Happy Halloween! Two major jewelry events bookend the week: CIBJO’s first-ever virtual congress opens tomorrow, and GemGenève takes over Geneva’s Palexpo next weekend. In between, don’t miss your opportunity to bid on jewels for a great cause (COVID-19 relief efforts in Navajo Nation).
LISTEN
The Jewelry District, Episode 55 (ongoing)
In the latest episode of The Jewelry District, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates speak to Gina Drosos, the CEO of Signet, about her background, what she likes about the jewelry industry’s culture, her expectations for the holiday, and her thoughts on hot industry topics (e.g., lab-grown diamonds).
BID
MJSA x Columbia Gem House Navajo Relief Auction: Nov. 1–7 (online)
The Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America’s annual design challenge has a new physical dimension this year—and, for the first time, a fundraising auction, with 100% of proceeds going toward Navajo Nation and its COVID-19 relief efforts. Columbia Gem House, a Vancouver, Wash.–based gem supplier that has made responsible and ethical sourcing a cornerstone of its business, donated materials to each of the six designers participating in the competition. Voting on the designs is open on the MJSA site through midnight on Oct. 31. The Navajo Nation Relief Auction will run on the Columbia Gem House site Nov. 1–7.
Christie’s Jewels Online—The Geneva Edit Sale: Opens Nov. 2 (online)
A broad selection of fine jewels and signature designs by jewelry bigwigs including Van Cleef & Arpels, Graff, Cartier, Boucheron, Bhagat, and more go on the virtual block this week at Christie’s Jewels Online sale. With more than 200 lots spanning antique jewels, bold contemporary designs, and vibrant gemstones, the sale offers a little something for everyone.
ATTEND
Instgram Live Conversation With Designer Rafael Koblence: Nov. 1, 11 a.m. ET (online)
Join Reema Farooqui, jewelry expert, writer, and founder of The Culture of Pearls, for an intimate conversation with former Olympic-wrestler-turned designer Rafael Koblence, a master jeweler and founder of Rafka High Jewelry. The session takes place via Instagram Live; see @thecultureofpearls.
The Opening of the 2021 CIBJO Congress: Nov. 1, 10 a.m. ET (online)
For the first time in the 95-year history of the World Jewellery Confederation, the 2021 CIBJO Congress will be conducted virtually over a period of weeks to allow participants in different time zones to join the proceedings. The opening session is scheduled for Nov. 1, with additional sessions running Nov. 2–4 and Nov. 15–18. The congress will tackle everything from the supply chain to industry ethics, with a special emphasis on sustainability.
GemGenève at Palexpo Geneva: Nov. 4–7 (in person)
When it opened its doors for the first time in 2018, GemGenève, with its world-class list of jewelry and gem exhibitors, had the spirit of a fine art fair, along the lines of TEFAF. Back after a pandemic-related hiatus, this year’s event promises to be as luxurious and collector-friendly as ever. For attendees who prefer to do their shopping or browsing with friends, the jewelry social club Gem X is planning some special events over the weekend (Nov. 6–7), including welcome drinks with GemGenève’s founders, a tour with jewelry historian Vanessa Cron, and a “show and tell” of the event’s most spectacular jewels. RSVP at assistant@gemx.club.
Top: Pumpkin pendant in 18k yellow gold with yellow and white diamonds and emerald, $7,300; Shruti Sushma
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