimpse into a world of diverse concepts and inspirations.
ASO Leon Zen Renaissance collection
Shavarsh Hakobian, Cosmic Triangle
Gioielleria Villa
DIVA Jewels
A.Win Siu
Diana Zhang
Gemgenève will also introduce Alicia Stanska in the Masterpiece section, where she will display her piece “Equilibrium of Powers”.
Alicia Stanska
The space’s creator, Nadège Totah is a dedicated talent scout, who travels globally to discover innovative jewelers and designers. She has a keen eye for artists who bring fresh perspectives to jewelsmithing, offering them a platform to enhance their visibility. Guided by her intuition and sensitivity, Nadège seeks out unique artistic methods and unconventional approaches to materials. Convinced that artistic disciplines must continuously innovate to endure, she promotes avant-garde artists who challenge traditional jewelry norms. Together with Ronny Totah, Mathieu Dekeukelaire, Ida and Thomas Faerber, Nadège has transformed this international exhibition into a vital launchpad for a new generation of craftsmen and creative artists, celebrating jewelry as a form of artistic expression. “Behind each jewel lies a story that is often inextricably interwoven with that of the artist themselves. Meeting and interacting with a designer is the first step on the path to understanding their artistic engagement”, Nadège Totah declared.
STRONG & PRECIOUS
GemGenève organizers continue to support Ukrainian artists and jewelers, united under the Strong & Precious Art Foundation banner. This initiative, founded by Olga Oleksenko, was established in April 2022. It aims to showcase contemporary Ukrainian artists and introduce Ukraine’s rich jewelry tradition to the global stage. Despite the challenges of war, these artists persist in their craft. Strong & Precious provides a platform for Ukrainian jewellers to inspire others with their creations. Committed to promoting and enhancing the jewelry arts, GemGenève will support this Ukrainian collective for the fifth time, representing around ten artists at the event.
Solar earrings by Inesa Kovalova
AJA – ARMENIAN INTERNATIONAL TRADE ASSOCIATION
For the first time, the show will host AJA, the premier Armenian International Trade Association established post-independence. Founded in 1997, AJA celebrates the global Armenian jewelry community by providing a vital platform for Armenian jewelers to connect, network and support each other. The AJA Design Competition offers Armenian jewelers and designers a unique stage to display their creativity and craftsmanship to an international audience. This competition highlights their innovative designs, granting winners not only prestigious recognition and accolades but also the opportunity to present their jewelry.
Louis Balian
Vahe Zartarian
BOOKS ON JEWELLERY
Books are held in high esteem by connoisseurs, collectors and professionals alike. Some works contain the results of years’ worth of research – sometimes a lifetime’s worth. In some cases, books are the only resource we have to shed light on the most enigmatic artefacts.” Ida Faerber stated. Visitors can explore and purchase rare and specialist works from two prominent bookshops.
LetuBooks
Geneva’s LetuBooks, founded by Bernard Letu in 1973, will host a pop-up shop featuring an extensive collection of books on jewelry.
Gem and Jewel Book Collectors Geneva by Herbert Horovitz & Christophe Dubois
Herbert Horovitz and Christophe Dubois will set up a temporary outlet, offering a curated selection of vital books on gemology, jewelry and mineralogy. This collection includes antique and out-of-print books, historic illustrations, and scientific documents. From May 9 to 12, attendees can meet authors who will sign their latest works during six book signings. Noteworthy authors include:
Geoffray Riondet
One of the most eagerly awaited authors is antique jewellery specialist Geoffray Riondet, who will be signing copies of his book Antique French Jewelry 1800-1950, published by Flammarion in April 2024. With a preface by artist Victoire de Castellane, this work is an invaluable resource for any connoisseur keen to learn how to identify and date antique jewellery with precision.
Anne Dion-Tenenbaum
She will be available to sign Les Diamants de la Couronne et joyaux des souverains, a detailed account of crown jewels and diamonds, housed in the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon.
Helen Molesworth
She will present Precious: The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time, offering a deep dive into the geological and historical significance of precious stones.
Robin Hansen
Author of The Natural History Museum Book of Gemstones, he provides an overview of gemstone formation, mining, and identification.
Olivier Bachet
He will sign Au commencement était le trait: Cartier dessins Art Déco 1910-1930, exploring Cartier’s Art Deco period and its influential designers. Additionally, the game Gemmo Pursuit will be available for pre-order, offering a fun and educational challenge on various gemological topics.
ARTS & CRAFTS
The fair showcases the art of jewelry-making, celebrating artisans who preserve traditional techniques while also leading innovation. Anouk Lettang oversees the Métiers d’Art section, embodying GemGenève’s dedication to fostering artistic excellence and extraordinary talent.
Featured artisans include:
- Laurent Jolliet, Switzerland’s last chain-maker, who crafts bespoke chains and educates apprentices on this rare skill.
- H&H, Parisian diamond dealers known for their cutting-edge techniques and extensive expertise.
- Matteo Stauffacher, a designer renowned for his intricate enamel work, frequently collaborating with top jewelry and watchmaking brands.
- Richard Lundin, a master engraver whose exquisite details adorn pieces from prestigious brands.
- Mehdi Belharet, a jewel-setter who has established his own workshop and specializes in creating and customizing high-end jewelry pieces.
- Rose Saneuil, a renowned marquetry artist. She has devised her own technique in the craft: multi-material inlaying, for which she has now lodged a patent application.
- Sara Bran laceworker Gold lacemaking is an innovative craft that builds on the foundational practices of jewelry-making and goldsmithing, particularly using a fretsaw for creating handmade openwork. It adds a new technical dimension to the traditional techniques.
I warmly invite you to join me at GemGenève, where the dazzling world of gems and jewellery unfolds. For registration and the program, visit gemgeneve.com
Article edited by Laura Astrologo Porché
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