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 19^thcentury 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.

EXHIBITS AT THE HONG KONG PRESS EVENT

• Windsor Jewelers :Shirley Temple Blue Bird diamond
• Faerber Collection :Amethyst brooch, Renaissance-revival style, c 1860, 130 carat amethysts; Late 19^thcentury diamond sunburst brooch; Gold sautoir, Van Cleef & Arpels, 1970s
• Morelle Davidson :Suite of diamond and onyx panther jewels, Van Cleef & Arpels, 1970s
• Shalom Bronstein :17^thcentury cypher ring, gold and diamonds; 16.23 cushion-cut old mine brilliant diamond in Art Deco Ring 
• Horovitz & Totah :Ring and earrings set with a collection of rare coloured diamonds; Cartier ring set with a 5.38 carat Kashmir sapphire
• Pamir Gems :Cornflower blue sapphire, 25.31 carats
•  Paul Fisher :Antique emerald egg pendant encrusted with cabochon rubies; Rare Australian Lightning Ridge opal
• Dehres :Pink Paradise necklace set with extremely rare 15 carat fancy pink diamond; Ring centred on an extraordinarily rare 13 carat Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline
• Alexander Laut :Tsavorite ring and Padparadscha sapphire ring
• Piat :Collection of unheated and untreated coloured gems, Kashmir sapphires, Burma rubies, Colombian emeralds
• Larengregor :White gold modernist necklace, by Templier, c 1925; Lacquer eggshell modernist cigarette case, c 1925
• House of Gems :Ring set with a rare Burma ruby, no heat, 12.84 carats; Ring set with a fancy vivid yellow diamond, Internally flawless, 20.25 carats
• Mr Lieou:Contemporary Orchid earrings, rubellites and diamonds
• Alexandra Jefford :Rings, from Absence and Presence of Colour collection