From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with an openness that instantly made me feel at home. The organizers, brands, collectors, and clients I encountered all brought a sense of shared purpose and genuine enthusiasm to the event. That spirit of hospitality and collaboration would define my entire experience, and it’s what ultimately made this journey so unforgettable.

An Exhibition Designed to Impress

QERAT took place from October 1 to 5, hosted across two of Kuwait’s most prestigious venues: The Arena and the Grand Hyatt Kuwait. These spaces alone set the stage for something extraordinary, but it was what filled them that truly brought QERAT to life.

Over 75 leading international jewelry and watch maisons presented their collections across more than 3,000 square meters of exhibition space. But QERAT didn’t feel like a typical trade fair. It was refined, curated, and experiential. Each booth, each display, and each presentation was arranged with precision and intention. The overall design was cohesive yet diverse, creating an environment where visitors could both wander freely and engage deeply.

It struck a perfect balance: expansive but never overwhelming, elegant without being inaccessible. That balance made QERAT feel more like a private salon than a large-scale exhibition. You could have real conversations, discover details in the craftsmanship, and enjoy the artistry without distraction or fatigue.

A Global Stage for Creativity and Craftsmanship

As I walked through the halls, I was immediately struck by the quality and diversity of the pieces on display. From contemporary statement jewelry to intricate heritage-inspired designs, the collections reflected the very best of global high jewelry. There were limited-edition creations, bespoke bridal collections, and rare gemstone pieces that showcased both cutting-edge innovation and timeless craftsmanship.

One of the standout aspects of QERAT was how thoughtfully the curation blended traditional artistry with modern design language. This created a strong emotional connection with visitors, many of whom are highly sophisticated collectors. It wasn’t about excess or showiness—it was about storytelling, refinement, and quality.

A Discerning and Knowledgeable Audience

Equally remarkable was the clientele. Kuwait’s collectors and luxury buyers are among the most informed and discerning I have encountered. They didn’t just browse—they examined, inquired, and engaged. Their understanding of gemology, settings, design techniques, and brand heritage was impressive. It created an environment where brands could speak in-depth about their creative processes, materials, and histories.

What stood out was how much trust and dialogue flowed between exhibitors and clients. This wasn’t just a transactional space; it was one of education, connection, and shared appreciation. I saw conversations that went far beyond price tags. People were asking about ethical sourcing, craftsmanship stories, and the inspiration behind specific designs. It was a refreshing reminder that in today’s luxury market, authenticity and meaning matter just as much as aesthetics.

An Experience Beyond Jewelry

QERAT also offered a multifaceted cultural and lifestyle experience. The organizers clearly understood that modern luxury isn’t just about what’s on display—it’s about the entire atmosphere. From curated VIP lounges to live musical performances, the ambiance added to the event’s uniqueness.

One of the most enriching aspects was QERAT Talks, a series of 21 podcast-style conversations featuring brand owners, creative directors, and industry experts. These sessions offered insights into the future of luxury, sustainability, creativity, and global consumer trends. They weren’t just filler content—they were genuine thought leadership moments that added depth and value to the visitor experience.

In terms of logistics and operations, QERAT was executed with a level of professionalism I found impressive. With the Ministry of Trade and Brinks present on-site for customs, hallmarking, and authentication, the event set a clear tone of transparency, credibility, and trust—key pillars for high-value transactions.

Numbers That Tell a Story

The impact of QERAT was not only visible on the ground but also measurable in the numbers. The event attracted over 35,000 visitors per day, many of them high-net-worth individuals and serious collectors. On social media, the buzz was just as strong, with more than 2 million impressions on Instagram during the event week and thousands of organic interactions.

Sales were equally noteworthy, exceeding 2 million Kuwaiti Dinars in just five days. But as impressive as these figures are, they don’t tell the whole story. What really defined QERAT’s success was its ability to create something more lasting than transactions: relationships, reputation, and resonance.

A Personal Reflection

As I departed Kuwait, I found myself reflecting on more than just the event itself. QERAT felt like the beginning of something bigger—not just a new fair, but a new movement in how luxury is presented and experienced in the region. It felt modern, yet rooted in tradition; international in scope, yet deeply Kuwaiti in spirit.

On a personal level, it was inspiring to witness what’s possible when creativity, hospitality, and vision come together with purpose. QERAT offered more than beauty—it offered connection. And it reminded me that even in a world overflowing with luxury experiences, some moments still manage to stand apart.

To everyone who made this experience so memorable—thank you. I’m already looking forward to returning to Kuwait and seeing how QERAT evolves in the years to come.

With more than 30,000 attendees and over 17,000 buyers, retailers, and media professionals, the show brought together a truly global community of jewelry professionals. The 2025 theme, “Decades,” paid homage to the artistry and legacy that define this industry, while also spotlighting the innovation that continues to shape its future.

The show floor was a feast for the senses; brimming with color, creativity, and conversation. From sculptural yellow gold designs and striking marquise and pear-cut diamonds to playful reinterpretations of pearls and bold splashes of tourmaline, turquoise, and opal, the collections this year spoke volumes. Fancy color diamonds, particularly in golden and champagne hues, reaffirmed their stronghold in high jewelry with a modern, expressive twist.

Meanwhile, the Luxury show, which opened ahead of JCK, provided an elevated, appointment-only experience that allowed for deeper conversations and meaningful moments. The curated environment made it easy to slow down, engage, and truly appreciate the artistry on display. The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and trust—where deals felt more like shared visions than transactions.

Among the new additions that felt particularly timely, and welcome was the Sustainability Stage, which hosted panels and talks on traceability, ethical sourcing, and the evolving definition of responsible luxury. As consumers continue to seek meaning and mindfulness behind their purchases, these conversations are no longer optional, they’re essential.

A heartfelt highlight early in the week was the Diamonds Do Good Gala, held on June 5 at the Venetian’s San Polo Ballroom. The event recognized four outstanding leaders whose impact extends far beyond the showroom floor: Claudia Cividino of Jared received the Retail Leadership & Innovation Award, Tanishq was honored for Purpose-Driven Business Leadership, Sissy’s Log Cabin earned the Community Impact Award, and Govind Dholakia was celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award. It was inspiring to see the industry uplift those championing ethical business, community empowerment, and social responsibility just before the show officially began.

On June 7, I had the honor of speaking on the JCK Social Stage, where I shared my perspective on organic social media growth for jewelry businesses. My focus was on what I call the 4Cs of social media: commitment, consistency, connection, and curation. These are the foundations that helped me build an engaged community at Champagne Gem, and I truly hope my talk offered both encouragement and practical insights for others navigating the ever-changing landscape of digital storytelling. Most importantly, I wanted to reframe the way we view social media, as an investment in brand longevity, rather than just another marketing expense.

On June 8, I had another unforgettable moment, co-hosting the 2026 Le Vian Red Carpet Revue. It was such a joy to speak with Levianistas from around the world and hear their personal stories about what the brand means to them. Their passion and emotional connection to Le Vian’s colorful creations turned the evening into a living tribute to legacy, creativity, and individuality. It was more than a fashion moment, it was a heartwarming celebration of personal style and the power of jewelry to evoke emotion.

The celebratory spirit carried into JCK Rocks, where Snoop Dogg and Jason Derulo delivered unforgettable performances, reminding us that after long days of appointments and discoveries, there’s always room for joy and music under the desert sky.

Recognition and awards added another layer of celebration to the week. The Jose Hess Design Awards honored exceptional artistry across several categories, the winners include; Penny Preville, Kouzoupis Jewellery, Benjamin King, Stella Song and Simon G. The Kering Generation Award × Jewelry in collaboration with CIBJO and POLI.Design, highlighted sustainability in a powerful way, awarding Ianyan for their stunning use of repurposed materials and fractured opals. These initiatives not only spotlight talent but also signal where the future of our industry is headed toward responsibility, inclusion, and beauty with purpose.

As the show came to a close, I found myself reflecting on why JCK  & Luxury 2025 truly mattered:

• Business in Motion: The buzz on the show floor wasn’t just for show, real deals were made, connections formed, and businesses grew.

• Education Meets Execution: Whether it was from the keynote stage or an impromptu chat in a booth, the learning was rich and actionable.

• Cultural Conversation: With celebrity performances, DEI activations, and forward-thinking sustainability programs, JCK became more than a trade show, it became a mirror of where culture and commerce meet.

• Design with a Pulse: There was no shortage of color, playfulness, and exceptional craftsmanship. Jewelry was not only shown, it was felt.

• Global Reach, Local Impact: With participants from around the world and community-based initiatives, the show proved that what happens in Vegas truly echoes globally.

Whether it was a quiet moment trying on a pair of earrings, a passionate conversation over design vision, or a new connection made across a showcase table, JCK & Luxury 2025 reminded us why we are here. This industry isn’t just built on sparkle, it’s built on people, passion, and purpose.

A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful JCK/RX Global team (Sarin Bachmann, MJ McGrath, Nicole Wong and Jen Cullen Williams), whose dedication, vision, and behind-the-scenes brilliance made the exhibition such a success. It’s because of your care, creativity, and tireless work that the rest of us were able to experience the show at its absolute best. You brought this incredible event to life, and we are all so grateful.

I’m already counting down the days to JCK 2026, taking place from May 27 to June 1. Until then, thank you, Las Vegas, and thank you to the industry that keeps shining from the inside out.

Until next year, Las Vegas.
And to the jewelry world, keep shining.

This year, Haute Jewels Geneva will be held from April 8th to 15th, 2024. As part of the event’s expansion, it will be hosted across two luxurious locations: The Fairmont Grand Hotel and the InterContinental Hotel Geneva. With 47 participating brands, visitors can expect an exclusive experience where they can discover brand’s latest exquisite jewelry collections and novelties, all the while connect with industry leaders.

Opening ceremony of Haute Jewels Geneva in 2023 with Michael Hakimian and Roberto Coin in the front and center.

With Michael Hakimian, CEO of Yoko London at Haute Jewels Geneva 2023

Haute Jewels Geneva was founded by Michael Hakimian, the CEO of Yoko London, a renowned pearl jewelry brand in 2019. The four founding members of the show were luxury jewelry brands: Yoko London, Roberto Coin, Sutra, and Crivelli. These 4 established brands recognized a need for a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere for high-end jewelry exhibitions, Michael Hakimian envisioned Haute Jewels Geneva as a platform for discerning retailers, collectors and brands to connect on a deeper level. After 2 years hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to global pandemic, the show returned even stronger in 2022 and 2023 and now for 2024 edition the show has expanded to two locations. Although Haute Jewels Geneva has grown exponentially since its inception, one of its key aims remains to remove the formality from the traditional trade show experience, providing a relaxed atmosphere for both clients and exhibitors to discover exclusive jewellery designs.

This shift from the traditional trade show format, characterized by large crowds and busy booths, aimed to create a more personalized experience where the focus is on appreciating the artistry and craftsmanship of exquisite jewelry collections.

Haute Jewels Geneva Founder and CEO of Yoko London, Michael Hakimian, said “we are delighted to welcome many new brands to the Haute Jewels Geneva family in 2024, with 47 brands exhibiting in total across two locations. This expansion will further cement Haute Jewels Geneva’s position as a key event in the jewellery industries’ calendar”.

Haute Jewels Geneva takes place across two venues in Geneva, Switzerland and there is a free shuttle every 20 minutes to ease the access to both locations.

* Fairmont Grand Hotel: This iconic hotel boasts a rich history and elegant setting, providing a sophisticated backdrop for the event.

Below is the list of participating brands at Fairmont Grand Hotel.

| ANNAMARIA CAMMILLI | BARAKA | BAYCO | CARRERA Y CARRERA | CRIVELLI | DEHRES | DOLCE & GABBANA | ETHO MARIA | GORGOGLIONE | HANS D. KRIEGER | LEO PIZZO |  |MARCO BICEGO | MARIANI | PALMIERO | PASQUALE BRUNI | PICCHIOTTI | ROBERTO COIN | SCOTT WEST | SERAFINO CONSOLI | SICIS | STENZHORN | SUTRA | VERDI | YOKO LONDON |

* InterContinental Hotel Geneva: Offering stunning views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding cityscape, this hotel creates an equally impressive venue for Haute Jewels Geneva.

Below is the list of participating brands at IntenContinental Hotel Geneva.

| ARAKELIAN | AWKN1 | BENJAMIN FINE JEWELRY | BUSATTI 1947 | BUTANI | CAPOLAVORO | CASATO | CHIMENTO | DIAMOND GROUP | FABIO COLLECTION | FERRIFIRENZE | | FULLORD | J’OR | LENTI 1963 | LE VIAN | LUISA ROSAS | MATTIA CIELO | MATTIOLI | NIGAAM | PACE GROUP | PIERO MILANO | SMART ARTS | ZANCAN |

Click here to register to gain access to both venues and here is a sneak peek into what the participating brands are showcasing during Haute Jewels Geneva.

With only 47 participating brands, the event is absolute definition of an intimate and refined atmosphere. This exclusivity allows visitors to:

* Interact directly with representatives from prestigious jewelry houses.

* Gain in-depth insights into the design and craftsmanship behind each exquisite jewelry piece.

* Discover unique collections in a relaxed and personalized setting.

The event is expected to attract a select group of high-end jewellery retailers, collectors, buyers, and enthusiasts. The focus is on personalized experiences and creating meaningful connections within the industry, rather than on large crowds.

I personally cannot wait to attend Haute Jewels Geneva 2024 and bring my audience the crème de la crème of design and creativity in fine and high jewellery sector. See you in Geneva April 8-15, 2024!

GemGenève established in 2018 by two of industry leaders and insiders, Ronny Totah (Horovits & Totath) and Thomas Faerber (Faerber-Collection) as they recognised a gap in the market, an exhibition organised by seasoned exhibitors, an intimate setting to bring the industry together. Initially started with 147 exhibitors in 2018 and reached 210 exhibitors in May edition of 2023. As the organisers mentioned in the opening ceremony, there was a slight decrese in number of visitors and visits which attributed to the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East and Europe. Given the circumstances.

As Ronny Totah emphasised: “the slight decrease in traffic compared to last November doesn’t appear to have had an impact on sales volumes. The exhibitors benefited from a favourable environment for business, discussions, and networking opportunities with connoisseurs and amateur enthusiasts alike.” He added: “The fine jewellery market and the upper echelons of the antique and collectors’ jewellery market are in good shape overall. Natural pearls, high-quality coloured stones and signed jewels remain highly sought-after. While it’s difficult to gauge the volume of sales and analyse trends, it would appear that things are just as they were in previous editions.”

 

Thomas Faerber had this to say: “Market conditions remain healthy, buoyed by inflation in many regions of the world, adding to the appeal of high-quality pieces as safe investments.”

Total number of exhibitors in Autumn 2023 was 172 and total number of visitors and visits were 3,218 and 4,579 respectively. Visitors travelled from 92 countries, most came from Switzerland (1,211), followed by France (over 700), Italy (197), Belgium (149), the UK (120) and the USA (84).

Beyond the glittering showcases, GemGenève November 2023 aimed to foster a deeper understanding of gemstones’ cultural and historical significance. The Pearl Odyssey exhibition was a true example of such. The flag-ship feature of this edition, was a roaring success with professionals and private clients and the general public alike. The Pearl Odyssey tells the story of the pearl tradition and its treasures from ancient times through to the state-of-the-art techniques used in contemporary laboratories, allowing visitors to GemGenève to discover outstanding pieces from among the finest private and heritage collections. The exhibition was made possible thanks to the support of Chaumet, the Alfardan Collection, the Flee Project collective, the SSEF laboratory and a private collector, with the collaboration of partner exhibitors (Faerber-Collection, Gem Collectors Bookshop, Heritage Gems, Horovitz & Totah SA, Joseph Gad, Nicolas Torroni, Ocean Flame, and Swiss Pearls) and other dealers including Hofer Antischmuck, Oasis Pearl and Ecija.

The exhibition provides a platform not only for established jewelry houses but also for emerging designers to make their mark. It’s a fusion of creativity, where innovation and tradition coalesce, giving rise to pieces that transcend time and trends. Hence the “Designer Village” led by Nadege Totah, showcasing five Emerging Talents and four New Designers. For the fourth time running, GemGenève set aside a very special place for the Strong & Precious Art Foundation: Ukrainian Jewellers bringing together six Ukrainian designers.

Gem Geneve isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a celebration the industry by leaders in all sectors from natural diamonds, rare gems, exceptional jewels with history. Perfect place for networking and purchasing unique and rare stones and pieces.

Estate and vintage jewelry bring a sense of nostalgia and history to the forefront of Gem Geneve. These pieces, often characterized by intricate designs and craftsmanship from bygone eras, tell stories of the past. Antique jewelry, typically dating back a century or more, reflects the styles and sentiments of the time in which they were created. Vintage pieces, while not as ancient, still boast a certain charm with designs from the mid-20th century. The exhibition becomes a treasure trove for collectors and enthusiasts seeking not just jewelry but also a connection to the aesthetics and sentiments of different periods. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the enduring appeal of designs that have stood the test of time, offering a bridge between the past and the present.

You can access the full panel discussion on the Future of Social Media Marketing of Jewellery here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/H2pQeptrKfA?si=vaQRhVhAyD_08EAx

In essence, Gem Geneve serves as a melting pot where the brilliance of natural diamonds, the kaleidoscope of gemstones, and the timeless allure of estate and vintage jewelry converge, creating an unparalleled experience for those who appreciate the artistry, history, and natural wonders that adorn the world of fine jewelry.

Huge thanks to the GemGeneve team for including me in the 7th edition. Looking forward to the 8th edition: May 9-12, 2024!

Aerial view of Venice while arriving into Marco Polo Airport

The dynamic show was full of exciting programs, talks and events, as well as a vast number of exhibitors from high jewellery to fine and costume jewellery, material sourcing, technology and equipment. The show covered the whole production line of jewellery, marketing and e-commerce, and did it well. Each hall was dedicated to a specific section and with the latest app; The Jewellery Golden Cloud it was easy to navigate the halls to find the brands and categories easily and swiftly.

Similar to the past editions, this time the entrance was decorated with shimmering gold, perfect sentiment to the show and glistening jewellery on display. Whenever you would walk past the entrance, the captivating golden wall was enchanting visitors and no one could stop filming and photographing in front of it.

September edition kicked off on September 9th with over 1,000 exhibitors spread through 8 halls, and in comparison with 2019, overall number of visits was up by 10% with over half of the attendance (51%) was international from 124 countries. Vicenzaoro proved to be the hub for business, training, information and networking. 

Subscribe to Vicenzaoro YouTube channel to watch all the talks and seminars. Click Here!

Here are some of the highlights of the show:

FABERGÉ x Game of Thrones one of a kind egg, watch the video here!

FABERGÉ x Game of Thrones one of a kind egg, watch the video here!

Yoko London High Jewellery Collection

Mattioli unique creations

Nanis iconic Transformista necklace

In addition to wonderful jewels, The Jewellery Trendbook event was anothr highlight of the exhibition which was conducted by Paola De Luca, discussing strategy and marketing as well as upcoming trends.

Click here to get your own copy with a 10% discount using this code: CHAMPAGNEGEM

Tracey and I with our THE JEWELLERY TRENDBOOK 2024 walking the city of Vicenza

Another highlight was when Tracey and I were chosen to share our favourite pieces from the show, you can watch the complete video on YouTube, and here are some behind the scenes photos of us:

With Michael Hakimian wearing Empress Collection by Yoko London

With Alessio Boschi explaining his latest collection with Persian culture influence; Harem Garden

Showcasing Palmiero ALTER watches

Balmy and breezy weather of September was simply perfect to walk around and enjoy the  beautiful city of Vicenza. In addition the great company of all jewellery bloggers and influencers who worked so hard to provide a comprehensive live coverage of the show. Each evening we had events organised by VO which was a great opportunity to discuss our best finds and share our discoveries with each other.

The best group of journalists, bloggers & influencers in jewellery industry

The best group of journalists, bloggers & influencers in jewellery industry

Tracey, Stefania and I

Last morning in Vicenza!

Special thanks to the Golden Team at vicenzaoro , Stefania Favaro, Francesca Bicciato, Michela Moneta and Marco Carniello for making this experience as seamless as possible and make us all feel at home. See you in January 2023!

Crisp and fresh air of spring  also added to the allure of the show, specially walking through the main entrance you were greeted by Lorenzo Quinn iconic “GIVE” sculpture which is a symbol of peace, life, love, empathy and sustainability.

Lorenzo Quinn “GIVE” sculpture at the entrance of vicenzaoro

Upon arrival and after providing proof of vaccination (or Super Green Pass) you would enter the wonderful world of gems and jewellery in a very beautiful and intimate setting. With over 1,000 exhibitors spread through various halls, from gemstones and diamonds to gold and finished pieces,  everything was accessible to the trade under one roof for the period of 5 days. There were 300 hosted buyers and 53% of buyers and visitors were from abroad.

The opening ceremony started with Industry Event organized by Italian Exhibition Group, moderated by Marco Carniello, Global Exhibition Director of Jewellery & Fashion of Italian Exhibition Group. Through the following days numerous talk session happened covering variety of topics from trends to sustainability.

Here are some of the highlights of the show:

SCHREINER FINE JEWELLERY 20-carat flawless fancy vivid green diamond ring

UTOPIA Australian South Sea Pearl and Coral broach

GORGOGLIONE 80+carat Zambian emerald

SUTRA tanzanite and diamond bracelet in ceramic

NANIS layers of iconic Ivy necklace

PICCHIOTTI stunning gemstone and diamond rings

GISMONDI 1754 “Genesi” Emerald & Diamond Necklace with Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring

ANAN JEWELS 5-carat each Kite shaped diamond earrings

YOKO LONDON “Royal Wedding” Pearl & Diamond Choker

SCHREINER FINE JEWELLERY 40-carat emerald and diamond ring

To wind down after a full day of gems and jewels, you could either hangout at the entrance of the show for drinks while DJ pumping music through the crowd. Or as Tracey and I did, having a chill dinner at the Oliver restaurant of Golf Hotel Vicenza while enjoying a fabulous ambience with exceptional quality and service. We had a fabulous time with the most hospitable chef and staff who were showering us with exquisite food samples and creating custom plates on request.

Finale to our trip to Vicenza was visiting Museo del Gioiello Vicenza (Museum of Jewelry) which for their fourth edition, they have added another level of perception of the jewels in terms of creating and manufacturing. Throughout the nine exhibition rooms, plus the Director’s Choice, you can find an exquisite selection of Italian jewelry, dedicated to both large fashion houses and small/medium sized companies.

Editor’s Choice: necklace designed by Gianmaria Buccellati and handcrafted in 1996 in the Milanese ateliers of Buccellati.             photo credit: TheDiamondsGirl

Multi strand bead necklace attributed to EMILIO PUCCI. photo credit: TheDiamondsGirl

Thank you again vicenzaoro and Italian Exhibition Group for this incredible experience and your outstanding hospitality, see you in September!