#1.) Christies - Geneva

So Many Amazing Pieces!



The Yellow Rose surprised us!

[And no one - except us - is talking about it?]

Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction at the Four Season Hotel des Bergues in Geneva on May 15, features the usual - and fantastic - selection of historic and modern jewellery from all periods, as well as from the most famous jewellery houses such as Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and many more.

Highlights of this auction include a sensational Art Deco diamond and onyx brooch by Cartier, a totally cool D, Internally Flawless almost square emerald cut diamond ring of 23.15 cts. by Taffin, a very large Colombian emerald of 17.60 cts., and a magnificent Kashmir sapphire ring of 11.03 cts., not to mention a Cartier Mystery Clock and the 202 carat Fancy Intense Yellow diamond, seen here, called "the Yellow Rose." (... but wait until you see the eyebrow raising profile view of this diamond - a bench jeweler's nightmare!! )

Tap here for an incredible showing of gems and jewels!

#3.) Driehaus Chicago Exhibition

"Jewelry in Perspective"

Showcasing Historic Jewelry

from Prominent Chicago Collections

This summer, the Driehaus Museum is proud to present Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective, an exhibition of over two hundred pieces of rare and historically significant jewelry from the 17^th century to the present, all from prominent Chicago collections.

This first-of-its- kind exhibition includes a range of never-seen-before jewelry and decorative arts objects from the Richard H. Driehaus Collection alongside objects from the Chicago History Museum, the Field Museum, and the Lizzardo Museum of Lapidary Art, among loans from other Chicago institutions, collections, and private lenders with unique areas of focus.

Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective is organized by jewelry historian and author Elyse Zorn Karlin, guest curator of the Museum’s 2015 exhibition Maker and Muse: Women and 20^th Century Art Jewelry, and will be on view at the Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie Street, from May 23 to September 23, 2024.

Tap here to see just a small number of pieces that will be on exhibit!

May 14th, Geneva

"Geneva will be fizzing with excitement," exclaims Sotheby's. The Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction on May 14th will highlight pieces "from private collections of signed jewels from across the twentieth century."

"The Magnificent Jewels sale will be completed by an exceptional group of Cartier animal jewels from several private collections, as well as exquisite diamonds and coloured stones, many with noble and royal provenance." 

On the block, a 3.03 carat Fancy Intense Blue pear shape diamond ring, a 17 carat cushion shape Kashmir Sapphire ring, a 30 carat square emerald cut emerald necklace, a Carvin French 35 carat red spinel ring, and more!

The parade of beautiful gems and jewels is extraordinary, and it starts with the main event - the Allnatt Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond (seen here)!

Tap here to see several amazing pieces in Sotheby's Magnificent and Noble Jewels Geneva auction!

Lauralee of WhoWoreWhatJewels.com (WWWJ) has terrific coverage of the red carpet, and here is her Met Gala take, focused on the men, and they looked great!

"It’s about the men, and their show-stopping jewelry game," says Lauralee. "Did the men possibly outshine the women?" she asks. "Yes! ... and when it came to the men, they didn’t hold back in embracing the bling."

Right she is, as we can see the guys wearing three, four, five pieces, and more! No holds barred, they were all in!

Pointing out the "standout jewelry trends," Lauralee bids "farewell to the era of the boring bow tie. It’s officially a thing of the past!" Case in point, a magnificent Georgian foil-backed amethyst Rivière necklace from Fred Leighton worn by Kieran Culkin, and Ed Sheeran’s diamond-edged [untied] bow tie, leading the charge." And speaking of a Rivière necklace, check out Taika Waititi wearing $6M of diamonds (instead of a bow tie!), a Diamond Rivière necklace from Jacob & Co., with a total weight of 161.52 carats!

She also noticed all the brooches - kinda hard to miss. "No longer confined to lapels, they’re making themselves at home on waistbands!"

Check out what we have for you here, but then link to WWWJ to get the full glam effect! (She also has a link to last year's sparkle event.)

Gary Roskin

RoskinGemNewsReport

If you have not been paying attention, climate change is real, and it is now directly affecting the gem industry.

And it is becoming a reoccurring theme in our news feed. We've already reported this year on devastating floods in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi, and how it has affected these mining communities.

Today, we are once again looking at flooding in East Africa, this time in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Checking in with expert mining, gem & mineral consultant, Lee Horowitz, while much of the latest rounds of storms in Kenya appear to be targeting tourist areas in the southwest, and general areas in the north / northeast, the gem mines of the south east in Taita and further south into Tanzania are still troubled by rain. Very little, if anything, is coming out of Tanzania, says Horowitz, with the Kenyan government placing mining bans in certain areas due to collapsing mines. We will be paying close attention, as we know how important this area is for East African gems.

Flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The rains have been so heavy in southern Brazil this past week that there was no escaping the floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Weather reports are not favorable as the rains are expected to continue into this weekend. It is already heart wrenching, washing away homes and businesses, and taking lives, livelihoods, destroying infrastructure and supply chains.

Tap here to read how Climate Change is affecting the gem industry!

Sotheby's

This October, Sotheby’s will offer a jewellery collection of legendary provenance – belonging to Dame Shirley Bassey, recently appointed Member of the Order of the Companion of Honour by The King for services to music. The Welsh-born British singer, whose immensely successful career has spanned over seven decades, is offering favourite pieces from her jewellery and watch collection for the first time at auction.

The legendary vocalist, whose career is unparalleled in longevity, success and esteem in British music history, has been collecting jewellery throughout her career. Every jewel in the sale represents a particular moment in Dame Shirley Bassey’s life, as well as iconic performances.

Tap here for a few images and two additional reports.

The Ophir Collection, and so much more!

By IGR

18 April 2024

IGR – Rivista Italiana di Gemmologia, the Italian Gemological Review, is the leading International Gemological Magazine in Italy, by Gem-Tech Gemological Institute, a broad information framework for Gemologists as well as professionals involved daily in the gemstone business.

Featured in this 18th edition, we see Jeffery Bergman's special report on the infamous Ophir Collection!

"Featuring 9 Guinness World Records holders in this 43 gemstone collection appraised at a whopping $3.2 Billion, Forbes magazine says of the Ophir Collection «The Mischief Around It Is Priceless». It was recently announced that healthcare services provider Novo Integrated Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVOS) purchased the Ophir Collection for a mere $60 Million. Tied up in a court case for several years, one would logically ask why a healthcare provider would be acquiring it, and for less than one fifth of 1% of its “appraised” value?"

Tap here to see what all is in this number 18 edition!

Gems & Jewelry

The 2024 ASA International Conference (ASAIC24) schedules have just been announced.



While you will be interested in the Gems & Jewelry track, ASAIC24 represents appraisal professionals in Business Valuation, Personal Property, Machinery & Equipment, Real Property, Gems & Jewelry, and Appraisal Review & Management disciplines.

Going Hybrid

"With a hybrid approach, ASAIC24 accommodates your preferences, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. Whether you opt to join us in person in Portland, Oregon or participate from the comfort of your home or office, you'll have the flexibility to engage in an environment that suits you best. Both formats provide opportunities to delve into the latest trends, exchange ideas, and connect with peers. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to elevate your knowledge and network with appraisal industry leaders."

Tap here for the schedule as well as registration details.

Gary Roskin

Roskin Gem News Report

The Man, The Legend

One of the traditional and most popular events during JCK Las Vegas is the Rapaport Breakfast. It takes place on Sunday morning and features a live, in-person, and broadcast presentation by the man himself, where he delivers his rapid-fire, unvarnished, and riveting remarks on the international diamond industry.

"Now more than ever you must know what is going on and how it will affect your bottom line," exclaims Rapaport. "Will synthetics continue to take market share from naturals? How will US and G7 sanctions on Russia impact US diamond prices and supply? Will there be profitable demand for socially responsible diamonds? How important is social media when it comes to selling Gen Z? Will China come back? What should you do?"

What should you do? Well, if you're in Vegas for the show, you should register for breakfast and join the hundreds of attendees who will be there. 

And there's more! Tap here for the details and for registration!

The May/June 2024 issue of JNA magazine is now available, just prior to the June, Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, taking place at the HKCEC, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, June 20th through the 23rd.

In this latest magazine, we read:

The Age of Fancy Colour Diamonds

"Fancy colour diamonds are taking pride of place in the luxury jewellery industry, buoyed by heightened consumer awareness and buyers’ relentless quest for style versatility and enduring sophistication." 

Big Three: Perpetuating Value and Opulence

"Emerald, ruby and sapphire will always epitomise affluence and refinement in the jewellery industry, with buyer enthusiasm for these premium gems staying strong amid escalating prices."

Bold Elegance

And then there's bold colored gemstone and diamond set jewellery. "Jewellery reflects the eclectic nature of modern existence, seeking balance in the classics while embracing creativity in ingenious designs. The timeless sophistication of diamonds and the stability of gold and gems offer solace, while edgier designs, led by captivating gem-studded statement earrings, stunning lariats and transformable wonders, radiate strength and renewed inspirations."

Tap here to check out the latest publication and find the link to read the full issue!

The Accredited Gemologists Association presents four guest speakers to talk about diamonds. They include Sally Magana, PhD, Senior Manager, Diamond Identification, GIA, who will present The Synthetic Rainbow: Color in Laboratory-Grown Diamonds. This talk explores all the colors and treatment mechanisms possible within CVD-grown and HPHT-grown diamonds. 

Along with Dr. Magana, we’ll hear a brief overview of current diamond market conditions from Paul Ziminsky, CFA, a leading global diamond industry analyst specializing in global diamond supply/demand fundamentals, and the companies operating within the industry.

Joining Ziminsky and Magana, Sara Yood, Deputy General Counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, who will provide an update on the Russia Sanctions Rollercoaster. She’ll discuss what’s to come and how businesses can ensure they are compliant with ever-changing regulations.

And the fourth speaker of the conference, giving us insight into grading fancy color diamonds, will be Brian Denney, FGA, GIA GG, recognized worldwide as an expert in fancy colored diamonds. 

To register and for further details, tap here!

SNAG x San Diego June 5–8, 2024

SNAG (the Society of North American Goldsmiths) : 51st Conference.

With 1.4 million people, San Diego is the second largest city in California. The San Diego/Tijuana region is the largest bi-national conurbation shared between the United States and Mexico with a population of 7.1 million.

San Diego/Tijuana have been designated as the 2024 World Design Capital, exemplifying connection, cooperation, and collaboration. Come to SNAG’s conference to gain new creative inspiration and foster lifelong bonds of collaboration and friendship within the jewelry and metals community

Tap here for more conference information!