GemGenève: The gemstone and jewellery fair in the spirit of Art Deco

The 9th edition of GemGenève kicks off on May 8th. The gemstone and jewelry fair expects 4,000 visitors at Palexpo in Geneva. This year's event will focus on the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s. 

Left: Art Deco platinum bracelet with rubies and diamonds from 1930. © Paul Fischer Inc.

Arts and crafts and jewelry industry under one roof

From May 8th to 11th, GemGenève brings together people who want to convey and share their expertise and passion for jewelry. Collectors, enthusiasts, foundations, and cultural institutions meet here. It connects artisanal craftsmanship with the jewelry industry, showcasing tradition and innovation, art, design, and, last but not least, culture and education in jewelry. 

During the four days of the fair, 250 exhibitors, including more than 200 international dealers, will be present. Seventy-five nationalities are represented at GemGenève. Up to 4,000 visitors are expected. As in previous years, the event will take place at Palexpo in Geneva. In 2024, the fair recorded a 10 percent increase in visitors – and this year, that number will be exceeded again.

Trade fair highlight: Art Deco exhibition

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, GemGenève is presenting an exhibition this year that 

is dedicated to Art Deco. The Art Deco era, from the 1920s to the end of the 1930s, is considered one of the most creative periods in the history of jewelry. It also permeates architecture, furniture, interior design, fashion, and art.

Mathieu Dekeukelaire, Director of GemGenève, curated an exhibition encompassing all facets of this movement and all aspects of the arts and crafts. Among the nearly 100 exhibits are jewelry, haute couture pieces, sculptures, and furniture that served as inspiration for jewelers of the past century. This journey back in time to the Art Deco era showcases the dialogue between jewelers, fashion designers, sculptors, designers, and artists—a highlight of the event.

The exhibition features many jewels from private and institutional collections. Various exhibitors have joined the project and loaned some of their finest pieces. Project partners include exhibitors and institutions such as the Museum of Art and History of Geneva, the Musée International d'Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and the jewelry houses Chaumet, Ernst Färber, Faerber Collection, G. Torroni SA, Horovitz & Totah, Humphrey Butler Ltd., Morelle Davidson, N. Torroni, and Paul Fisher Inc.

Even more program: Digital Jewelry Week exhibits and a look at Africa

Digital Jewelry Week (DJW) was founded by Dario Rjeili. It promotes creativity and inclusion in the jewelry industry and is aimed exclusively at young artists up to the age of 30, whether already established or newcomers. The online event gives artists the opportunity to showcase their creations to an international community on an international level, without logistical or financial constraints. The second edition in October 2024 featured several promising designers and jewelers. 

GemGenève supports the initiative and offers emerging talents the opportunity to showcase their creations for the first time in a real exhibition. The trade show will showcase some of the most impressive and highly acclaimed jewelry pieces from the second edition of DJW. The goal of the partnership is to support the emerging scene by breaking down barriers that young designers often face. 

The Jewellery and Gemstone Association of Africa (JGAA) is the first African organization to bring together jewelers, designers, gem dealers, and gemologists. The initiative aims to promote the jewelry industry and sustainable models for economic development. The non-profit organization also promotes education and the development of teaching programs focusing on jewelry design and production, gemology, and gemstone cutting. GemGenève provides the platform to learn more about the JGAA. 

Even more program items, information and the possibility to register can be found at https://gemgeneve.com/.