Baselworld Archives | Page 3 of 7

GemGèneve get 200 exhibitors

Published on April 4, 2019

The second edition of GemGèneve approaches and touches the 200 exhibitors. Here is the key to success ♦ ︎

Are jewelery fairs seriously ill, or only Baselworld has a big fever? The question bounces from one smartphone to another of the operators. If we consider the outcome of the last edition of Baselworld, that is decreased in a few years from 1600 to about 500 companies present, we could indicate the Swiss event formula the problem to be solved. Especially since, just a few kilometers away, in Geneva, another fair born of the initiative of two Baselworld’s former exhibitors, seems to meet surprising consents.

GemGenève, born last year from the idea of two jewelers, Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah, displeased of the Basel formula, could have had an uncertain destiny. Instead it seems a success. In fact, the second edition of GemGenève announces around 200 exhibitors. That is a little less than half of Baselworld. Not bad for a fair born from a year and without a consolidated experience in organizing events of this kind.

Gioielli d'epoca a GenGèneve — Gioielli d’epoca a GenGèneve

It should also be noted that GemGenève (9-12 May) is only a month and a half after the closure of Baselworld (26 March) and 15 days before Couture in Las Vegas. Yet it has received support. To increase the specific weight of the appointment, the two founders went to the Jewelery show in Hong Kong to find new participants. Among which there will be, for example, the Albion Art in Tokyo, one of the Japanese fine jewelry houses, or the diamond specialist Dehres. Furthermore, there are many precious gem dealers who have decided to opt for GemGèneve, much less expensive, with simple and no-frills logistics. And some Maison, like Gorgoglione, have decided to be present at both events.

Furthermore, the fair is easy to reach: it takes place practically in the same area as Geneva airport and those arriving by car will find parking in the same building as the exhibition. In short, what is the right formula? Baselworld aims to become an active platform throughout the year, and promises a show, as was the case with fashion shows and jewelery in the midst of exhibitor booths. GemGenève focuses instead on low cost, with a minimal and sober style. The answer at buyers.

Gioielli d'epoca a GemGenève — Gioielli d’epoca a GemGenève

Gioielli d'epoca — Gioielli d’epoca a GemGenève 2018

Tormalina water mellon — Tormalina watermellon

Sutra spurts Scintillae

Published on March 27, 2019

Showroom/Diamanti/Rings

Sutra presents the Scintillae collection: white and black diamonds, emerald and sapphires that make up a brilliant mosaic ♦ ︎

What links Michelle Obama, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Adriana Lima, Catharine-Zeta Jones, Oprah, Olivia Wilde and Mila Kunis? Admiration for the work of another woman, the designer Arpita Navlakha. She is founder of Sutra, a company based in Mumbai and Texas, specialized in wow jewelry. Large stones, brilliant stones, colored stones, stones that make up geometries, stones that can be seen even at a distance of 100 meters, catwalk stones: Sutra’s jewels are the opposite of invisibility.

At Baselworld the Maison presented many new features, including the Scintillae collection.

Scintillae, in fact, in Latin indicates a tiny luminous glow, a small flash like that of a firework. The name chosen is quite surprising if we consider the language, but it is guessed by the relevance to the subject, that is the jewels. In fact, earrings, bracelet and ring get sparking. The jewels use white and black diamonds, emerald and sapphires for a contrasting effect that increases the sparkling power of the stones. Also because diamonds are composed in mosaics supported by almost invisible prongs.

Orecchini con diamanti, smeraldi, zaffiri

Baselworld, the numbers of uncertainty

Published on March 27, 2019

news

Baselworld 2019. Copyright gioiellis.com

Baselworld closed with a predictable drop in attendance. But next year it changes and raises. Meanwhile gioiellis.com conducted a survey. The result is… ♦︎

Baselworld: beginning of the end or beginning of a new beginning? Judging by the numbers, the 2019 budget could indicate the first hypothesis. But the words of Michel Loris-Melikoff, director of the fair dedicated to watches and jewelery, point towards the second direction. One thing is certain: the next edition of Baselworld will be decisive. Taking over from Sylvie Ritter, Loris-Melikoff managed a transitional Baselworld in nine months. But the decisive test will be that of 2020.
And it won’t be easy: the survey on the field of gioiellis.com sees disgruntled operators prevail. But even this was predictable.

The numbers of Baselworld

The numbers of Baselworld 2019 are merciless: 520 exhibitors (-20%, and a few years ago were almost 2,000), visitors 81,200 (-22%). A lower decrease, however, for journalists: 3,300 (-12%). It is clear that a further contraction could be the thank-you for a fair that is at a loss, as admitted by the organizing company itself. Also because companies that have been the cornerstones, like the Swatch Group, which has brands like Omega, Longines or Blancpain, have already said that they do not plan to return to Basel. And great jewelery houses like de Grisogono and Pasquale Bruni, have decided to follow other communication strategies.

Visitatori a Baselworld 2019. Copyright gioiellis.com

The world changes

Let’s be clear: the main criticisms of companies to the company that organizes Baselworld, Mch Group, are the high costs associated with the exhibition aspect. But the crisis of the Swiss fair cannot be attributed to this alone. There are aspects that Baselworld is not responsible for: the overwhelming transformation of the economy following digitization, for example. Internet, with websites, e-commerce, Instagram, is a simple way for companies to get in touch with their references, buyers and end customers. Geopolitical tensions, such as the war between the US and China, the Brexit, the wars in the Middle East, do not depend on Baselworld, but affect the strategies of companies, even those of jewelry. In short, the market has changed in just a few years. And we must learn to accept the new reality.

Il booth di Jacob & Co. Copyright-gioiellis.com

Melikoff-Megaloff

How will Baselworld react to all this? Loris-Melikoff explained at the final press conference. His is a vision of great breadth, so much so that with a play on words someone started jokingly to call him Megaloff. If he succeeds, though, Loris-Melikoff will have had the merit of reviving an event that has a dangerous high fever.

Digital platform

As mentioned, the internet (and gioiellis.com is a perfect testimony), is a great sea in which to fish content, even commercial. This is why management wants to transform Baselworld into a digital communication platform that serves to interact with dealers, collectors and journalists throughout the year. In short, a perennial Baselworld, which is added to the week of the fair. A service, via app, of e-concierge for the week of the fair will also be introduced.

L'area Media a Baselworld 2019 — L’area Media a Baselworld 2019

Hall 2 returns

Next year the new layout will be repeated, with the expansion of the catering offer and a wider multimedia center, the stage for presentations and fashion shows, as well as a better hospitality program in agreement with hotels in Basel. Objective: to convince them to lower prices. Not only: Hall 2 will be restored, which remained closed this year. It will also host a section dedicated to smartwatches: a market segment that Baselworld can no longer afford to ignore.

Prices

The most criticized aspect by companies is the excessive cost of booths. Loris-Melikoff promised a 10-20% reduction. In addition, a service will be made available for the construction of the exhibition areas.

Visitatori a Baelworld 2019. Copyright: gioielli.com

Dates

Next year Baselworld will take place from April 30th to May 5th, immediately after the Geneva watch fair: the idea of the two fairs is to team up (Switzerland) and help those who have to make a long journey. But there are no perfect dates, admitted the director of Baselworld, when they pointed out that this period overlaps with the Ramadan of the Muslims.

The poll by gioiellis.com

What do the operators of the new Baselworld think in a reduced format? We turned the question to 47 exhibitors from the jewelery world (most preferred to remain anonymous). In short: a mixture of dissatisfaction and frustration prevailed, with so much nostalgia for Baselworld a few years ago. Judgments divided on the fashion shows: many criticized the models’ clothing, which did not enhance the jewels worn.
But not everyone expressed a negative opinion: some brands, like Sutra and Yoko London, to name just two, expressed satisfaction.

Survey result

Total jewelers questioned 47
Very dissatisfied 13
Partially dissatisfied 20
Uncertain judgment 2
Positive judgment 12

Nel booth di Tamara Comolli. Copyright: gioiellis.com — Nel booth di Tamara Comolli.
Copyright: gioiellis.com

Il booth di Tirisi. Copyright: gioiellis.com

There are 15,858 diamonds on this watch

Published on March 25, 2019

Orologi

Here is the clock covered with the largest number of diamonds: 15.858. It is the world record of Coronet ♦ ︎

Once they presented an electric guitar made with 1.6 kilograms of 18 carat gold and 400 carats of diamonds. Last year it was the turn of a bottle-shaped Coca-Cola bag also with a maxi pavé of diamonds. Another record. But Coronet could not avoid have another world record, the ninth, on the official record of the Guinness Book of Records. So at Baselworld the Chinese jewelry company showed a watch covered with diamonds. What is the extraordinary aspect? The record for “the largest number of diamonds on a watch”.

The clock of the ninth Guinness is called Mudan, the Chinese name of the peony, and is covered with 15,858 diamonds, for a total of 50.01 carats. The timepiece (but perhaps it should be called the diamonds time ) is made in 18-carat gold with a diamond dial designed by the artist Reena Ahluwalia, who has already collaborated with Coronet. The clock is inspired by the peony flower, which for Chinese culture symbolizes nobility, honor and wealth. The diamond-shaped painted display made by Reena “represents the brilliant nobility we carry inside”. Peony (Mudan 牡丹) is known as the king of flowers in Chinese culture.

Dettaglio dell'orologio record di Coronet — Dettaglio dell’orologio record di Coronet

“This is the ninth time that Coronet was honored with a Guiness World Records title. We are proud to present our unique Mudan watch with the masterpiece of the artist Reena Ahulwalia on the clock face, a hyper-realistic painting of a diamond “.
Aaron Shum, president and founder of Coronet

La consegna del Guinness a Baselworld. Al centro, Aaron Shum e il direttore generale di Baselworld, Il direttore generale Michel Loris-Melikoff

Aaron Shum riceve il Guinness dei primati

Baselworld is back

Published on March 21, 2019

news

Baselworld is back: six days of jewelry, watches and a bit of suspense ♦ ︎

The hour of truth is started for Baselworld 2019 (March 21-26). It is considered a step in the transition that will bring the largest ex jewelery and watch fair to align with the former rival Suite de la Haute Horlogerie (Sihh) held in Geneva. The two events, in fact, in 2020 will be held almost simultaneously: the Sihh from April 26th to April 29th and Baselworld from April 30th to May 5th.

Meanwhile, however, Baselworld has to deal with the downsizing that has been going on for some years now. In 2014 the brands present in Basel were 1500. In 2019 they stop at an altitude of 468, less than the 650 of last year. From de Grisogono to the Swatch group: there are many prestigious names that have decided not to return to Baselworld even though, of course, there are other great value Maison.

The general manager Michel Loris-Melikoff, who inaugurated the new edition on the evening of Wednesday, admitted that the number of exhibitors present is lower than expected: “We have hit the bottom,” he said. But he also said he was optimistic that the new reorganization of the spaces and a greater visibility to the present brands are the keys to the rebirth: “What is important is that those who are present have the opportunity to do business. We address the entire jewelery and watchmaking community: customers, collectors, retailers. Our goal is to involve everyone “.

Il talk show di apertura di Baselworld 2019

The new life that provides two days less than the fair, compared to a time, the ticket dropped from 60 to 45 Swiss francs, agreements with hotels and restaurants to control prices and, of course, a different distribution of space.

For the first time the jewelery will move to the main hall, the 1st, but on the second floor, where the Show Plaza, an area that will host presentations of the brands, has been placed, near the Les Ateliers area, reserved for independent manufacturers. In short, many aspects to check. And it will be one of the tasks of Bernd Stadlwieser, who after 20 years of experience in the watch, jewelery and art sector will take over the interim CEO Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard. Monica Battistoni

Il cielo dal piazza che collega i padiglioni di Baselworld

Gellner, new Rendezvous at Baselworld

Published on March 17, 2019

Showroom/perle

Among the new Baselworld, there is the Rendezvous Petite and Stars in Heaven collections by the German Maison Gellner.

Among the changes announced with Baselworld 2019, there are those of Gellner, a company of Wiernsheim (Germany), which combines a classical element like pearls with an innovative design by designer Michael Weggenmann, creative director of the company. From a partnership between the two comes the Rendezvous Petite line, which follows the debut of Weggenmann’s work with the 2017 Rendezvous collection.

Pendente in argento, diamanti e perla di Tahiti della collezione Rendezvous

The collection is characterized by silver chains but read, ending with pendants from fancy colored diamonds and pearls premium. Sure, the design brings with it the news. Because Gellner has a history in which the beads are used in a more classical way. But today to lead the company is Jörg Gellner, who took the helm of the Maison founded by his parents, Heinz and Tove Gellner in 1967, pearl enthusiasts.

Another novelty is the Stars in Heaven collection, which won the Inhorgenta 2019 award.

Anello della collezione Stars of Heaven in acciaio nero e perla rosa

As often happens in Germany, a company is organized in a rational philosophy, which aims to optimize the work. Thus Gellner, as well as produce their own collections also worked for third parties. On the other hand, the company says “the rational use of resources helps to protect the ecosystem of the oceans and therefore the habitat of cultured pearls.” Giulia Netrese

Collezione Stars of Heaven, anello in acciaio nero e diamanti ionizzati

Busatti Milano between titanium and virtuosity

Published on March 6, 2019

Rings/Showroom

Anello in titanio con smeraldo colombiano incastonato un cristallo di rocca

Titanio e virtuosismo orafo segnano il ritorno a Baselworld della Maison Busatti Milano ♦︎

Busatti Milano torna a a Baselworld con l’aggiunta di una novità, introdotta recentemente dal brand di gioielleria: l’utilizzo di titanio, un metallo che è diventato una specie di frontiera per molte aziende della gioielleria. Dall’utilizzo industriale, infatti, il titanio si è trasferito nei laboratori orafi con qualche difficoltà: è leggero, flessibile, anallergico. Ma è anche difficile da lavorare. Ora, però, l’utilizzo del titanio si diffonde, come nel caso del set che Busatti ha deciso di presentare alla fiera svizzera di gioielleria e orologeria.

Il set in titanio comprende un bracciale, un anello e un paio di orecchini. Sul metallo sono montati diamanti e zaffiri di un blu intenso.

Ma non sono questi gli unici gioielli in titanio. Ci sono anche altri pezzi che utilizzano questo metallo, come l’anello con al centro uno smeraldo taglio cuscino incastonato in una spessa corona di cristallo di rocca e circondato da una cornice che, come in un fumetto, sembra indicare un tuffo della pietra: splash. Virtuosismo orafo. Giulia Netrese

Anello con diamanti, smeraldi e opale al centro

Titanium and goldsmith virtuosity mark the return to Baselworld of the Maison Busatti Milano ♦ ︎

Busatti Milano returns to Baselworld with the addition of a novelty, recently introduced by the jewelery brand: the use of titanium, a metal that has become a sort of frontier for many jewelery companies. In fact, from the industrial use, titanium has moved into the goldsmiths’ workshops with some difficulty: it is light, flexible, hypoallergenic. But it is also difficult to work with. Now, however, the use of titanium spreads, as in the case of the set that Busatti has decided to present at the Swiss fair of jewelery and watches.

The titanium set includes a bracelet, a ring and a pair of earrings. Diamonds and sapphires of an intense blue are mounted on the metal.

But these are not the only titanium jewelry. There are also other pieces that use this metal, such as the ring with a cushion emerald in the center, set in a thick rock crystal crown and surrounded by a frame that, as in a comic book, seems to indicate a dip in the stone: splash . Goldsmith virtuosity. Giulia Netrese

(Italiano) Pasquale Bruni dice addio a Baselworld e VicenzaOro

Published on November 26, 2018

news

The Italian fine jewelry firm Pasquale Bruni decided not to participate in Baselworld and VicenzaOro. That’s why ♦ ︎

The revolution in the world of fairs dedicated to jewelry is permanent. Not only the big watchmaking brands that leave Baselworld. But even big jewelry brands radically change strategy. After the announcement that de Grisogono will not take part in the Basel fair, here is another great brand, Pasquale Bruni, that bids farewell to the Swiss stage. But he does more: he says goodbye to VicenzaOro too. It is a bad blow for both events, given that Pasquale Bruni is one of the great names in fine and high Italian jewelry. Below is the press release by Pasquale Bruni, who will still be present in Hong Kong.

With this news, the Maison announces the decision not to participate in the next edition of Baselworld, the world’s watch and jewelery show which has been exhibiting for more than 20 years. Consistent with this path of change, the company will not participate in Vicenzaoro.
These events played a fundamental role in the growth and distribution of Pasquale Bruni, but the need to break away from traditional contexts is part of a strategy that wants to look towards the future, offering a tailor-made and more intimate experience to the client.
The decision stems from the need to take an innovative approach to customers while ensuring support for the entire wholesale network.
The showroom in via Manzoni (in Milan ed), designed by David Chipperfield, one of the most eminent and successful contemporary architects, will be the heart of dedicated activities and events that will allow even more direct contact with the press and customers at national and international. The chairman, Pasquale Bruni, comments: “Greater proximity to markets and their needs is developing. This year the Maison strengthens its presence also in the Far East, exposing the new collections in a showroom in Hong Kong. The US branch continues to grow, with a 40% increase in business volume in 2018 “.

VicenzaOro September, lo stand di Pasquale Bruni ©Gioiellis.com

Pasquale Bruni, collezione Flora e Zefiro, oro bianco rosa e diamanti

Orecchini con Morganite della collezione Atelier Vento — Pasquale Bruni, orecchini con morganite della collezione Atelier Vento

Bracciali Amore 4 Chakra, Pasquale Bruni

Pasquale Bruni, orecchini in oro e calcedonio rosa

Pasquale Bruni, pendente in oro e calcedonio rosa

Also de Grisogono says goodbye to Baselworld

Published on October 18, 2018

news

After 18 years also de Grisogono leaves Baselworld: a bad blow for the watch and jewelery fair ♦ ︎

Another bad blow for Baselworld. This time it does not come from a watchmaking brand, such as the Swatch colossus with brands like Longines, Tissot, Omega, which has decided to defect the next event, followed by Raymond Weil, Maurice Lacroix and Corum. Despite the announcement that Baselworld intends to enhance the area of jewelry with a prominent space, a big brand like de Grisogono has announced its farewell.
Instead, the Geneva Maison will organize an exclusive jewelery and watch-making exhibition in the Swiss city where it is located. The exhibition will take place in the Royal Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Geneva from January 13 to 18, 2019. It’s a goodbye that shivers the new CEO of Baselworld, Michel Loris-Melikoff: de Grisogono, as well as being a great brand of high jewelery, he was an aficionado of the great Swiss fair, where he took part in 18 editions.

Now, however, de Grisogono has decided to redirect energy and investments, in particular of its wholesale network in a more autonomous manner.

In a statement, the Maison founded by Fawaz Gruosi announces that “it has chosen to implement this change to adapt to the evolution of the distribution network and communication channels. In this way, as in other sectors (for example in the Haute Couture), de Grisogono wants to reinvent its approach by incorporating new perspectives”.
Here is the comment by Gianluca Maina, marketing director of de Grisogono:

“Baselworld has played a key role in the growth of our distribution over the last 18 years. Today we are working to build the future of the Maison together with our strategic business partners. A private exhibition highlights this path of change and allows us to apply an innovative approach to this important moment of discovery of novelties. We will present a series of new collections from jewelery to watches. There will be special attention to the jewelry to wear in everyday life. We are enthusiastic about the idea of leaving for this new journey of Grisogono”.

Buyer in attesa nello spazio di de Grisogono a Baselworld

Una collana di alta gioielleria di de Grisogono

Exhibitors will return to Baselworld?

Published on October 6, 2018

news

Nel booth di Alessio Boschi a Baselworld

Reservations for Baselworld are slightly increasing. The fair will offer much more space to jewelry. There will be a Jewelery Hall and … ♦ ︎

Encouraging signs. Especially for the many uncertain jewellers if you attend the next edition of Baselworld. The most prestigious watch and jewelery fair, after the crisis of the last few years, announces a small but important inversion of trend. Not only that: it begins to explain what the largest space dedicated to jewelry will consists of.
In a statement Baselworld anticipates that in the next edition there will be room for a newly created “show plaza”. It will be located in the heart of Hall 1.2, where jewelers will be housed that were previously in Hall 2. Translated: more jewelry at the center of the fair, also because the defection of a watchmaking group like Swatch (and its 18 brands) has left the sign.

The ground floor space will be called now Jewelery Hall.

“We are bringing brands closer to the main events of Hall 1, shortening the path for all visitors and ensuring greater attendance at the stands”, says Baselworld’s new CEO, Michel Loris-Melikoff. He also announcing an important element: “Reservations are slightly above last year’s level, which is a positive and encouraging sign”. In short, the decrease (halving) of exhibitors seems to be stopped and, indeed, there is a sign of a trend reversal. Everything to check, of course, but it could be the beginning of turn around.

A 240-degree catwalk will host three live shows every day.

Modella con i gioielli di Pasquale Bruni

Other news: seven giant LED walls will show close-up images of the jewels on display. The event area will also be the venue for the opening press conference. The new features were presented to various jewelery brands during a road show in Germany, Italy, Hong Kong and other countries. Baselworld ensures that the answer was “really overwhelming”.
“I met representatives of many brands who would like to come to Baselworld, some for the first time, others after a few years of absence. I think that a turning point in the trend has certainly been reached in the jewelery area, “explains the manager. “More visibility, greater frequency of visitors and totally new forms of presentation: those were our goals for improving the jewelery area at Baselworld 2019. I am convinced that these goals will be achieved with our new concept”.

More jewelry at Baselworld says the CEO

Published on September 7, 2018

news

Lo Show Plaza nella Hall 1.2, riservata alla gioielleria

The new CEO of Baselworld, Michel Loris-Melikoff speaks in an interview. And he announces news for the jewelry too. For example … ♦ ︎

The last alarm has the name of Swatch Group. In July, the Swiss watchmaker’s CEO, Nick Hayek, announced that the 18 bands that are part of the group will not participate in Baselworld 2019. The Swatch group was the latest in a series of farewells. Or, perhaps, a see you later. The fact is that, after having halved the exhibitors in the last two years and after having revolutionized the management, the Basel Fair is waiting at the final test. Many are the pessimists. But there are also those who consider the Baselworld appointment as indispensable. It is interesting, therefore, to listen to the words of the new CEO, Michel Loris-Melikoff, which offers a preview of the promised innovations for 2019. For correctness: the interview is the result of the work of the Baselworld press office. In short, there are no “bad” questions. Despite this, the interview offers an insight into the intentions of what remains the most important jewelery and watch fair, at least in the European area. And there is no lack of news.

We will strengthen the jewelry area

Question. Mr Loris-Melikoff, you are quite new as the head of Baselworld. Are the concepts for Baselworld 2019 equally new and fresh?
Answer. I certainly hope so! The feedback that my team and I have received from the industry about our ideas for the coming year has been very positive and bookings are likewise developing better than last year.
Q. What specific items will be new at Baselworld 2019?
A. Plenty! An important goal is to strengthen the jewellery area. That’s why it will be much more centrally positioned in Hall 1.2, where it will also have a genuine visitor magnet: a Show Plaza with a spectacular 240° catwalk. There will be three live shows per day on the catwalk, which can also be used for events in the evenings. “The Loop“ will offer several new catering options directly in Hall 1.1. The independent watchmakers of “Les Ateliers” likewise get a new stage: they can now be found in Hall 1.0 South. We are also developing events for dealers. And Baselworld will open for journalists already one day prior to its official opening… The objective is to strengthen the fair’s event, communication and marketing character. Baselworld must be a unique experience that’s newly surprising and different each year. We still have some time ahead of us before Baselworld 2019, so several additional concepts will also be added. We’ll provide more details about them in the coming weeks and months.

Q. How are these concepts developed?
A. In close coordination with our exhibitors. Three or four visits with customers each day are not unusual at the moment. I want the people to get to know me as a person and I want to get to know them personally too. Moreover, there are committees and events for exhibitors in Germany, France and Italy, where we present and candidly discuss our concepts – as peers and equal partners. We listen very carefully to learn exactly what exhibitors and dealers desire, what would be good, what they felt was missing and, of course, we also have our own ideas and we want to try things out. What’s very important for me is: we want to design Baselworld not only for the global watch and jewellery industry, but also and above all with the industry. And here I mean the whole industry, not just the luxury sector.
Q. How are you responding to the digitization of the markets?
A. Today’s market needs a totally different Baselworld than it needed ten years ago. Some companies nowadays “tick” almost exclusively digitally. The topic of digitization is accordingly at the top of our list. Among other things, we are also developing a new communications strategy that works with innovative formats such as digital chatbots to provide the brands with a year-round stage for their products. But digitization will and must take place and show itself in many other areas as well. We are in the process of developing new ideas here too.
Q. Catering, overnight stays, stand fees, admission prices: these have long been a bone of contention for many people.
A. That’s true. Expenses crossed the pain threshold for many people in past years. That’s why we intend to sit down at a table with all participants and find a satisfactory solution. Our negotiations with hoteliers and restaurateurs make it clear that this will succeed. With regard to stand rentals, we have already modified the fees in past years and we’ll continue to modify them selectively in 2019 to reduce expenses for our exhibitors. We’ll likewise rethink the admission prices and adjust them downward, if possible.

The Loop: offrirà diverse nuove opzioni di ristorazione direttamente nel padiglione 1.1

Modelle di Jacob & co con i gioielli della Maison, a Baselworld 2018

Baselworld loses a piece

Published on August 7, 2018

Orologi/news

A new question mark on Baselworld: René Kamm, CEO of Mch Group, leaves ♦

Baselworld loses another piece. After the resignation of the managing director, Sylvie Ritter, the time has come for the CEO of Mch Group, René Kamm. The Comité Mondial of the Basel trade fair organizer has chosen a new drastic change. Ulrich Vischer, chairman of the board of directors, will assume responsibility for the group’s operational leadership in close cooperation with the members of the executive committee during the transition period until the appointment of a successor to René Kamm.
This is not a little news, because René Kamm was at the helm of the fair for almost 20 years. He and Sylvie Ritter have led Baselworld to grow to become the worldwide benchmark for watchmaking and jewelery. But Baselworld has experienced a drastic downsizing as last three years. Just in July, Swatch Group, which includes 17 brands, including Omega, announced its decision not to participate in Baselworld 2019. A news that has cast a new shadow on what will be the next edition of Baselworld.
The Mch Group is engaged in a process of transformation, which should be carried out by the new managing director, Michel Loris-Melikoff. Forfait like the Swatch group, however, will not be easily replaced. Federico Graglia

Il management: al centro, Sylvie Ritter, managing director di Baselworld e il ceo, René Kamm — L’ex management di Mch: al centro, Sylvie Ritter, ex managing director di Baselworld e il ceo uscente, René Kamm

L'area di Crivelli a Baselworld — L’area di Crivelli a Baselworld

Sono stati 104.000 i buyer a Baselworld 2017

svarowsky baselworld — Lo stand Swarovski a Baselworld

Marco Bicego back to Jaipur

Published on June 11, 2018

Showroom

Marco Bicego widens the collection dedicated to Jaipur: necklaces and bracelets in gold and colored stones.
Marco Bicego back to Jaipur. Or, better, he extends the reach of the Indian capital city of jewelry and gems. The collection of the Venetian jeweler dedicated to the Rajasthan capital, in fact, has been extended with new pieces. This is an addition that does not change the style: in short, nothing new in form, but the enrichment with new precious stones of a line of jewelry already particularly assorted. The processing of gold set of bracelets and necklaces are entirely handmade. The stones are different, all of soft colors like amethyst, lemon citrine, topaz or pink tourmaline. Giulia Netrese

Collana di Marco Bicego, collezione Jaipur

Bracciale di Marco Bicego, collezione Jaipur

Bracciale a cinque fili di Marco Bicego, collezione Jaipur

Nuova collana con pietre multicolori a un filo

Nuova collana con pietre multicolori a tre fili

Tamara Comolli: I go back to VicenzaOro. And for Baselworld …

Published on June 6, 2018

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Tamara Comolli explains to gioiellis.com the strategies for Italy, VicenzaOro, Baselworld and… ♦ ︎
Tamara Comolli launches a new collection. Tamara Comolli opens a store in Forte dei Marmi (Tuscany, Italy). Tamara Comolli is bought (at least in part) from the Naga fund in Hong Kong. The German brand with the Italian name is at a time of great activity. On the other hand, her creative mind, Tamara Comolli, has always been quite effervescent. But even if it has so many changes, the designer also has fixed points. For example, “in September I return to VicenzaOro”, anticipates to gioiellis.com. And on Baselworld …
Question. The partnership with Naga is a prelude to expansion on the Asian market, since the fund is based in Hong Kong?
Answer. The investment of the Naga Group in Tamara Comolli is completely in line with the company’s modus operandi. Their goal is to support the creative entrepreneurs of families and / or companies led by the founders at a crucial point in their development and expansion. The fact that Naga is a holding company based in Hong Kong does not imply a commercial focus in Asia. Damien Dernoncourt, French and managing director of the Naga group, has created John Hardy, a jewelry company based in Bali that has had particular success in the United States, but which has maintained its hub in Hong Kong. The investments made possible by the partnership will mainly focus on further strengthening Tamara Comolli in its key markets, Europe and the United States. This is the second major investment for the Naga Group: the first was Talika, a cosmetics brand based in Paris.
Q. What percentage of the Tamara Comolli brand has been sold?
A. As agreed by both parties, financial details can not be disclosed. As executive president and creative director, I have a significant minority.
Q. Will the jewelry proposal be extended to the top of the range or to the “most accessible” jewelery category?
A. At this moment, the wide range of price points that will appeal to all segments of the jewelery market will surely remain. To define ourselves as “casual luxury” is linked to a design approach that covers different price points. The main collection goes from 1,000 to 15,000 euros per piece.
Q. Is the Forte dei Marmi boutique an experiment or do you have other openings planned?
A. Forte dei Marmi is a natural choice for the international retail strategy of the Tamara Comolli brand. It is our seventh boutique and we believe it is a perfect place to support expansion. We are confident that this is not an experiment, but the right step towards “the sweet life”.
Q. Why Forte dei Marmi and not Rome or Florence (there is water there too, an element that you prefer)?
A. Forte dei Marmi has been selected for two reasons. In the first place, it has the perfect clientele, both in terms of local residents and in the profile of foreign tourists. Secondly, it is ideal with the preferred retail presence in “places of the spirit” relaxing and luxurious seaside resorts with unmistakable charm and a “village” atmosphere. The mark or the symbol of the mark is the drop of water. It follows that the retail journey began where relaxed luxury is lived at its best: on water, near beaches or lakes.
Q. Do you plan to participate again in Baselworld?
A. We are waiting for information on the new Baselworld concept for 2019 and we will certainly be part of it. Also, we just got back from the Vegas Couture.
Q. And at Vicenza Oro?
A. Yes, we will be present in September 2018.

Pendente in oro rosa e zaffiri — Tamara Comolli, pendente in oro rosa e zaffiri

Collezione India, orecchini in oro e snakewood. Prezzo: 1490 euro

Bracciale Mikado Flamenco, in 25 pezzi. Oro rosa e pietre colorate

Comolli e1521468033475 — Tamara Comolli, braccialetto Mikado Romance in oro rosa con quarzi, e morganite rosa.

Baselworld changes manager and skin

Published on May 25, 2018

news

Baselworld renews itself: Sylvie Ritter leaves and a new number one arrives, Michel Loris-Melikoff. Here are the first initiatives announced ♦ ︎
Earthquake in Switzerland, epicenter in Basel. Only one victim, fortunately, but without damage to health: the former managing director of Baselworld, Sylvie Ritter. The manager after 26 years at the top of the Mch Group, the company that organizes the fair dedicated to jewelry and watches, gives way to Michel Loris-Melikoff, who until yesterday held the position of director of Mch Beaulieu Lausanne.
Here are the official statements: “After 26 years with the Mch Group, 15 of which as managing director of Baselworld, it is time for me to start something new and face new challenges”, says Sylvie Ritter, who received the usual thanks from of the Comité Consultatif of Baselworld. “Sylvie Ritter has left its mark on Baselworld for decades and has been the most important personal contact for exhibitors,” says François Thiébaud, president of the Swiss Exhibitors’ Committee.
Michel Loris-Melikoff is, therefore, the new operative number one. The manager joined the Mch Group three years ago as director of Mch Beaulieu Lausann, an exhibition company that has been part of the Basel group since 2010. Loris-Melikoff is a lawyer, 53, and started his career in private banking, before entering the event industry 20 years ago. After six years as president of the Zurich Street Parade, he took over the management of an event agency that developed and implemented concepts for national and international events organized by international sports associations, public bodies and private companies. He later became CEO of St. Jakobshalle in Basel before joining the Mch group.

What changes for Baselworld?

“We are expanding the Baselworld team and further developing the event to continue on the road to quality improvement and to face the challenges of the future”, are the first words of Michel Loris-Melikoff. “We want to place Baselworld as the main marketing and communication platform for the sector: we are tackling this task with a large number of new ideas and valuable input from exhibitors, visitors and the media”.
And here’s the first news: an change is coming, especially for the jewelery segment. New concepts will also be developed for the watchmaking and precious stones sectors. They will be presented shortly. Further innovations will be introduced in the catering, hospitality and events sectors “so as to meet the needs of exhibitors and visitors even more”. Baselworld 2019 will open a whole day for media representatives. The newspaper Baselworld Daily News will be back in print and with a new concept. At the same time, the digital information and communication offers launched in 2018 will be intensified and supplemented by new services for exhibitors, visitors and the media.

Che cosa cambia per Baselworld?

«Ampliamo il team di Baselworld e sviluppiamo ulteriormente l’evento per continuare sulla strada del miglioramento della qualità e per affrontare le sfide del futuro», sono le prime parole di Michel Loris-Melikoff. «Vogliamo posizionare Baselworld come la principale piattaforma di marketing e comunicazione per il settore: stiamo affrontando questo compito con un gran numero di nuove idee e con preziosi input da parte di espositori, visitatori e media».

Ed ecco la prima novità: è in arrivo un’iniziativa soprattutto per il segmento dei gioielli. Nuovi concetti saranno elaborati anche per i settori dell’orologeria e delle pietre preziose. Saranno presentati a breve. Ulteriori innovazioni saranno introdotte nei settori della ristorazione, dell’ospitalità e degli eventi «in modo tale da soddisfare le esigenze di espositori e visitatori in misura ancora maggiore». Baselworld 2019 sarà aperta un’intera giornata per i rappresentanti dei media. Il giornale della fiera Baselworld Daily News tornerà in forma stampata e con un nuovo concept. Parallelamente, le offerte di informazione e comunicazione digitale lanciate nel 2018 saranno intensificate e integrate da nuovi servizi per espositori, visitatori e media.

Modella con choker di diamanti di Jacob & co

Tra gli stand di Baselworld — Tra i booth di Baselworld

Ingresso principale allo spazio espositivo di Baselworld

The ice age of Stenzhorn

Published on May 12, 2018

Showroom

Collana di diamanti con zaffiro taglio a pera

The Ice Age (Ice Zeit) seen from Stennzhorn and presented at Baselworld, among baguette diamonds, carré and brilliant cut ♦ ︎
In a rather cold Basel, Stenzhorn presented a new jewelery line, Ice Zeit. The ice age to which it refers is defined by diamonds, one of the classics of the German Maison. The entire collection, which has its most important piece in Storm necklace, made with the three lines discontinuous, is based on the play of brilliant cut diamonds, baguette and carré. The stones are also emphasized thanks to the invisible frame with a technique developed by Stenzhorn. According to the German company, with this type of setting the necklace becomes like a second skin: the technique was developed by Stenzhorn and is called, in fact, 2nd Skin. The new collection consists of necklaces, rings and bracelets, which are reminiscent of ice crystals. The Stenzhorn brothers founded Stenzhorn House of Jewelery in 1979 in Boppard, an ancient German city between the Rhine and Moselle rivers. And now the company is getting ready to celebrate its first 40 years.
The new jewelry collection is, however, in the style of the Maison, which today counts on three different production sites. For example, Muse, a collection launched last fall, which always sees diamonds at the center. Giulia Netrese

Orecchini in oro bianco e diamanti della collezione Ice Zeit

Orecchini in oro bianco e diamanti di Stenzhorn

collana ice zeit — Collana in oro bianco, diamanti con pendente

Anelli in oro bianco e diamanti della collezione Ice Zeit

Stenzhorn, anello in oro rosa e diamanti

Bracciale in oro bianco e diamanti della collezione Ice Zeit

Stenzhorn, orecchini in oro rosa e diamanti

Collectible Jewels in GemGenève

Published on May 9, 2018

news

Nadia Morgenthaler, anello com spinello, perla e diamanti

In Geneva, a new appointment with collectible jewelery and selected gems: GemGenève ♦ ︎
So far, the highlights of high-end jewelry have been few: Baselworld, first of all, a unique story, now resized. Then, in different ways and situations, VicenzaOro, Jck and Couture in Las Vegas, to which was added the Hong Kong Fair and, finally, Dubai. Beyond these events there was also the Sihh, Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève, centered however above all on the market of high-end timepieces. Now the world of jewelery and gem fairs has one more rival: GemGenève. The event is promoted by jewelers and merchants from Geneva, with over 70 years of experience: Thomas Faerber, owner of the fourth generation of the Faerber Collection, and Ronny Totah, co-owner of Horovitz and Totah. The initiative also marks a marked split-up from Baselworld, considered unattractive for antique or collectible jewelery.

The appointment
The city that is the capital of watchmaking is also home to refined merchants of gems and vintage jewelry. Switzerland itself seems to symbolize this mix of discretion and luxury, of elegance, but also of business. GemGenève is considered by the organizers a new kind of fair, “a new approach aimed at revealing the true spirit of the jewelry world, showing off its experience and excellence”. GemGenève will be an intimate, elegant, contemporary and user-friendly show with a hundred high-level exhibitors. The fair will be held from 10 to 13 May at the Geneva Palaexpo. An opportunity for those who love precious stones, diamonds and pearls, antique jewelry, but also contemporary design jewels.
Beware of the date: it is no coincidence that the days coincide with the main auctions of jewelry and watches in Geneva, which attract the best buyers in the world, those of the Magnificent Jewels of Christie’s and Sotheby’s. And, not by chance, Christie’s has looked kindly at the initiative, with a non-secondary participation and a stand. Some names among the hundred participants: Nadia Morgenthaler, Fabio Salini, Kothari, David & Sohn, Gorgoglione. Monica Battistoni

Croce con diamanti e zaffiri di Gorgoglione

Collana in oro e diamanti firmata René Boivin

Pendente con perla e diamanti di Gorgoglione

Anello con grande diamante fancy intense yellow

Graff’s art is inspired by art

Published on May 5, 2018

Showroom

Graff, orecchini di diamanti ispirati a Cy Twombly

A series of unique pieces by Graff and inspired by the works of a famous artist, Cy Twombly. They are really jewelry with collectible diamonds ♦ ︎
The jewelry, when is by high level, is an art. And if this art is inspired by art, the kind in exhibition in museums? It is hyper art, cube art, meta art: call it what you want. But that’s what Graff presented at Baselworld 2018. That is diamonds (the specialty of the London jeweler) and sapphires that are made up to form jewels inspired by the works of an artist considered as Andy Warhol, Basquiat or Pablo Picasso: Cy Twombly. He was an American artist who died in 2011 proposing works that, according to some, recall scribbles on a piece of paper. But that, however you consider the artistic production of Twombly, translated into jewelry are perfect: a balance between whimsical innovation and classic luxury, as for the earrings that end with two fine pear-cut diamonds. The artist is also a favorite of Laurence Graff, who also collected several works by Twombly, alongside other masters of contemporary art. It was not easy, however, to translate the artistic spirit at the base of a painting in jewelry. Only a Maison with a long tradition and craft skills above average could do it. Curiously, though, the collection does not have a precise name: it is inspired by art and that’s it. And it is made up of unique pieces: just like a painter’s work. Rudy Serra

Collana con diamanti e zaffiri, con zaffiro taglio cuscino di 21.61

Collana con diamanti ispirata all'opera di Cy Twombly — Collana con diamanti ispirata all’opera di Cy Twombly

Gouache di orecchini con diamanti e rubini

The color world of Picchiotti

Published on April 17, 2018

Rings/alta gioielleria/Showroom/COLLANE

Cushion green tourmaline (8.38 ct) peridots (1.99 ct) and diamond (3.32 ct) ring set in white gold

The nuances of unique stones in Picchiotti’s Essentially Color collection ♦ ︎
Light is essentially color. And color forms the world through our eyes. So, in a logical sequence, the world is color. And it is a world of nuances that are brought together in Essentially Color, a rhapsody of fine jewelry signed by the excellent Maison Picchiotti, tradition of Valence and international design, seasoned by the perfect Piedmontese courtesy. The new collection Essentially Color introduces is based on a classic models, but at the same time renewed by the refined choice of stones, chosen for their uniqueness. Like in a painting, even in jewels the nuances are everything.
Rings and pendants are made with diamonds next to a rare rare (untreated) amethyst, green tourmaline and peridot, as well as tanzanite and Paraiba with a cushion or pear cut. The combination of the special colors of the stones and the combination of jewelry design make Essentially Color a very special collection.
«Working with colored gemstones is a matter of love, passion and dedication for me», is the comment by Giuseppe Picchiotti, founder of the brand. «Spending a lifetime in search of nature’s greatest treasures fulfills me in a deeply personal way». Giulia Netrese

Pear-shape paraiba (3.34 ct) and diamond (5.64 ct) pendant set in white gold

Octagonal tanzanite (13.90 ct) and diamond (5.42 ct) pendant set in white gold

Cushion tanzanite (17.84 ct) and diamond (17.79 ct) pendant set in white gold

Cushion peridot (7.91 ct) and diamond (2.24 ct) ring set in white and rose gold

Cushion paraiba tourmaline (3.22 ct) and diamond (3.88 ct) ring set in white gold

Cushion green tourmaline (13.22 ct) sapphire (1.73 ct) and diamond (4.27 ct) ring set in white gold

Octagonal tanzanite (17.38 ct) tsavorite (1.36 ct) and diamond (4.99 ct) ring set in white gold

Cushion green tourmaline (8.52 ct) amethyst (1.56 ct) and diamond (3.35 ct) ring set in white gold

Octagonal peridot (17.08 ct) and diamond (2.80 ct) ring set in white gold

Jacob & co, greatness in pink

Published on April 7, 2018

alta gioielleria/Orecchini

A pair of exceptional earrings with morganite for over 100 carats of Jacob & co ♦ ︎
Morganite is a stone that symbolizes “divine love”. Moreover, it is a stone that according to the romantic hearts promote the affections and the spasms of the heart. With a less romantically view, however, the stone is a variety of beryl, and has a delicate pink color, more or less intense. The name morganite, in any case, does not refer to the fairy Morgana, but was conferred by the American mineralogist George Frederick Kunz in honor of the American banker active at the turn of the twentieth century John Pierpont Morgan, stone collector (and founder of one of the largest banks still in business, JP Morgan).
And here is an exceptional use of this refined stone: earrings with over 100 carats of morganite. They were presented at Baselworld by Jacob & Co, Maison of New York who often presents particularly precious pieces of jewelry. The earrings feature a total of four morganite stones. The largest weighs 93.88 carats, while the slightly smaller weighs 6.35 carats. Not only that: 98 pear-shaped diamonds, weighing a total of 8.61 carats, adorn the earrings, which are further accented with over 360 white pavé diamonds. It is almost useless to add that the Jacob & co earrings are unique pieces. Giulia Netrese

Modella con collana in oro e diamanti di Jacob & co

Baselworld - Page 3

The second edition of GemGèneve approaches and touches the 200 exhibitors. Here is the key to success ♦ ︎

Sutra presents the Scintillae collection: white and black diamonds, emerald and sapphires that make up a brilliant mosaic ♦ ︎

At Baselworld the Maison presented many new features, including the Scintillae collection.

Baselworld closed with a predictable drop in attendance. But next year it changes and raises. Meanwhile gioiellis.com conducted a survey. The result is… ♦︎

The numbers of Baselworld

The world changes

Melikoff-Megaloff

Digital platform

Hall 2 returns

Prices

Dates

The poll by gioiellis.com

Survey result

Here is the clock covered with the largest number of diamonds: 15.858. It is the world record of Coronet ♦ ︎

Baselworld is back: six days of jewelry, watches and a bit of suspense ♦ ︎

Among the new Baselworld, there is the Rendezvous Petite and Stars in Heaven collections by the German Maison Gellner.

Another novelty is the Stars in Heaven collection, which won the Inhorgenta 2019 award.

Titanio e virtuosismo orafo segnano il ritorno a Baselworld della Maison Busatti Milano ♦︎

Il set in titanio comprende un bracciale, un anello e un paio di orecchini. Sul metallo sono montati diamanti e zaffiri di un blu intenso.

Titanium and goldsmith virtuosity mark the return to Baselworld of the Maison Busatti Milano ♦ ︎

The titanium set includes a bracelet, a ring and a pair of earrings. Diamonds and sapphires of an intense blue are mounted on the metal.

The Italian fine jewelry firm Pasquale Bruni decided not to participate in Baselworld and VicenzaOro. That’s why ♦ ︎

After 18 years also de Grisogono leaves Baselworld: a bad blow for the watch and jewelery fair ♦ ︎

Now, however, de Grisogono has decided to redirect energy and investments, in particular of its wholesale network in a more autonomous manner.

Reservations for Baselworld are slightly increasing. The fair will offer much more space to jewelry. There will be a Jewelery Hall and … ♦ ︎

The ground floor space will be called now Jewelery Hall.

A 240-degree catwalk will host three live shows every day.

The new CEO of Baselworld, Michel Loris-Melikoff speaks in an interview. And he announces news for the jewelry too. For example … ♦ ︎

A new question mark on Baselworld: René Kamm, CEO of Mch Group, leaves ♦

What changes for Baselworld?

Che cosa cambia per Baselworld?