If you’ve got highfalutin tastes, or simply like to admire the industry’s finest dealers in action, this week’s events are for you. Between the TEFAF New York fair’s return to the Park Avenue Armory, GemGenève’s orgy of spectacular gemstones in Geneva, and Phillips’ auction of horological greats, buyers with means are going to feel torn between continents. Where is the Concorde when you need it?
LISTEN
The Jewelry District Podcast, Episode 68 (ongoing)
In the latest episode of The Jewelry District, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates interview Ziad Ahmed, the 23-year-old CEO and cofounder of JUV Consulting, a New York City–based consultancy that advises companies on how to market to Generation Z. Ahmed’s insights into how younger consumers view jewelry, luxury, and marketing may surprise you, but there’s no question you’ll find them valuable.
READ
The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery by Beth Bernstein
If you’ve always wanted to learn the ins and outs of antique jewelry but felt overwhelmed by the mountain of information online, longtime jewelry editor Beth Bernstein has you covered. Her newest book, The Modern Guide to Antique Jewellery, is part travelogue, part educational guide, with plenty of insights into how to identify the most collectible pieces in the market today.
ATTEND
GemGenève in Geneva: May 5–8 (in person)
GemGenève, the international gem and jewelry show, is back at Geneva’s Palexpo convention center with an all-star lineup of dealers—including Constantin Wild, Takat, and Umrao—showcasing some of the world’s best stones and pearls. Don’t miss the show’s Design Vivarium, a cohort of seven contemporary designers chosen by jewelry historian Vivienne Becker for their unique creative visions.
TEFAF New York at the Park Avenue Armory: May 6–10 (in person)
Widely regarded as the world’s preeminent organization for fine art, antiques, and design, the European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) oversees two international fairs, one in Maastricht, Netherlands, focused on historical collectibles and one in New York focused on modern and contemporary art and design. For the first time since 2019, the New York fair is back as an in-person event at the Park Avenue Armory, starting May 6. Among the 91 distinguished galleries that are participating, the jewelry specialists include revered firms such as Munich-based Hemmerle, New York–based Ana Khouri, and London-based Didier.
BID
Phillips Bacs & Russo Geneva Watch Auction XV: May 7–8 (in person and online)
On the heels of a blockbuster white glove year in 2021, in which Phillips’ watches department, in association with Bacs & Russo, sold 100% of lots across all sale locations for an annual total of $209.3 million, the auctioneer is looking to recapture its past glory with the Geneva Watch Auction: XV. The live sale, which takes place May 7–8 at the Hôtel La Réserve in Geneva, follows The Royal Oak 50th thematic sale on May 6 and is headlined by Rolex ref. 6239, a yellow gold chronograph that once belonged to guitarist/horophile Eric Clapton.
Top: 14k yellow gold lava band with 0.65 ct. Colombian emerald, $6,060; Just Jules
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