Ronny Totah

Exhibitors at GemGeneve rise to 210




GemGenève warms up the engines in view of the sixth edition (11-14 May, Pavilion 1 of the Palexpo in Geneva). The event will host 187 jewelery and gemstone brands from 20 countries, but counting the presence of universities, designers, laboratories and other cultural partners such as museums, the total number of exhibitors is expected to exceed 210. Most of the exhibitors come from United States, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Germany, followed by Switzerland, Hong Kong, Germany, Israel, Belgium, Thailand, India and France, followed by companies from the United Kingdom, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and Singapore, and last but not least Russia, Poland, Austria, Japan, Spain and China.

Provenienza degli espositori a GemGèneve
Provenienza degli espositori a GemGèneve

GemGenève will occupy pavilion 1 of the Palexpo, with a total exhibition space of over 13,000 m2. The exhibitors will be arranged in four coffee station areas, two main aisles and a lounge that will host exhibition spaces, projects and musical and literary events after work. In fact, this year music will be an integral part of the event, thanks to a concept devised by our director Mathieu Dekeukelaire.
Ronny Totah, co-founder of GemGeneve

Ronny Totah, organizzatore di GemGenève e co-fondatore dell'evento. Foto: G.Maillot
Ronny Totah, organizzatore di GemGenève e co-fondatore dell’evento. Foto: G.Maillot

Statistics indicate that there is a core of 48 exhibitors who will be taking part in GemGenève for the sixth time, while it will be the first time for more than 20 others. Newcomers include names such as Berçot (France), Tom Munsteiner, Heinz Mayer, Emil Weiss Opals (Germany) and JS Fearnley (USA), Sim Gems Limited (Honk Kong), Hari Krishna Exports (India), Futurgem (Italy), Ultraco (Switzerland), Topaze Impériale (Austria), KGK Gems (Thailand). To make life easier, a high-level concierge service led by Pierre-Paul Monnet will also be active this year.
Vetrina a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Vetrina a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com

For this completely redesigned spring edition, the setting will be firmly based on the theme of plants and organic life, welcoming visitors in new tones characteristic of nature including beige, white, green and blue.
Thomas Faerber, co-founder of the GemGeneve

Thomas Faerber
Thomas Faerber







New spaces and new designers at the next GemGeneve

Spring is coming. And GemGèneve is preparing for the event: the sixth edition of the fair dedicated to gems, fine vintage jewelery and new design (May 11-14, over 170 exhibitors expected) presents some significant innovations. The first concerns a new location within the Palexpo in Geneva: after pavilions 7 and 6 of the previous five editions, this time GemGèneve will move to Pavilion 1, on 13,000 square meters of exhibition space. The organizers have also decided to redesign the exhibition space, the visitor routes and the main entrance to make the most of the available space and offer exhibitors the best visibility: they will be arranged around four coffee station areas, two main aisles and a lounge which will host exhibition spaces, projects, musical and literary after-work events.

Espositore a GemGèneve
Espositore a GemGèneve

Furthermore, on the wave of growing green sensitivity, the Parisian design agency Autre Idée, which has been collaborating with the organizers since 2021, has opted for an installation based on the theme of plants and organic life for the spring edition. Other innovations concern the emerging talents and new designers area, curated by Nadège Totah. In this area, the fine jewelry of the Belgian designer Fred Fa will debut, refined and a little mysterious, who makes all his sketches, technical drawings and gouache jewelry designs by hand. In the same area there will be Serendipity Jewelry, the result of one of the emerging talents of the November 2022 edition, but this time in the New Designers category, as well as the talented Austy Lee Art Jewelery from Hong Kong: she creates bold, psychedelic, sculptural and complex pieces . The Designer Vivarium will always be curated by the jewelry history Vivienne Becker.
L'Envol du Papillon, bracciale in oro rosa, madreperla, diamanti, tsavoriti e rubellite di Fred Fa
L’Envol du Papillon, bracciale in oro rosa, madreperla, diamanti, tsavoriti e rubellite di Fred Fa

We attach as much importance to gemstones and jewelery creation and design as promoting true solidarity, uniting the international community of gemstone and antique jewelery dealers, designers and all jewelery enthusiasts.
Thomas Faerber, co-founder of GemGenève

Thomas Faerber. Photo: David Fraga
Thomas Faerber. Photo: David Fraga

Furthermore, the next edition of GemGenène will not miss Ukrainian jewelers, an initiative launched by Olga Oleksenko in May 2022 in response to the war in Ukraine and supported by the co-founders of GemGenève. The project is called Strong and Precious-Ukrainian Jewelers, and brings together creations by Ukrainian designers, also as a gesture of support for the situation in the country.
Gioielli a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gioielli a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Among the collateral initiatives, it is worth mentioning an off-site exhibition at the event with exceptional automatons and other musical and artistic objects organized by the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire of Geneva. Also off site, the Genevan jeweler Herbert Horovitz, who also manages the Gem Collectors Bookshop, opens the space of the Villa for an event dedicated to the lost arts: crafts that are becoming rare or endangered, such as semi-precious stone mosaicists, peelers and threaders of pearls, polishers, engravers, enamellers, stone setters, stonemasons, lapidarists, sheathers, small hardware gilders, electroformers and gold beaters. The Singapore Gem Museum returns to GemGenève with a fun and interactive learning space.
Bracciale Les beautés de mai, bracciali di Austy Lee
Bracciale Les beautés de mai, bracciali di Austy Lee

Finally, the collaboration with various art schools, jewelery and other educational institutions related to jewelery is back, with four prizes that will be awarded to the most creative young people: the Visitors’ Choice Prize for the Cfc project, the Asmebi prize for the Cfc project, the Visitors Choice award for the Head x Grand Théâtre de Genève x GemGenève project and the Eric Horovitz Foundation Award for the Cfc project.
Anello di Serendipity con Paraiba di 23,47 carati e diamanti. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Anello di Serendipity con Paraiba di 23,47 carati e diamanti. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Gemme esposte a GemGèneve edizione 2021. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gemme esposte a GemGèneve edizione 2021. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Gioielli a GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gioielli a GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com







The date of the next GemGèneve has already been set





The next edition of GemGenève will take place from 11 to 14 May 2023. The date, set well in advance, marks the entrance of the expo invented by Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber in the circle of classic events, such as the Couture in Las Vegas or Vicenzaoro. A success achieved in a few years, with a challenge at Baselworld that not many would have bet on. Instead GemGèneve has become a solid reality. The second round of 2022 (3-6 November) also had a satisfactory outcome. The organizers registered a total of 3,543 visitors who went to the Palexpo to admire or purchase precious stones, period and design jewels. Of the visitors, according to the statistics, 1,662 returned twice, for a total of 5,205 visits. A participation, the organizers underline, that surpasses all previous editions.

Visitatori a GemGèneve
Visitatori a GemGèneve

The November event was attended by 176 exhibitors, as well as 144 professional dealers, other exhibitors included designers from the Vivarium Quartet, Emerging Talents, New Designers, the Strong & Precious project with Ukrainian designers, school stands, the stand of the Villa hosting the Singapore Gem Museum exhibition, a micromosaic exhibition stand, Bernard Letu and Gem Collectors bookstores.
Espositore a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Espositore a GemGèneve. Copyright: Gioiellis.com

This edition has exceeded all our expectations in terms of numbers. We had slightly fewer exhibitors in November (176) than in May (201), but never before have we had so many buyers and other visitors. This year GemGenève has further established itself as an authority in the international jewelry trade, becoming one of the most sought after events of its kind.
Ronny Totah, organizer and co-founder of GemGèneve

Ronny Totah, organizzatore di GemGenève e co-fondatore dell'evento. Foto: G.Maillot
Ronny Totah, organizzatore di GemGenève e co-fondatore dell’evento. Foto: G.Maillot

Visitors came from over 70 countries. Most come from Switzerland, France and Italy, followed by the United Kingdom, Belgium and the United States, as well as India, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
Gioielli a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gioielli a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com

It was a great edition. We received positive feedback from many of the attendees on the organization, design and staging of the exhibition. Most of the exhibitors were visibly happy when they left the event, a sign that business was going well.
Thomas Faerber, organizer and co-founder of GemGèneve

Thomas Faerber
Thomas Faerber

GemGèneve. Copyright:gioiellis.com
GemGèneve. Copyright:gioiellis.com







GemGèneve is back, the organizers speak




From 3 to 6 November GemGèneve is back, an event at the Palaexpo in the Swiss city centered on gems, vintage jewelery and novelties from jewelery designers. As usual, the two founders and organizers of GemGèneve, Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber, answer some questions about the event.

Ronny Totah, organizzatore di GemGenève e co-fondatore dell'evento. Foto: G.Maillot
Ronny Totah, organizzatore di GemGenève e co-fondatore dell’evento. Foto: G.Maillot

Ronny Totah, organizer of GemGenève and co-founder of the event

Question. Once again, GemGenève has numerous surprises and discoveries in store for visitors and exhibitors. The show provides a comprehensive overview of jewellery, precious, rare and unique stones, pearls; antique jewellery, and historic and modern creations. What’s your secret?

Ronny Totah. I would like to answer that question by pointing out that there is no secret. We have always explained what we are and what our essence is. And the cultural programme flows from that. We’re a small team but we give it our all. We have Mathieu Dekeukelaire (director di GemGenève) in the team and he’s highly committed to producing this cultural programme. He is constantly seeking out new opportunities and novelties to present during the show and makes it a point of honour to create a first-class cultural programme for each new edition. On the other hand, when people realise that GemGenève is not just a trade show but an event in itself, they want to be associated with it. Some projects come directly to us, as was the case with the Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation. And this is actually the reward, or a consequence of our initial aim to set up and event which emphasises culture, youth, training, knowledge transfer and above all, on our passion for the jewellery professions. GemGenève, is a trade show AND an event that has been created from the heart.

Mathieu Dekeukelaire. Foto: David Fraga
Mathieu Dekeukelaire. Foto: David Fraga

Question. You recently announced «There are no future plans to put on two editions of GemGenève each year.» This November edition was put on at the express request of exhibitors. Why have you always given in to your exhibitors’ demands up to now? Don’t you know how to say no?

Ronny Totah. Don’t I know how to say no? Perhaps I’ll start with that question. I might perhaps find it difficult to say no in many areas, but it’s not that I don’t know how to say no. Since Thomas and I are also exhibitors, when exhibitors come to us with specific requests, we are able to decide whether they make sense or not. Regarding the November edition, I had confirmation that buyers themselves (and not just exhibitors) needed an event like ours at the end of year, and in Europe. That’s one of the reasons why we agreed to their request. And I am pretty sure that we´ve made the right decision! Now, the next question: how often should we hold GemGenève in the future? I can’t answer that. Thomas and I are constantly listening to the market. And we will talk with everyone who participates in the success of a show: buyers, exhibitors, ourselves and our team.

Gioielli a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gioielli a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Question. Why do you think people are passionate about GemGenève? Please tell us about your business model.

Ronny Totah. GemGenève’s business model is definitely the same as the business model of a wedding planner. The spouses are the exhibitors and buyers (there are clearly two components like there are in a wedding), and we need to meet the needs of this buyer-exhibitor couple. And that is very important because operating like that eliminates all risk. A conventional organiser will need to take a risk: they place a bet, hoping that in the month of April, for instance, an entire profession with which he is not familiar – because show organisers are not familiar with the profession they exhibit – will need a show in Italy or Germany, or somewhere else. He’s therefore going to start organising this exhibition, estimating the number of people who will attend and making reservations. But this is a risk and the organiser must account for a margin to mitigate any costly mistakes being made. With GemGenève, it’s totally different. We don’t need to take that risk because we respond to a demand that’s real and already there. By not taking that risk, we don’t have the financial need to accumulate money in case we make a bad decision or launch an event that won’t meet our expectations. With us, it’s the complete opposite: our response must meet the expectations of exhibitors and buyers. And that’s why we supplement the commercial side of GemGenève with a whole range of (essentially) cultural and educational events. We think that the passion for a show like GemGenève stems essentially from our business model which, as yet, has no equivalent.

Thomas Faerber. Photo: David Fraga
Thomas Faerber. Photo: David Fraga

Thomas Faerber, co-founder of GemGenève

Question. With the current economic and political situation, how is the gem and jewellery market doing? Are you seeing a slowdown in the economy or an increase in prices for certain materials?

Thomas Faerber. The demand for gemstones and the search for rare, valuable pieces remains very high. Finding a new source of these exquisite gemstones is sometimes a challenge. We are also seeing a sharp rise in prices for small diamonds up to 0.05 carats. One reason for this is the Western sanctions imposed on the mining giant Alrosa, a specialist in small diamonds.

Question. You present some beautiful micromosaic pieces in this edition. What is your favourite piece and why?

Thomas Faerber. Personally, I really like this pendant made of acetate and antique micro-mosaic by Carlotte Angloz X Flab. It is a circular pendant set with an 18th century (dated from around 1790) micro-mosaic of a butterfly in an orange acetate and 18k rose gold frame, suspended from a 18k rose gold chain. The frame was designed by Charlotte Angloz for FLAB, marked FF for Faerber and numbered 33390 (pendant approx. 5.8 x 5.8 cm, chain length approx. 41 cm). My daughter Ida and I were impressed by the high standard of Charlotte Angloz’ work. In order to develop the next generation of young talent, we supported this talented student from the Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) to develop and launch her first capsule collection. These unique creations were presented for the first time at GemGenve 2021, on the Faerber-Collection stand.

Micromosaico di Charlotte Angloz per FLAB,
Micromosaico di Charlotte Angloz per FLAB

Question. What message would you like to send to the visitors of GemGenève?

Thomas Faerber. First of all, as we have chosen high-level exhibitors, whatever the size of their company or their stand, I hope that our professional buyers and collectors will again find the treasures they are looking for before the end of the year.  On the other hand, I hope that visitors to GemGenève will be inspired by the discoveries they make on site and that they will once again find themselves amazed by the creativity of the young designers’ exhibited works. I would like to stress that this edition promises to be particularly rich in novelties with a high quality cultural programme. For my part, I am looking forward to discovering the exhibition on Micromosaics and the Fabulous Carl Fabergé exhibition of the Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation as well as the stand of the Gem Museum of Singapore. Tay Kunming, the founder of the museum, will present a collection of gemstones and minerals to the public. This will be accompanied by explanations of the different stages of their transformation and will allow the general public to better understand our industry. Finally, I wish all the exhibitors a good and successful GemGenève.

Espositore a GemGèneve
Espositore a GemGèneve







GemGenève reaches 170 exhibitors




It is the last major appointment of 2022 dedicated to jewelry: the fifth edition of GemGenève (Geneva, Palaexpo pavilion 6, from 3 to 6 November), presents itself with very encouraging numbers: 144 jewelry retailers from 19 countries and over 170 exhibitors , between schools, designers, laboratories and other partners. The new autumn edition, after the one held in May, also hosts a special space reserved for the Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. A hundred pieces representing the story of Carl Fabergé and his master craftsmen will be exhibited, including three imperial eggs in preview, which will appear in the next catalog for winter 2022-2023.

GemGèneve 2021, anello di Studio Renn. Copyright: gioiellis.com
GemGèneve 2021, anello di Studio Renn. Copyright: gioiellis.com

After the success of the May 2022 edition and following the requests of our exhibitors, we have decided to organize a second edition in November 2022 in Geneva, but in the future it will not become the norm. The percentage of rebookings between the May and November 2022 editions is over 80%. More than 43 exhibitors participate for the fifth time in GemGenève and over 24 exhibitors will discover the fair for the first time.
Ronny Totah, organizer of GemGèneve

Ronny Totah
Ronny Totah

In terms of attendance, American exhibitors are always in the foreground, and alone account for a quarter of the attendees. This is followed by exhibitors from Switzerland, Hong Kong, Israel, Germany, Belgium, Thailand, India and France, and then companies from the United Kingdom, Singapore, Italy and the United Arab Emirates. And finally, exhibitors from Japan, Russia, Portugal and Spain.
Among the exhibitors at GemGèneve for the first time there are companies such as Ashok Jewelers (India), Arslanian Group (Belgium), House of Art, Madly, Mahenge Gems, Sunny Gem, Miranda Group (Hong Kong) and Heritage Signed Jewels (Portugal).

gemme gemgeneve copyright gioiellis com
Gemme a GemGèneve. Copyright: Gioiellis.com

Espositore a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Espositore a GemGèneve. Copyright: Gioiellis.com

Anello in oro, titanio e kunzite
Anello in oro, titanio e kunzite







GemGèneve returns and celebrates Fabergé




Ronny Totah, one of the two organizers of GemGèneve together with Thomas Faerber, announced it last April: “GemGenève is like a wedding planner for exhibitors. If they want us to schedule two editions a year, we will. We have already received requests for a fair in November of this year ”. The confirmation arrived in mid-August: GemGèneve autumn edition will take place. Last year the appointment with vintage jewelry, avant-garde design and precious gems in the Swiss city was set in November due to the restrictions due to the covid, which had blocked the spring edition. This year, however, the double event, after the one in May, is simply the response to market demands.

I fondatori di GemGèneve, Thomas Faerber e Ronny Totah
I fondatori di GemGèneve, Thomas Faerber e Ronny Totah

“We originally planned to hold only one edition, in May 2022. Following calls from our exhibitors, we decided to organize a second edition in autumn 2022 in Geneva, but this should not become standard practice in the future,” says Ronny. Tota. The new edition of GemGèneve will be held from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 November at the Palexpo in Geneva and will coincide with the great autumn auctions of the Geneva Luxury Week. In addition to the presence of exhibitors, side events are scheduled. But, of course, business remains the focus. The numbers measure the weight of this deliberately selective event: the first edition, in 2018, had 147 exhibitors and 3,206 visitors. The following year 210 exhibitors and 3,474 visitors. In 2021, autumn edition with problems of post covid restrictions, 120 exhibitors and 2,757 visitors, last May 201 exhibitors and 3,302 visitors. The visits are actually many more if you count those who attended the fair for several days.
Gioielli a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gioielli a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com

For this edition, which this time will be held in pavilion 6 (usually it is 7), the organizers have also imagined a new scenography, very different from the previous editions and “adapted to the place”. The layout of the room is more squared, less elongated, requires more central spaces that should appeal to more participants and visitors. It will also be an opportunity to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Fondation Igor Carl Fabergé, which this year turns 40, will celebrate its anniversary during the fair and is preparing a beautiful exhibition of exceptional pieces by the famous jeweler of the Tsars. The Foundation will present a range of pieces representing the vast experience of Carl Fabergé and his skilled artisans, ranging from imperial eggs to objets de vertu, testifying to the elegance of his work.
Visitatori a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Visitatori a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Nadège Totah is once again entrusted with the Emerging Talents area, dedicated to young designers. Among the recent discoveries, in particular, a young self-taught multidisciplinary artist-jeweler who will be presented for the first time at the GemGenève: Wallis Hong, born in China, lives in Spain. Among the new emerging talents also Serendipity Jewelery, created in 2017 in Paris by Christine Chan, and the Vincent Michel jewelery workshop, which offers sur mesure jewelery as well as an exclusive high jewelery collection made up of unique pieces that blend aesthetics, sometimes poetic, and technique. GemGenève will also include the Designer Vivarium for this edition. Tenzo is back, together with the stand of Ukrainian jewelers Strong & Precious, already present in May. An entire space will be dedicated to the art of micromosaic, with a “big surprise” announced.
Anello di Filippo G&G. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Anello di Filippo G&G. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Padiglione di GemGèneve maggio 2022. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Padiglione di GemGèneve maggio 2022. Copyright: gioiellis.com
GemGèneve, maggio 2022. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gemme a GemGèneve, maggio 2022. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Espositore a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Espositore a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com







The designers in GemGèneve’s Vivarium




The Latin word vivarium means pond, a small basin of water. And since GemGèneve was born it has proposed its Designer Vivarium (this will be the fourth edition), curated by the jewelery historian Vivienne Becker. The idea is to bring together the work of individual particularly innovative jewelers-designers in a defined space. Since then, the Beckerian lake has seen the succession of young and old designers from all over the world. Some return, others debut. Here, for example, are those foreseen in the Designer Vivarium at the next GemGèneve (5-8 May): Aline Debusigne (Switzerland), Sean Gilson (USA), Regina Gambatesa (Italy), Saurabh Bhola (India), Oktaaf ​​(Spain), Gaelle Khouri (Lebanon), Philippe Lauras (France). Of course, we will be dedicating articles to individual participants of the Designer Vivarium in the near future.

Designer Vivarium ottobre 2021
Designer Vivarium ottobre 2021

Vivienne Becker was assisted and assisted in the selection process by Ida Faerber, daughter of one of the two founders of GemGèneve (Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah). The leitmotif for the selection is the refinement of craftsmanship and the innovative use of materials. The styles represented in the Designer Vivarium 2022, as always, are all very different from each other, and testify to the breadth, depth and versatility of expression in today’s contemporary jewelry world. The idea for a contemporary design showcase originally came from the founders of GemGenève, Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah. An important part of their mission in creating the show was to foster and nurture talent and ingenuity in today’s jewelry world, to give a voice and a platform.

Article updated on April 7. Compared to the previous version, the Russian designer Elena Okutova no longer appears, it is not known whether it is her decision (or impossibility given the geopolitical situation) or a choice of the organizers.

Vivienne Becker
Vivienne Becker
GemGèneve 2021, anello di Studio Renn. Copyright: gioiellis.com
GemGèneve 2021, anello di Studio Renn. Copyright: gioiellis.com
GemGèneve 2021. Copyright: gioiellis.com
GemGèneve 2021. Copyright: gioiellis.com







The number of exhibitors at GemGèneve rises to 160




In a few days, adhesions to the fourth edition of GemGenève (5-8 May, Palexpo in Geneva) have risen from 120 to 160. This was announced by the organizers of the event dedicated to jewels and gems, Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah. In terms of participation, American exhibitors are the most numerous, followed by exhibitors from Switzerland, Israel, Germany, Hong Kong, Belgium, France, Thailand, India and Italy. In addition, there will be companies from the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Japan and, finally, Austria. A perhaps unexpected success for what was born as a niche fair, an alternative to the more famous (and expensive) Baselworld.

Jing Zhao, co fondatrice di G Suen, a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Jing Zhao, co fondatrice di G Suen, a GemGèneve. Copyright: gioiellis.com

After the success of the November 2021 edition – The Challenging Edition, we committed to continuing our mission with the same intention to bring together the best of what is being produced in the field of jewellery and precious stones.
Thomas Faerber

79.82% of the exhibitors present in 2021 returned. And more than 45 exhibitors are taking part in GemGenève for the fourth time. Another 20, however, will be present for the first time, such as Claudia Hamann Edelstein, Constantin Wild, La Galerie Parisienne and even larger family companies such as Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd and Takat Gems.

The palpable enthusiasm of our exhibitors pushes us to renew ourselves with each edition, while still respecting the event’s DNA. The aim is to maintain the show, designed by the exhibitors, on a human scale, bringing together the general public, the industry professionals, designers of today and tomorrow, including the schools, as well as laboratories, world-renowned experts and informed speakers on the latest trends. GemGenève is a hub which enables quality discussions and examination of major themes of importance to the jewellery trades.
Ronny Totah

Ronny Totah
Ronny Totah

Gioielli a GemGèneve edizione 2021. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gioielli a GemGèneve edizione 2021. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Gemme esposte a GemGèneve edizione 2021. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gemme esposte a GemGèneve edizione 2021. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Ingresso a GemGèneve edizione 2021. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Ingresso a GemGèneve edizione 2021. Copyright: gioiellis.com







Here is the news of GemGenève




GemGenève is back (November 4-7, Geneva) with many expectations. In this interview, available via media manager Christine Urfer, the two organizers Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah explain the news of the event dedicated to precious stones and jewelry.

Gioielli a GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gioielli a GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com


What is GemGenève’s DNA and what sets it apart from other salons?
Thomas Faerber: “GemGenève’s DNA is to adjust as closely as possible to the needs of exhibitors and visitors, whether in the timing of the show, the products offered, the stands, the reception. ”
Ronny Totah: “Each time we try to improve ourselves, to add value, to bring new things and a fresh look at our profession.
What sets it apart from other shows is undoubtedly the fact that we focus first on the need and demand for shows and only then do we produce the show. This upstream approach allows us to move forward in the organization with the certainty that the exhibitors will participate. What we mean by that is that we are not “salon producers” who then hope to fill them. This is definitely what sets us apart from others and is an integral part of our approach! ”

Thomas Faerber
Thomas Faerber

What are the major novelties of GemGenève 2021?
Ronny Totah: “The incorporation of new schools around our profession by provoking real exchanges. We had already involved young Designers, emerging talents and HEAD in our show. This year, for the first time, other schools, such as ISG Luxury Management, schools training for the Federal Certificate of Capacity (CFC) and CREA, will also have their booth in the 2021 edition and will also be able, alongside of HEAD, present their program.
What are the prospects for the fine jewelry market and how can or should the sector develop?
Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah: “Looking at things in the long term, the future of the fine jewelry market remains bright. In terms of digitization, the market will certainly incorporate more digital, which can bring real added value when preparing for a sale. But in our branch, our “H to H” vision – human to human – remains the essence and the heart of our development. ”
Ronny Totah: “Our market is of course in the jewelry industry, but also in the field of experience in a broader sense. The future lies in pursuing and strengthening partnerships with creative people from all walks of life. For example, partnerships with schools of communication, such as CREA, of design, such as HEAD or with schools preparing for the various CFCs in the branch. These exchanges with young creators, designers and apprentices allow us to follow developments, to be aware of new trends. Our show presents precisely these new trends. We are trendsetters! In return, we offer young designers the opportunity to test their ideas in terms of business and technical requirements.
It is also in this spirit that we have invited Vivienne Becker, who returns for the third time with her Designer Vivarium, avant-garde of contemporary creation. ”
Do you use the digital channel for sales at GemGenève?
Thomas Faerber: “I’ll give the floor to Ronny on this subject, since he has developed with his team a new concept which he will present to you better than me”.
Ronny Totah: “This is the first time we are implementing a digital experimental solution, allowing visitors who cannot travel to participate in the show in real time and during the opening hours of the show. Visitors will be able to contact an exhibitor of their choice via a platform – with a host at the end – who will direct them to the desired stand. Via the digital platform, visitors will be greeted by the exhibitor in a private room, as if they were there. In addition, all GemGenève conferences will be accessible online, in streaming and deferred ”.
Tormaline a GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Tormaline a GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com

What are you expecting from this new edition?
Ronny Totah: “We look forward to a physical reunion with exhibitors and visitors after more than two years of absence. The resumption of this human adventure enchants us and delights us at the highest point. We are all going to be so happy to see each other again, to meet again and to chat. There will be a lot of emotion, for sure. ”
Thomas Faerber: “This health crisis makes us realize how important a trade fair like GemGenève is for the entire industry. Our exhibitors and visitors are delighted and eager to meet again for the November 2021 edition. ”
When will the next edition of GemGenève take place?
Ronny Totah: “We do not yet know with certainty the date of the next 2022 edition. We are waiting to be able to take stock of this year before deciding definitively. We are the second or third show in the world to be organized after the pandemic (after JCK Las Vegas in August 2021 and VincenzaOro last September), and the fallout from this year will allow us to plan for the next edition. Again, we will include our exhibitors in the decision process ”.

Thomas Faerber: “Personally, I wish it could take place next May with the arrival of spring, but I completely share Ronny’s opinion and we will fix the date of the new edition in agreement with all of the exhibitors. ”
What is your greatest pride?
Ronny Totah: “We were able to demonstrate to GemGenève exhibitors that our show is everyone’s.
On August 30 and September 20, we hosted two Zoom sessions attended by over 80 potential exhibitors. For our part, we were a little on the reserve and did not really think that the 2021 edition could see the light of day. During these digital meetings, we organized a survey to find out the percentage of exhibitors willing to participate in GemGenève – The Challenging Edition. To our surprise, more than 70% of exhibitors confirmed their willingness to be part of it. From that moment, we decided to take up this challenge and organize the 3rd edition of GemGenève in record time, namely in less than 6 weeks. This is the advantage of a small, responsive team close to its exhibitors. I believe that we can be proud of having been able to meet the demand of the majority of them and to demonstrate, once again, that GemGenève is indeed everyone’s trade fair.”
Thomas Faerber: “I absolutely confirm the above and take my hat off to the organizing team! “.

Thomas Faerber Confermo assolutamente quanto sopra e mi complimento con il team organizzativo!

Lo spazio riservato alla Head. Foto: G.Maillot
Lo spazio riservato alla Head. Foto: G.Maillot







GemGèneve Designer Vivarium is back




After announcing the return (after the pandemic break year), GemGèneve outlines the contours of the third edition (4-7 November). In particular, the organizers of the Geneva event presented the new exhibitors at the Designer Vivarium, a space reserved for the creators of fine jewelry, small boutiques often made up of a single jeweler. The Vivarium Designer is curated by Vivienne Becker with the contribution of Ida Faerber, one of the leading experts in the world of jewelery, and includes a range of extraordinarily original and innovative contemporary jewelery. A space that, in a certain sense, is an alternative to that of the rest of the exhibitors, focused on precious stones, high-end proposals from exclusive Maison and vintage jewelery.

Il PalaExpo che ospita GenGenève
Il PalaExpo che ospita GenGenève

I look for jewels that have a strong, individual point of view, a well-defined identity and a creative vision, and for a certain artisan refinement. I am looking for a sophisticated integration of concept, material and technique and perhaps above all I am looking for designers who have something to say, something new to say, through their jewels. I am looking for the creators of today who will be part of the long and rich continuum of the history of jewelry.
Vivienne Becker

Vivienne Becker. Photo: G.Maillot
Vivienne Becker. Photo: G.Maillot

Vivarium, on the other hand, offers avant-garde jewelry: an idea originally born by the founders of GemGenève, Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah, perhaps to infuse a breath of freshness that balances a very traditional event. The designers participating in this edition are Aline Debusigne (Switzerland), Regina Gambatesa (Italy), Studio Renn (India), Atelier Allure (Austria), G Suen (Great Britain), Alexandra Jefford (Great Britain), Cora Sheibani (Great Brittany), Alexander Tenzo (Russia).

Alexander Tenzo. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Alexander Tenzo. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Cora Sheibani
Cora Sheibani







GemGenève is back, here are the exhibitors




GemGenève is back, the fair born four years ago as a highly selected alternative to the major jewelry fairs, such as Baselworld. After the obligatory break in 2020, GemGèneve takes place this year from 4 to 7 November, again at the Palaexpo in Geneva. The organizers, Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah, also gave the event a name: The Challenging Edition. It seems, however, a challenge that has already been won, given that over 120 exhibitors from 15 countries took part, including jewelers with great coat of arms, retailers of gems and vintage jewelry.

Gioielli a GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Gioielli a GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com

According to the organizers, this does not mean that the climate will certainly be more reserved, more intimate than the 2019 version. Also because, as they reveal, the indecipherable situation from the point of view of health safety has made GemGèneve’s confirmation uncertain until the very end.

From July onwards, following the uncertainties linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ronny Totah and I have been exploring a number of different scenarios, from putting on a mini-event in a Geneva hotel to a more reduced version of the original GemGenève, and we even considered postponing the event.
Thomas Faerber

Thomas Faerber
Thomas Faerber

Among the entries, the Swiss and American exhibitors are at the top, followed by those from Israel, Germany and Belgium. Then come houses from the UK, France, Hong Kong, Italy, India, Thailand, Austria, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Japan.
Tormaline a GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Tormaline a GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com

The palpable enthusiasm of our exhibitors pushed us to put together this new 2021 edition of the show in record time – given that the final decision to go ahead with the show in its current form was taken on 20 September!’ The small-scale structure of GemGenève indeed ensures that the show can be attentive to its exhibitors’ needs and means that it can be responsive enough to be able to address these kinds of challenges.
Ronny Totah

Ronny Totah
Ronny Totah

Here is the list of exhibitors at the new edition of GemGèneve:
Trading of 4G, A. Kleiman & Co., AA Rachminov Diamonds, Abouchar SA, Alex Rieunier Gioielli, Alexander Laut, ALine GmbH, Amba Gem Corp, Arnoldi HC, Arnoldi Internazionale, Assil New York, Barbi Diamanti, Gemme BRG, Cicala, Cien, Color Stone, Dany Avlas Diamanti, David & Son, Diastar Corporation, Edigem Ltd, Elena Okutova Jewelery, Emilio Gindraux, Enairo, Ernst Färber0, Eshed, F. Torroni SA, Collezione Faerber, Fei, Filippo G&G SA, Fima Diamonds, Fuli Gemstone, E. Goldstein Diamonds, Garaude, Gemcut SA, Glitering Gems DMCC, GRS Gemresearch Swiss Lab AG, Gübelin Gem Lab / Gübelin Academy, Hakimi A. & Sons, Hans D. Krieger Fine Jewelery, Heritage Gems New York, Horovitz & Totah SA, Horowicz Fine Jewelery, House of Gems, Humphrey Butler Ltd, Ijadi Gem, Inc., Imagem, IsabelleFa – Maîtres Chaînistes, H. Jaros eU, Jaipur Trading Company Inc., Jerry Blickman Inc., Joseph Gad Inc., JR Diam, Karl Faller eK, Kobi Amir Diamond Ltd, Kothari Trading (HK) Ltd, Kourosh, Leybel Elieli Diamond L td, Librairie Bernard Letu, MID House of Diamonds, Maharaja Gems, Marc Princ, Markin Fine Jewelery, Moguldiam, Morelle Davidson, Napra Gems, Nassi, Noor Gems Japan Co., Ltd, Optimum Diamonds, Orpheo’s Art SA, P Hirani Exports LLP , Pace Diamonds, Pamir Gems, Paul Fisher Inc, Paul Wild OHG, Periodjewels Inc, Piat, Pierre d’Alexis SA, Provockative Gems, Rachminov Diamonds 1891, Rosy Blue, Safdico International Ltd., Sara Gem Corp., Scarselli Diamonds, Semi Gems, Inc., Shapiro Gems, Steven Neckman Inc., Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF, Swiss Pearls, SwissDiam Genève SA, Taché, Tank, Thomas Leyser, Valentini srl, Van Den Plas & Zonen, Vernain, Vmk Diamonds, Wild & Petsch GmbH Lapidaries, Yafa Signed Jewels, Yvon Gindre SA, Zagari.

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







GemGeeve is ready to go again





GemGèneve is already preparing for the third edition, thanks to the success of the second appointment ♦ ︎

The third edition of GemGèneve will take place from 7 to 10 May 2020. That is immediately after the Sihh, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie which is scheduled from 26 to 29 April and a few hours away from Baselworld, a trade fair set from 30 April to 5 May of next year. It seems a confirmation and also a challenge: once the second edition is closed, GemGèneve is starting to be a consolidated reality in the jewelery scene.

GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com
GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: gioiellis.com

It’s fine, perhaps, what the organizers call “the intimate and conscious character of a fair that offers a unique alliance between a wide variety and quality of precious stones, ancient and contemporary jewels, as well as the competence and services of prestigious gemmology laboratories “.

Thomas Faerbe (a sinistra) e Ronny Totah (a destra)
Thomas Faerbe (a sinistra) e Ronny Totah (a destra)

The two co-founders of the event, Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah, are satisfied: the second edition of GemGèneve saw an additional 42% and 63 new exhibitors from all over the world, which then rose to 210, also from Taiwan, or from Ukraine. Attendance increased by 11%: 4,800 visitors, 37% Swiss and 63% foreigners. Of course, we are far from the numbers of Baselworld, which despite the crisis of recent years has registered 81,000 visitors. But GemGèneve is a niche event. “Let’s face it: we did not expect to conclude big business, but being here is useful for building relationships”, confided to gioiellis.com a GemGèneve exhibitor who prefers to remain anonymous.

Lo spazio riservato alla Head. Foto:  G.Maillot
Lo spazio riservato alla Head. Foto: G.Maillot

The 2019 edition also marked continuity and the advent of distinctive events and exhibitions, such as the Designer Vivarium and its new contemporary jewelers, emerging talents, as well as conferences, seminars and round tables led by renowned experts. For the second consecutive year, GemGèeve has also collaborated with Head, the Geneva School of Art and Design and the Hej, Haute Ecole de Joaillerie in Paris. In short, the challenge of GemGèneve continues.





Il padiglione di GemGèneve. Copyright: Gioiellis.com
Il padiglione di GemGèneve. Copyright: Gioiellis.com

gemme gemgeneve copyright gioiellis com
Gemme a GemGèneve. Copyright: Gioiellis.com

GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: Gioiellis.com
GemGèneve 2019. Copyright: Gioiellis.com







GenGèneve’s second chance





GemGèneve includes gems, designers, vintage jewelery, diamonds and … The second edition starts ♦ ︎

Started in 2018 as an adventure on which not many were ready to bet, GemGèneve returns (9-12 May) with more exhibitors and with a series of collateral events that certify its vitality.
For example, Elizabeth Fischer together with Vivienne Becker will address the issue of the relationship between jewelery design and contemporary society. Another meeting is dedicated to Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, explorer, adventurer, merchant and narrator of his wanderings, who helped develop the knowledge of elsewhere in Europe and the taste for precious stones. In short, an articulated and fully organized fair.

GemGenève, insieme di booths
GemGenève, insieme di booths

And so, the idea of ​​two jewelers, Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah, tired of the Basel formula, could have had an uncertain destiny. Instead it seems a success. The second edition of GemGenève sees the presence of around 200 exhibitors, with a large presence of those who buy and sell precious gems, diamonds, and even vintage jewelry. But not only.
Interesting, for example, the two sections dedicated to emerging designers, with Ena Iro, Horowicz Fine Jewelery, Pierre d’Alexis and Syz Firework, and the Design Vivarium area, with the presence of Alexandra Jefford, Cora Sheibani, Milio, Ming, Mr. Lieou, Nadia Morgenthaler, Ninotchka, Racine Geneva, Sean Gilson, Tatiana Verstraeten, Tenzo. Monica Battistoni





Vetrina a GemGenève
Vetrina a GemGenève

Acquamarina da 130 carati e morganite di Nomads
Acquamarina da 130 carati e morganite di Nomads

GemGenève, vetrina di Dover Jewelry & Diamonds
GemGenève, vetrina di Dover Jewelry & Diamonds

GemGenève, visitatori
GemGenève, visitatori

GemGenève 2018
GemGenève 2018

La vetrina di Robert Procop con i gioielli disegnati da Angelina Jolie
La vetrina di Robert Procop con i gioielli disegnati da Angelina Jolie







GemGèneve get 200 exhibitors





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.

Il PalaExpo che ospita GenGenève
Il PalaExpo che ospita GenGenève

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.

GemGenève 2018
GemGenève 2018

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.





Sfilate a Baselworld 2019
Sfilate a Baselworld 2019

Booth di GemGenève
Booth di GemGenève

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

Gioielli d'epoca
Gioielli d’epoca a GemGenève 2018

Tormalina water mellon
Tormalina watermellon







GemGenève increases the number of exhibitors





The news of the next edition of GemGenève: the number of exhibitors rises by 22% ♦ ︎

While VicenzaOro is still underway and while Baselworld warms up its engines to prepare for its toughest appointment, the GemGenève backoffice is at work. Many wondered whether the first edition of the gem and jewelery trade show, organized in May 2018, would be followed by a second one. The answer is yes: the second edition of GemGenève will be held from 9 to 12 May 2019 at the Geneva Palaexpo.

The new appointment also has a theme: Find and Feel, to emphasize the importance of direct experience even in a period dominated by the digital.

Gioielli d'epoca
Gioielli d’epoca a GemGenève 2018

GemGenève has been an idea of two industry veterans, Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah, who operate in Geneva. The event was also an initiative in controversy with Baselworld, a fair in the crosshairs of many jewelry operators because of the high costs required for participation. It has had a good success, with about 4300 visitors, 50% non-Swiss (including the journalists of gioiellis.com).
GemGenève, in fact, is a formula that has convinced many. Jewelers, antique dealers and precious stones merchants find themselves in a smaller space than large fairs, but very specialized. And so the number of exhibitors for 2019 is 22% increase compared to 2018: there are about 180 houses already registered for the new edition, personally selected by Thomas Faerber and Ronny Totah.

The 2019 will also see the continuation of the collaboration of GemGenève with the school of art and design of Geneva, Head, with a special project for students supported by the exhibitor Charles Abouchar. The Designer Showcase, renamed as Designer Vivarium, has been expanded to include new artists not yet known in contemporary international jewelery. Among other things, GemGenève 2019 will take place during the same period of the main jewelery auctions in Geneva, those of Sotheby’s and Christie’s. The premises for a repeat of success are there.





La prima edizione di GemGenève
La prima edizione di GemGenève

Una tormalina watermelon africana
Una tormalina watermelon africana

GemGenève, vetrina di Dover Jewelry & Diamonds
GemGenève, vetrina di Dover Jewelry & Diamonds

GemGenève, visitatori
GemGenève, visitatori

Vetrina a GemGenève
Vetrina a GemGenève







Collectible Jewels in GemGenève





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.

Pendente di Nadia Morgenthaler
Pendente di Nadia Morgenthaler

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
Croce con diamanti e zaffiri di Gorgoglione
Collana in oro e diamanti firmata René Boivin
Collana in oro e diamanti firmata René Boivin
Orecchini in oro di Phillips
Orecchini in oro di Phillips
Pendente con perla e diamanti di Gorgoglione
Pendente con perla e diamanti di Gorgoglione

Anello con grande diamante fancy intense yellow
Anello con grande diamante fancy intense yellow

Nadia Morgenthaler, anello com spinello, perla e diamanti
Nadia Morgenthaler, anello com spinello, perla e diamanti

Orecchini a forma di anemoni
Orecchini a forma di anemoni