-Luxury by JCK: An Exclusive Affair-

Running concurrently with JCK Las Vegas, Luxury by JCK provided an exclusive, invitation-only environment tailored to high-end jewelry buyers and exhibitors for the past 25 years. From May 29 to June 3, this event offered a more intimate setting where luxury brands could present their exquisite collections to a select audience. Luxury by JCK featured a carefully curated selection of exhibitors, ensuring that attendees had access to the finest and most unique pieces in the market. Brands showcased high-value gemstones, one-of-a-kind designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. The event emphasized a VIP experience, offering personalized services such as private appointments, exclusive lounge access, and concierge services to cater to the needs of discerning buyers. Luxury by JCK included trend presentations and fashion shows that highlighted upcoming styles and innovations in high jewelry. These events provided inspiration and insight into the future of luxury jewelry design.

-JCK Las Vegas: A Comprehensive Marketplace-

JCK Las Vegas stands as the largest and most comprehensive jewelry trade event in North America. This year’s show lived up to its reputation, featuring over 1,900 exhibitors from more than 40 countries, offering a wide array of products that ranged from fine jewelry to technological innovations in manufacturing and retail. The event hosted a wide array of exhibitors, ranging from established brands to emerging designers. This diversity provided attendees with a comprehensive view of the latest trends and innovations in the jewelry industry.

JCK Las Vegas offered numerous educational opportunities, including seminars and workshops led by industry experts. Topics ranged from market trends and consumer behavior to advancements in technology and sustainability practices providing valuable insights for professionals looking to stay ahead in the competitive market.

The “Social Stage,” was back after its impressive debut at JCK 2023. This year, Friday’s topics focused on content, Saturday’s highlighted data, and Sunday’s showed the how-to’s of bringing it all into practice. Content creators and influencers who have mastered the art of engagement led multiple sessions at The Social Stage.

The Sustainability Summit at JCK brought together innovators, leaders and advocates for positive change to discuss a more sustainable future for the jewelry industry. The Summit featured a panel moderated by Dennis Campbell, Professor of Business Administration at Harvard with panelists and speakers throughout including Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Internation Affairs Officer at Kering, Dr. M Sanjayan, CEO, Conservation International, Iris Van Der Veken, Executive Director & Secretary General, Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, Melanie Grant, Executive Director, Responsible Jewelry Council, Glenn J. Hansen, Founder and CEO, Reduce 2, Tiffany Stevens, President, CEO and General Counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and Ann Grimmett, Vice President of Merchandising, Jared.

The President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi of Botswana attended JCK with the House of Botswana and in a one-on-one Fireside Chat with Victoria Gomelsky, emphasized the importance of natural diamonds for Botswana’s economy. Alan Cook CEO of  De Beers announced it will suspend protection of lab-grown diamonds for jewelry purposes and that its Lightbox factory will be handed over to a subsidiary Element Six to become a “world-class CVD production hub” for industrial purposes.

The show facilitated numerous networking events, including cocktail receptions, private dinners, and special meet-and-greet sessions. These gatherings allowed industry professionals to connect in a more informal setting, fostering collaboration and partnerships. *Networking Events**: JCK Las Vegas facilitated numerous networking opportunities, including cocktail receptions, private dinners, and special meet-and-greet sessions. These events allowed industry professionals to build relationships in a more informal setting, fostering collaboration and new partnerships.

-Diamonds Do Good Gala-

One of the most anticipated events during the JCK Las Vegas week was the Diamonds Do Good Gala, held on May 30, 2024. This annual gala celebrates the positive impact of the diamond industry on communities around the world. The gala brings together industry leaders, celebrities, and philanthropists to honor those who have made significant contributions to social and environmental causes. The honorees this year were:

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD: GIA

For their unwavering dedication to independence, excellence, trust, and transparency illuminating the path toward a more sustainable and socially responsible future. GIA’s commitment to protecting consumers, education, environmental conservation, and social responsibility has left an indelible mark on our industry and has contributed to the betterment of communities around the world.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD: LONDON JEWELERS

For their unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community betterment while also being a beacon of trust and integrity for over nine decades. London Jewelers exemplifies the profound influence a business can have by not only providing exquisite jewelry but also fostering a world where generosity and compassion thrive.

NEXT GEN AWARD: LISA BRIDGE President & CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler

Recognizing her exceptional leadership in reshaping the natural diamond and jewelry industry landscape, connecting with Gen Z and Millennial consumers through innovative ideas, and making meaningful contributions to the communities where Ben Bridge Jeweler does business.

-Natural Diamond Council Activities-

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) played a significant role at JCK Las Vegas, showcasing their efforts to promote natural diamonds and support the industry. The NDC’s activities included various initiatives aimed at educating consumers and industry professionals about the value and ethical considerations of natural diamonds. The NDC hosted a series of educational seminars that covered topics such as the origin and journey of natural diamonds, the importance of ethical sourcing, and the latest trends in diamond jewelry. The NDC launched new campaign; Real. Rare. Responsible with global ambassador, Lilly James. This campaign is to celebrate the unique, timeless and ancient beauty of Earth’s finite natural wonder, and the responsible practices inherent to the natural diamond industry.

-The Future of Jewelry Trade Shows-

The success of JCK Las Vegas and Luxury by JCK 2024 underscores the resilience and dynamism of the jewelry industry. Despite global economic uncertainties, the enthusiasm and attendance at these events signal a robust market eager for innovation and quality. Looking forward, these exhibitions are expected to continue evolving, incorporating more digital elements and sustainable practices. As the industry embraces new technologies and adapts to changing consumer preferences, JCK Las Vegas and Luxury by JCK will remain pivotal platforms for driving growth and showcasing the brilliance of the jewelry world.

In conclusion, the June 2024 editions of JCK Las Vegas and Luxury by JCK not only highlighted the current trends and innovations in the jewelry industry but also reinforced the importance of connection, education, and sustainability in shaping the future of this dazzling sector.

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!

Hans D. Krieger legacy goes back to the18^th century; the family goldsmiths and agate cutters are registered in the city’s history as early as 1720.  In 1935, Hans D Krieger started his career in diamond cutting and made his first jewellery piece following a customer’s order in 1964. This was the beginning of his journey in manufacturing exquisite high jewellery which made the name became synonymous with high quality. The company has exponentially grown over the decades and today under the management of Andreas Krieger, Hans’ son; it has become one of the most significant manufacturers of diamond and gemstone jewellery in the world.

Last month, Tracey and I had the opportunity of visiting Hans D. Krieger in the heart of Idar-Oberstein. Our journey started from Frankfurt airport, and after 90 minutes of scenic drive, we arrived at Marienhoeh Hideaway & Spa  in Langweiler, Rhineland-Palatinate. Our journey followed by a superb meal at one of the most exquisite restaurants in Kirschweiler, Veeks restaurant. Veeks owner’s passion for food and gemstones has led him in developing gemstone/diamond gins and liquors. Checkout instagram highlights for more videos of our trip.

Entering Hans D. Krieger headquarters in Idar-Oberstein the next morning, we were immensely impressed by the facility. First stop was the beautiful private showroom with an open deck, minimalist decoration with breathtaking art pieces.

The facility tour continued with visiting every single department and the most impressive aspect was that everything is done in house, under one roof.

Diamond and Gem Cutting:

Hans D. Krieger takes pride in cutting and polishing their diamonds and gemstones on site. Using Sarin mapping device gives them the best outcome and yield of the rough, following by their experienced diamond cutters on site to cut and polish the rough diamond. There is a gem cutter on site as well, shown here cutting an aquamarine.

CAD process:

For every piece, diamond and gemstone is first sent to CAD department. First step is measuring the stones and their proportions to make sure they are the right fit for the design. Afterwards the design is also imported into CAD for maximum precision before the casting is done.

Casting:

From melting gold/platinum to casting trees, every single step of the way is done in house. First the cast or mold is made in silver by the jewellery artisans, from there it get duplicated in rubber and wax . After few time consuming steps, the casting tree is ready. Usually the process takes about 24-48 hours depending on the metal.

Diamond/Gemstone setters and jewellery artisans:

Every single piece is set in house at Hans D. Krieger facility, from pave setting to large diamond/gemstone there are different experienced setters that set jewellery here by hand with utmost precision.

Polishing, Plating and Engraving:

After the setting, jewels are sent to polishers to polish them to perfection, also checking the setting for any issues. For white gold, there is an extra step of rhodium plating, which by adding the alloy of rhodium, the white gold turns from gray (its natural color) to white. Engraving is done on every single piece, both HDK logo as well as the metal mark.

Hans D. Krieger currently has 55 employees. The diamond and jewellery manufacturing team in collaboration with teams of skilled designers, experienced sales/export/import, marketing and admins, are running a smooth and ultimately efficient operation. Due to the strong sales and positive outlook of future growth, company management has decided to further expand the operation by building additional manufacturing facility in the same location to support the growth and to consolidate the manufacturing process.

At the end of the extensive tour, we were given access to the inventory room, where we had the chance to select trays of jewellery, try them on and share the joy with our audience.

After touring Hans D. Krieger, I personally have a deeper understanding of craftsmanship and tremendous appreciation and respect for the quality of the pieces that I had the opportunity to hold and try on. I hope this article also gives you a better perspective on what goes into creating one small piece of jewellery; vision, expertise, time and material.

Both Tracey and I are grateful to Andreas and the team at Hans D. Krieger for their warm welcome and the time and effort they put into showing us around the facility. Their outstanding hospitality during our stay in Idar-Oberstein along with the best of German culinary is a memory that we will cherish forever. Our last night in Idar Oberstein was well spent at Weinkonzept Sebastian Stueber restaurant, a hidden gem in the city of gems where we enjoyed a private dinner with a curated menu.

We look forward to seeing Andreas Krieger and Hans D. Krieger team in Geneva for Haute Jewels Geneva; March 26-April 2 2023, Fairmont Grand Hotel.

Gemfields Group is consisting of Faberge (100%), Kagem Emerald Mine in Zambia (75%) and Montepuez Ruby Mine in Mozambique (75%).

After the introduction, Gemfields were too happy to invite and host us on an 8-day trip to visit their Kagem Emerald Mine in Zambia! Conference calls later, our itineraries were booked and fast forward to October 2022, vaccinated and packed, I was ready for my first ever trip to Africa and first mine visit.

Over 24 hours of travel via Singapore Airlines from Melbourne to Johannesburg, I arrived in Johannesburg airport and reunited with my partner in bling, Tracey (AKA TheDiamondsGirl). We were joined by Beatrice from Gemfields London office, and our main journey to Ndola, Zambia started! A short flight later, we all arrived in Ndola located in the northern part of Zambia. Over night stay in Ndola was much needed to be ready for our drive to Kagem Emerald Mine in the morning. Later that evening, Gillian joined our group, she runs a successful PR firm in Lusaka and Gemfields is one of her clients.

Our drive from Ndola to Kagem took approximately 4 hours and we finally arrived at Kagem Emerald Mine. Located in the district of Lufwanyama in Copperbelt Province of Zambia, the area is enriched with natural resources of Copper.

I honestly couldn’t believe that I am finally here at the world’s largest emerald mine! Kagem is supplying over 30% of global emerald demand. After induction meetings and going through security measures, it was time for us to drive to the pit. Gemfields Kagem Emerald Mine has 3 operating open pit mines: Chama, Chibolele, Fibolele. Chama open pit mine is 2.2 km long and 140m deep and is supplying around 25% of global emerald production. Arriving at Chama open pit mine, the scale was mind blowing, and we had the chance to drive down into the pit where heavy machinery were moving the waste rocks, ores and chisel men discovering emeralds! To see it firsthand how an emerald is unearthed was such a remarkable experience. They were kind enough to hand us the very recent emeralds that they unearthed, knowing it is their first encounter with light after being in darkness for the past 500 million years only adds to the romance of gems…

Following our mine visit, next stop was the wash house where emeralds and rocks from mine are transferred to be washed and separated on huge conveyor belts. I managed to spot emeralds among all the rocks and ores, you can see the video on my Zambia highlights on my Instagram page. We stayed at the accommodation provided on the mine site where all the employees stay during their weekly/monthly shifts. Dinner was held at the Lake House with most of the employees and management team in attendance and we finally met Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields Group who mesmerized us all by his vast knowledge of mining and passion for emeralds and rubies.

The next morning started by visiting the sort house. Jackson the manager of the sort house has been at Kagem for the past 28 years and talks and breathes emeralds. His incomparable knowledge and experience is a true asset to Kagem. He managed to take us through every step of sorting and separating emerald from the host rock to piles of recovered emerald that have been sorted, washed, oiled and ready to be taken to the auction. Kagem has its own proprietary grading system which provides a true evaluation and declaration of treatment and is trusted and respected by the industry. Kagem also partnered with Gübelin and introduced provenance proof (paternity test) technology that provides traceability using DNA-based nanoparticles. In a nutshell while emeralds are at the sort house, an invisible layer of special nanoparticles are inserted within the inclusions which remains in the stone throughout polishing and cutting. When an emerald with that specific process makes it way to Gübelin for grading, Gübelin gemologists can determine it was mined at Kagem and trace it back to the source.

To give you a better perspective on rarity and scarcity of emeralds, yield out of 100 tons of waste is only 1 ton of ore which only 50 grams of emerald and beryl mix is recovered from that ore, and 0.3 grams of premium emerald is recovered on average from the emerald and beryl mix.

Note: There is a NO CAMERA policy throughout the mine site and operating facilities, but we were granted special permission to carry our camera/phones everywhere and provided access to restricted areas to record and film as we wished, and share our unbiased opinion of the mine and its practices.

Rest of the day spent driving around the area and visiting community projects as part of Kagem social sustainability program; building schools, hospitals and sponsoring agricultural initiatives. We managed to interact with school principals and teachers and have a better understanding of how community projects are vital for the area and locals to thrive.

1% of Kagem Emerald Mine revenue is allocated to fund community and conservation projects. Delivering long term benefits to local community in health, education and livelihood is part of Kagem three key values: Transparency, Legitimacy and Integrity.

25% of Kagem is owned by Zambian Government and 75% by Gemfields. Gemfields took over Kagem back in 2008 and as of 2022, Kagem has 1250 direct employees and 413 employees through contractors. As per interim report dated June 30 2022, Kagem first half-year auction revenues totalled in $85.2 million, an all time record high for Kagem. Since the first auction in July 2009, 41 auctions have taken place which generated $835.3 million in total revenues. All this information is available to public through Gemfields website. Kagem produced 109.6 thousand carats of premium quality emeralds for the six months ended June 30th 2022 while handling 5.8 million tonnes of rocks and waste.

Our last evening coincided with award ceremony which was held to recognize employees for their efforts. And followed by an eye opening speech by Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields about ethical mining practices, social responsibility, immense growth of revenue and vision for the future. Great way to say goodbye to Kagem Emerald Mine. (You can watch snippets of the speech on my Instagram Zambia highlights)

The next day, four of us embarked on an all day trip from Kagem to Ndola, Ndola to Lusaka and Lusaka to Livingstone! By evening we were standing on the Zambezi river in the beautiful town of Livingstone. Spent two days visiting the Victoria Falls, cruising Zambezi river to see wild life and stayed in the most wonderful hotel: The Royal Livingstone Hotel with wild life roaming the grounds.

Eventually had to say goodbye to the beautiful Africa and head home but still after 6 weeks since the trip, I am reeling on the wonderful and unforgettable memories.

Goodbye Africa! with Tracey aka TheDiamondsGirl

My sincere thanks to Eshed Gemstar for the initial introduction, Gemfields Group, Kagem Mining Ltd, management and the whole team in London and Ndola for arranging everything, their warm welcome and outstanding hospitality during this trip, making this experience an unforgettable one!

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A post shared by CHAMPAGNE GEM®️by Bebe Bakhshi (@champagnegem)

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A post shared by CHAMPAGNE GEM®️by Bebe Bakhshi (@champagnegem)

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A post shared by CHAMPAGNE GEM®️by Bebe Bakhshi (@champagnegem)

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!

Ruby is from , a variety of the mineral corundum, same mineral as sapphire. Ruby is one of the traditional cardinal gems, together with sapphire, emerald, and diamond. The word ruby comes from ruber, Latin for red. The color of a ruby is due to the element chromium. Ruby is defined to be red, and all other hues of the gem species corundum are called sapphire. Ruby may exhibit a range of secondary hues, including orange, purple, violet, and pink. The finest ruby has a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red color. In most markets, pure red colors command the highest prices and ruby with overtones of orange and purple are less valued. The color must be neither too dark nor too light to be considered finest quality. The most valuable color is Burmese pigeon-blood, which is a bright, rich, full red with a slightly bluish hue. One of the main reasons that Burmese rubies are so valuable is because of their very specific, extremely saturated colour, caused by a high chromium content in the ground from which they are extracted. Another factor is their natural fluorescence, which has the effect of making the stone ‘come alive’ and appear internally illuminated.

Rubies date back to 200 BC ,  there are records of ruby trading on Silk Road, China. Historically, rubies were mined in Thailand, Colombia, Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, India, Namibia, Japan, and Scotland, and after world war II deposits discovered in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Vietnam.

The “Valley of Rubies”, the mountainous Mogok area, in north of Myanmar (Burma) was the main source of rubies for centuries. It is noted as the original source of ruby including the world’s finest “pigeon’s blood” rubies. In central Myanmar, the area of Mong Hsu began producing rubies during the 1990s and rapidly became the world’s main ruby mining area. The most recently found ruby deposit in Myanmar is in Namya (Namyazeik) located in the northern state of Kachin. In Pakistani Kashmir there are vast proven reserves of millions of rubies, worth up to half a billion dollars. However, as of 2017 there was only one mine (at Chitta Katha) due to lack of investment. In Afghanistan, rubies are mined at Jegdalek. In 2017 the Aappaluttoq mine in Greenland began running. The rubies in Greenland are said to be among the oldest in the world at approximately 3 billion years old. The Aappaluttoq mine in Greenland is located 160 kilometers south of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. The rubies are traceable from mine to market.

5 most important Rubies:

1- The Sunrise Ruby

The Sunrise Ruby is a 25.59-carat Mogok Burmese ruby that was accompanied by reports from the SSEF and Gübelin, verifying the origin of ruby as Burma and “pigeon-blood” color, also certifying no indication of heat treatment. Sotheby’s also noted that the ruby “displays a homogeneous and richly saturated ‘pigeon blood red’ colour, which typifies the finest of these gems. The depth of colour, combined with a high clarity and brilliance, all contribute to the beauty of the gem. The shape and finely proportioned cut provides vivid internal colour reflections.” It was set into a platinum signed and numbered Cartier mounting and flanked by shield-shaped diamonds. The Sunrise Ruby sold for a record price of US$30.42 million on 12 May 2015 at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva, Switzerland.

2- The Jubilee Ruby

The Jubilee Ruby a 15.99 carats Burmses ruby accompanied by three reports from the AGL American Gemological Laboratories, SSEF and Gübelin, all stating that the origin of this ruby would be classified as Burma (Myanmar), and possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The ruby has a remarkable size and weight of 15.991 cts and exhibits an attractive vivid colour, combined with fine purity. The inclusions found by microscopic inspection represent the hallmarks of classical ruby mines in the Mogok valley in Burma (Myanmar), well known for its wealth in gems since historic times. Its attractive vivid red colour is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements in this gemstone, characteristic for the finest rubies from Mogok. In addition to these qualities, this ruby has been spared exposure to heat treatment and its clarity and colour are thus all naturalwith no gemological evidence of heat.  Set in a distinctive gold and diamond mounting by Verdura, and sold for $14.2 million, which equates to $885,000 per carat in 2016 at Christie’s.

3- The Crimson Flame Ruby

The Crimson Flame Ruby is an exceptional 15.04ct Burmese ruby, accompanied by reports from SSEF and Gübelin  stating that the ruby is of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and this colour variety may also be called “pigeon’s blood red” in the trade; also accompanied by an appendix stating that the ruby possesses a combination of outstanding characteristics. It displays a homogeneous and richly saturated colour, which typifies the finest of these gems. The depth of colour, combined with a high clarity and brilliance, all contribute to the beauty of the gem. Such a combination of characteristics is very rare in Burmese rubies of this size. The Crimson Flame Ruby by Boghossian fetched just under $18.5 million at Christie’s Hong Kong in December 2015.

4- The ‘Graff Ruby’

The ‘Graff Ruby’ is a 8.62ct cushion-shaped Pigeon’s Blood Burmese Ruby weighing 8.62 carats, set between triangular diamond shoulders within a mount decorated throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds, signed Graff sold for $8.6 million at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels 2014 in Geneva, Switzerland.

5- Magnificent Ruby & Diamond Necklace by Etcetera

Etcetera designed an articulated brilliant-cut diamond lattice-work necklace, centering thirteen pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 5.14 to 1.00 carats, framed by two rows of forty-eight oval and cushion-shaped rubies weighing approximately 120.00 carats. Accompanied by reports from the SSEF and Gubelin stating that the total are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating and the colour of these rubies may also be called ‘pigeon’s blood’ in the trade; The rubies exhibit a highly matching vivid colour and an outstanding fine purity, rarely encountered in rubies of Burmese origin. The rubies have been spared exposure to heat treatment and their colour and purity are thus entirely natural. Assembling a matching selection of natural rubies from Burma of such quality and size – all showing the most sought after “pigeon blood red’ colour – is extremely rare and exceptional. Thus this ruby necklace can be considered a true treasure of nature. This magnificent necklace sold for $13 million at Chritie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels.

References & Credit
Information gathered collectively from Wikipedia, Christie’s and Sotheby’s.

Images:
The Sunrise Ruby courtesy of Sotheby’s
The Jubilee Ruby courtesy of Christie’s
The Crimson Flame courtesy of Boghossian & Christie’s
The Graff Ruby courtesy of Graff & Sotheby’s
The Etcetera Necklace courtesy of Christie’s

It all started in 2009 by deciding to educate myself about diamonds and gemstones, simply out of curiosity and passion I always had in my heart. I joined and completed the GIA AJP program and enjoyed every second. In April 2011, my husband and I were on my birthday weekend getaway in Gold Coast, Queensland. While we were lounging on the beach, I was talking nonstop about diamonds and jewellery. At some point, just to stop me from talking about something he had no interest in, (now he knows a lot and is interested), he suggested why don’t you write about this and share it with like-minded individuals? It was the very beginning of the blogging era, and his idea sparked a force to push me to blog about my passion for diamonds and jewellery.

2 days later and after lots of brainstorming with Hamed, we came up with the name Champagne Gem. The reason behind the name was that I loved champagne, and it was one of the most attractive colours in diamonds that were mined in the Argyle mine in Western Australia. I had the domain registered and created a very amateur blog on Blogger up and running. Then as you know life always has other plans for you so my blogging was on and off, but the passion never went away. Until there was word circulating about this new app; Instagram that allows you to share your photos.

I was a Blackberry person and whoever owned a Blackberry ever knows that we were looking down at iPhone! Since Blackberry didn’t have any app compatibility, my sister Bita (an iPhone person) opened the Instagram account for Champagne Gem in 2013. She started posting pictures from my blog but after months of convincing, I finally caved, gave up my Blackberry and switched to iPhone.

It was fascinating to see the growth of followers and posting on Instagram became more than a hobby; I felt I have a responsibility to continue as there is such an interest in the niche of diamonds and gemstones. Eventually, I met my partner in crime, Tracey on Instagram. We clicked instantly and after months of texts and video calls we established a partnership to do what we love together. A year later we met in person for the first time during Hong Kong March Show and never looked back.

We travelled the world a few times now together and were/are inseparable. We would’ve seen each other almost every 2 weeks in a different city around the world, and these past 14 months have been the hardest. If COVID-19 hadn’t happened, we would most likely be in Switzerland this time of the year, only if…
The past 6-7 years are just a whirlwind of travels, jet lags, airport life and lots and lots of stones and jewels. Looking back, I was so lucky to be on such a wonderful journey, meeting thousands and thousands of jewellers, fans and followers on a global scale. To top it, experiencing firsthand the magic of diamonds, the charm of gemstones and the elegance of jewellery. I’d never change a single thing and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I truly hope to get back into it and continue where we left off suddenly 14 months ago as soon as COVID-19 is over for good.

Here is a glimpse into the wonderful world of gems & jewels, sharing some of the most unforgettable and remarkable moments of my journey. Just remember this is only the tip of the iceberg and there are a lot more moments to cherish, to see more and for additional details check Champagne Gem instagram page or contact me.

In my opinion couples need to be involved in designing the ring, after all it is celebrating their love and has a very sentimental value in cherishing their relationship. Therefore my first recommendation is to propose with a loose stone in a beautiful box which will definitely sweep her off her feet and then create the perfect ring together. Unless you know exactly what she is looking for based on her pinterest or posts she likes on social media and finally if her best friend knows!

Different diamond shapes Photo credit: Champagne Gem

Here you will find a brief explanation on different shapes with sample designs to show how each one will look when set, but remember there are endless design possibilities, I tried to limit this post to classics and all time favorite settings in the past decade:

ROUND

• ROUND: is the most sought after shape in diamonds because of its incomparable brilliance thanks to 57 facets that reflect the light and create sparkle and fire. (Not recommended for gemstones unless from a very high caliber)

Round Brilliant diamond engagement ring in Tiffany anniversary setting Photo credit: Tiffany & Co

SEMI ROUND

• OVAL: is one of the most popular shapes from diamonds to gemstones, make sure in diamonds there is no bow tie present, if so you will see two black triangles in the middle of the stone. because of its elongated shape we have seen it grow more and more on brides.

Oval shape diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

• PEAR: Usually looks larger than its stated carat weight because of its wider spread and given that more of the stone is shown from top view.
  

  Pear shaped diamond ring Photo credit: Harry Kotlar

• MARQUISE: like oval and pear is perfect to make fingers look slender and long, their elongated shape is helping with this.

Marquise shape diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

• HEART: well its the symbol of love, do I need to say more? From diamonds to gemstones it looks gorgeous, one thing to be mindful is the proportions. Make sure it is not too slim or chubby, it has to be the perfect heart.
  

  Heart shaped diamond ring Photo credit: Graff

SQUARE CUT

• CUSHION: is a square or square rectangle (elongated) shape stone with rounded corners, pillow shape hence the name and very romantic! If cut perfectly can shine as brilliant as a round. Usually has 58 facets.
  

  Cushion shape diamond ring Photo credit: Tiffany & Co

• PRINCESS: this shape carries 57 or 76 facets and because of its pyramidal shape that has four bevelled sides, it creates more light dispersion than any other square shaped diamond. In recent years demand for princess cut has decreased which I think is solely because of its sharp corners and it only makes an statement when is in larger carat weights. It is getting harder and harder to find the perfect princess cut.
  

  Princess shape diamond ring Photo credit: Jean Dousset

• RADIANT: is gaining more and more popularity both in diamonds and gemstones because of its scattered 70 facets that create a shattered glassy look in diamonds and bring out the best colors in gemstones and fancy color diamonds. If you like square or rectangular squere shape, this is the best alternative to cushion and princess.
  

  Radiant cut diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

STEP CUT

• EMERALD: the most favorite in step cuts, both gemstones and diamonds although it has less sparkle because of geometric steps, but due to high clarity it is more transparent, sleek and elegant.
  

  Emerald cut diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

• ASSCHER/SQUARE EMERALD: perfectly square shaped stone, actually an octagonal rather than emerald cut that is rectangular. Same characteristics in terms of sparkle and clarity.
  

  Asscher cut diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

• CARRE: comes in both square and rectangular, the main point of difference is its straight facets similar to steps and usually has sharp corners, this is my favorite shape in comparison to princess. It is making a come back slowly and because of its unusual facets it is gaining more attraction, absolutely will make a statement.
  

  Carre cut diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

This is just an introductory post to engagement rings, if you need more information on diamonds, grading and color diamonds on following links:

https://champagnegem.com/2019/03/10/insight-into-diamonds-part-iii-grading/

https://champagnegem.com/2019/05/06/insight-into-diamonds-part-iv-fancycolordiamonds/

Please note all views expressed on this post are my own and do not represent opinions of any of the jewellers mentioned in this post.