One Fair Two Venues – 34th September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair

The September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, otherwise known as the September Fair, has established itself as the largest fine jewelry tradeshow since its launch in 1983.

Organized by UBM Asia Ltd, it has received support from the industry and jewelry traders around the world for years. Increased demand for exhibition space led UBM Asia to expand the September Fair, thus in 2006, the fair has been held simultaneously in two venues: the AsiaWorld-Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The dates for the upcoming tradeshow are September 13 – 17 at the AsiaWorld-Expo and September 15 – 19 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Among the new elements unveiled recently is the Bridal Jewellery Pavilion, which debuted in 2015, will be expanded for the 2016 edition. The Fair also includes the Fine Gem Pavilion, Fine Design Pavilion, Hong Kong Premier Pavilion, International Premier Pavilion, Hong Kong Pavilion, Designer Arena and Jadeite Gallery.

In 2015, organizers initiated a new security measure that entails the verification of the identity of badge holders at the venue’s entrance. Participants can expect such measure to be implemented again this year.

The September Fair is a platform for lobbying and agenda-setting for the industry, and for discovering the products and ideas that excite the jewelry market. Moreover, it brings global players together for a thoughtful dialogue. This year, the diamond auction of ALROSA, the Paspaley Pearl Auction, several conferences and other special events will be held during the Fair at both AWE and HKCEC.

Moreover, this mega fair will again feature the world’s biggest Diamond Pavilion and Pearl Pavilion, and Asia’s biggest Gemstone Pavilion.

The trade show’s Advisory Board is as follows:

* Hong Kong Jewellers’ and Goldsmiths’ Association

* The Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers Association

* Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association

* Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China

Sponsors:

* The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong

* Hong Kong Gold & Silver Ornament Workers & Merchants General Union

* The Kowloon Pearls, Precious Stones, Jade, Gold and Silver Ornament Merchants Association

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet, the Forbes website and on Instagram @JewelryNewsNetwork

Eddie Redmayne Is The Face Of The Omega Globemaster

Omega Globmaster brand ambassador Eddie Redmayne

British actor Eddie Redmayne is known for taking on challenging roles. His latest challenge will be the role as the newest ambassador of the Omega watch brand. He was officially introduced as the face of the Omega Globemaster at Mack Sennett Studios in Los Angeles Tuesday with a Hollywood style gala.

The watch collection, which houses the brand’s most advanced mechanical movement and features a design inspired by early Constellation models, was unveiled more than a year ago and Redmayne’s selection of being its international spokesperson not long after. But it wasn’t till now that both the Globemaster and its new representative were ready for full global exposure. The brand also debuted an online adverting campaign with Redmayne.

President and CEO of Omega Stephen Urquhart with Redmayne attend the launch of the Globemaster, the worlds first master chronometer, at Mack Sennett Studios on March 1 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Omega)”

Redmayne received a 2015 Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in the film, “The Theory of Everything,” and was nominated for a second Oscar in 2016 for “The Danish Girl.”

He said on stage that the Globemaster’s design has both a classic and modern appeal. “I can kind of wear it with anything,” he said. “I don't like watches to be overstated or ostentatious or crying out too much, but you want to feel a weight to them and a history to them. For me, in a subtle way, it makes you feel stronger having a decent watch on.”

The launch of the Globemaster at Mack Sennett Studios on March 1 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Omega)”

He added that he finds red carpets the most challenging environment when trying to decide what to wear. 

“It's just a very odd thing to have to stand in front of banks of people screaming at you and telling you to look in their direction and quite often shouting abuse,” he said. “So for me, a good tailored suit and a strong watch give you a sense that you have armor or a uniform.”

Omega brand ambassador Eddie Redmayne, with his wife, Hannah Bagshawe

Earlier in the day, Stephen Urquhart, Omega president, said the 34-year-old actor fits the positioning of the Globemaster well because of his youth, his reputation for taking on challenging roles and his unique sense of style. The timepiece is being sold as a traditional watch for a younger audience and Redmayne, who is the first Oscar winner born in the 1980s, fits this demographic. 

“This watch is so important for the future of the brand that we wanted to find someone who could really try to combine the incredible legacy with a modern style,” he said. “I think at Omega we’re trying to definitely attract a younger generation.”

Jean-Claude Monachon, Omega vice president of Product Development and Customer Service demonstrates the Omega Globemaster watch for Omega brand ambassador Eddie Redmayne at Mack Sennett Studios on March 1, 2016 in Los Angeles.

Urquhart describes Redmayne, known for embracing fine tailoring and well made shoes, as a “bit cutting edge” in his style. “He’s not the classic so called good looking guy.”

He describes the Globemaster as a contemporary watch that speaks to the history of Omega. It is part of Omega’s iconic Constellation series of watches and was styled after two Constellation watches in the 1950s, which at the time were called “Globemaster,” because the Constellation name was under trademark in the U.S., which expired in the early 1960s. 

Omega used the occasion to introduce its first update of the Globemaster , a 41mm version with an annual calendar. Each month is positioned between the blued indexes. The months are indicated by a varnished blue hand.

Jean-Claude Monachon, Omega vice president of Product Development and Customer Service, says the Globemaster takes its style cues from two Globemaster/Constellation watches at that time, in particular, its “pie-pan” dial style, fluted bezel, “double-C” case construction.

The Globemaster’s sapphire 39mm caseback is stamped with a medallion that has an image of an observatory, representing the precision awards that the watchmaker received during the famous chronometer observatory trials. Eight stars in the sky above the observatory symbolizes the watch brand’s most important precision records throughout its history. It also signifies the eight METAS-certified criteria that a timepiece and its movement must undergo in order to receive its Master Chronometer status. It’s the only watch in the world that has met these criteria, which measures the following:

Omega Globemaster in the watch Sedna gold, the watch brand's own patented rose gold alloy

* Average daily precision of the watch when tested in six positions, two alternating temperatures and then exposed to magnetism of 15,000 gauss.

* Function of COSC-approved movement during exposure of 15,000 gauss magnetic field, the equivalent of what an MRI machine produces. “Doctors can now wear their watch at work,” Monachon said.

* Function of the entire watch during exposure of 15,000 gauss. 

* Deviation of daily time precision after exposure to 15,000 gauss

* Water resistance testing 

* Power reserve deviation testing

* Power reserve deviation testing between 100% and 33% with the watch in six positions

* Deviation of running time when tested in six positions

The Globemaster’s sapphire 39mm caseback showing the medallion stamped with an image of an observatory and eight stars in the sky above.

Urquhart says the METAS-certified criteria extend the life of the watch. 

“Everything has a short lifespan,” he said. “The dream is to have a mechanical watch on your wrist that is not eternal but has the longest lifespan as possible. I think the Globemaster does this with all we put into it style-wise and also with the mechanics and technology.”

He continues to examine ways of extending a watch’s life even further—including creating mechanicals movements that don’t need oil. The lubricant damages a watch over time.

“You have this on your wrist and it would age, but in such a fantastic way that it won’t deteriorate. That’s a good way to dream.” 

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet, the Forbes website and on Instagram @JewelryNewsNetwork

Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Watches Combine Gems With Poetry

I can appreciate a luxury brand that uses words, artistic expressions and multi-media displays to tell stories that are simple yet compelling. There’s almost no one who does it better than Van Cleef & Arpels. Each year, I look forward to their annual presentation at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), where they always find new and magical ways to tell their timeless stories of love. It’s not an easy task and few luxury brands are good at story telling these days even though many have great stories to tell.

This year the Parisian luxury house presented its newest versions of its “Poetic Complications,” high jewelry watches and a couple high jewelry show stoppers. “Hide and seek” is the theme of many of their new pieces.

“Rubis Secret” watch bracelet
This unique piece features white and pink gold covered in 115 oval-cut Mozambique rubies (151.25 total carats) of matching color. They are arranged in three even, smooth rows, despite slight variations of cut, from oval to cushion. Each row of rubies is separated by four rows of diamonds and further enhanced by tiny pairs of round diamond studs throughout the bracelet.

The “secret” in this bejeweled bracelet is a small, rectangular quartz-powered watch that discreetly slides in and out on a white gold plate. An “invisible” hinge for the sliding door is only visible when the drawer is opened when pressing on the rubies. The piece required 1,500 hours, or more than year’s work to complete. The price is available upon request.

Pompon
The luxury brand also introduced a versatile secret bejeweled timepiece that can be worn as a necklace or bracelet with or without the quartz timepiece hidden inside a surround of tassels. In style, this watch takes its cues from the fashion sense of the 1940s and 1950s, the jewelry house explained.

There are two versions of this high jewelry watch: One in pink gold, round diamonds, round pink sapphires, red spinels, white cultured pearls, coral and white mother-of-pearl. The other is a unique piece in white gold, round diamonds, onyx, black spinels, white cultured pearls and white mother-of-pearl.

Lady Arpels Ronde des Papillons
Perhaps more interesting from a story telling perspective is the newest versions of Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Poetic Complications” timepieces, including the Lady Arpels Ronde des Papillons (round butterflies).

The 38mm case white gold case has a bezel set with diamonds and crown set with one diamond. Inside is a dial made of mother-of-pearl, engraved gold and miniature painting that depicts what the brand describes as an “aerial ballet” made of a blue sky with white clouds and the occasional appearances of three butterflies and a swallow. The same motif is engraved in sapphire glass on the back of the case.

The automatic movement has a retrograde jumping hour, variable speed minutes and an on-demand animation module developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels.

The butterflies serve as the minute hands (really more like guides) and the swallow points toward the hour markers. There’s an animation mechanism activated by a button that allows for a 10-second animated show of the butterflies and birds flying within the clouds. The figures then return to their proper spots on the dial, allowing for the time that has passed during the animation.

Snowflake and Snowflake Fleurette High Jewelry Watches
Among traditional jewelry timepieces, the luxury brand introduced two versions that are covered in white diamonds.

The first has a 20mm platinum case with the bezel, white dial and platinum bracelet encrusted with diamonds (above). The second is an 18mm version called the Snowflake “Fleurette” (small flower) with very the same materials, similar details but a slightly different appearance.

All of the diamonds are of D and E for color, VVS clarity. On each side of the case, seven diamonds make up petals of a flower. On the Snowflake Fleurette model, the theme is repeated two more times. The more abstract Snowflake model is adorned with a diamond embroidery. Prong settings are combined with scalloped settings, which cover the edges of the stones with a hem of platinum.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet, the Forbes website and on Instagram @JewelryNewsNetwork

Piaget Adorns Stars At Film Independent Spirit Awards

Actress Jessica Chastain in an 18k white gold necklace set with sapphire beads, emeralds and diamonds from the Extremely Piaget jewelry collection. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Piaget)

For the ninth consecutive year Piaget co-hosted the Film Independent Spirit Awards, paying tribute to the top performers, writers, directors and producers in independent film. Actress Jessica Chastain, Piaget international brand ambassador, led the event attended by stars of notable independent films, including Cate Blanchett, Brie Larson, Rooney Mara, Idris Elba, Jason Segel and Paul Dano.

Many in attendance were adorned in Piaget jewels and watches, including the Extremely Piaget, Possession and Rose jewelry collections; and the Limelight, Altiplano and Emperador watch lines.

Actress Jessica Biel in an 18k white gold Extremely Piaget ear cuff with diamonds and sapphires with an Extremely Piaget 18k white gold diamond ring and two 18k white gold Possession rings. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget)

Chastain wore an 18k white gold necklace set with sapphire beads, emeralds and diamonds from the Extremely Piaget jewelry collection. Presenter Jessica Biel chose an 18k white gold Extremely Piaget ear cuff with diamonds and sapphires with an Extremely Piaget 18k white gold diamond ring and two 18k white gold Possession rings.

Actress Brie Larson in  Piaget 18k white gold and diamond Possession bracelets with matching Possession rings and Piaget Rose earrings. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget)

Larson, the Spirit Award winner for her role in “Room,” wore Piaget’s 18k white gold and diamond Possession bracelets with matching Possession rings and a set of Piaget Rose earrings. Presenter Emilia Clarke opted for a pair of 18k rose gold Rose earrings with rose gold Possession and Rose rings. “Anomalisa” nominee, Jennifer Jason Leigh, wore a Piaget Limelight timepiece with a Piaget Rose ring and Dree Hemingway chose a set of Piaget Rose earrings and a Piaget Possession ring.

Emilia Clarke in Piaget 18k rose gold Rose earrings with rose gold Possession and Rose rings. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget) 

Ben Mendelsohn, nominated for Best Male Lead in “Mississippi Grind,” wore the 40mm Piaget Altiplano Date in 18k rose gold Dano, nominated for Best Supporting Male in “Love & Mercy,” wore his own 40mm Piaget Altiplano in 18k white gold. Presenter Anthony Mackie opted for a limited edition Piaget Emperador Coussin in 18k white gold.

Jennifer Jason Leigh in a Piaget Limelight timepiece with a Piaget Rose ring.(Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget)  

Mel Eslyn was the recipient of the Piaget Producer’s Award for her contributions to Independent Film. She received a $25,000 grant given to emerging producers who demonstrate creativity, tenacity and vision, and produce quality independent films, despite limited resources. Eslyn, who wore a suite of Piaget Possession jewelry in white gold, is known for her work on “The One I Love,” “Lamb,” “Uncle Kent 2,” and “Your Sister’s Sister.”

Anthony Mackie in a limited edition Piaget Emperador Coussin in 18k white gold. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget) 

“We have always championed bold and unexpected creations, which makes our relationship with the Spirit Awards a perfect fit,” said CEO, Philippe Leopold-Metzger.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet, the Forbes website and on Instagram @JewelryNewsNetwork

Material, Packaging, Tools And Equipment Suppliers at JGF – Europe

Jewellery & Gem Fair – Europe will gather quality local and international suppliers of materials and packaging, tools and equipment used in jewelry manufacturing. Products on offer include loose gemstones, diamonds, pearls and jewelry findings.

The jewelry trade fair being held March 19 – 22 in Freiburg, Germany, will gather around 300 exhibitors in 15,000sqm of exhibition space. Of the total number of exhibitors, 46 percent are suppliers of loose materials and packaging, tools and equipment. Group pavilions will bring their market specialties to the fair.

This year, the Packaging, Tools & Equipment pavilion is 25 percent bigger than last year. Outilor, one of the exhibitors joins this pavilion for the first time, specializes on tools for casting, forming, polishing and plating for jewelry production. “By joining JGF, we hope to expand our network to different parts of the world,” said Marie Monjol, CEO of the France-based company.

Other major exhibitors in the pavilion include Berolina GmbH, Durston Rolling Mills, Jentner Plating Technology GmbH, Koras GmbH, Lampert Werktechnik GmbH, Niqua GmbH, Umicore Galvanotechnik GmbH and Wilhelm E. GmbH.

“Although demand for diamonds dropped globally last year because of the cooling demand in China, the industry expects to see a gradual improvement this year,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs, UBM Asia.

Meanwhile, she noted that demand for colored gemstones, such as rubies and sapphires, is growing because of the consistency in supply and the marketing efforts of stakeholders. “The young generation is quite interested in colored gemstone jewelry, particularly those with trendy designs,” she said.

Buyers can expect to see European gemstone suppliers such as Caram e. K., Carl Friedrich Arnoldi GmbH, CHQ GmbH, Emil Weis Opals KG and Lothar Haag GmbH & Co KG from Germany, Imagem from France, and Pamir Gems Co Ltd from Thailand.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet, the Forbes website and on Instagram @JewelryNewsNetwork

Hong Kong Design Institute Exhibit At Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair

Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair – March is collaborating with the Hong Kong Design Institute in mounting a special exhibit of the work of its design students. The works will be displayed alongside those of more than 370 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions. The project is aimed at providing young talents, such as HKDI’s design students, an international platform for student to gain exposure, network with industry professionals, and explore potential opportunities. 

“This will raise industry awareness of our young talents and their design capabilities,” said Bill Silent Chan, HKDI program developer of Jewellery and Image Product Design.

Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair, owned and operated by UBM Asia, will be held March 2 to 5 at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong. The four-day event will showcase the latest collections of fashion jewelry and accessories from more than 370 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions.

More than 80 percent of exhibitors will be from outside Hong Kong, reflecting the fair’s international status. Among the exhibitors are companies from mainland China, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, The Philippines, Peru, Thailand, Turkey, and Hong Kong and Taiwan regions.

Other attractions at 3FJ include four theme pavilions and six group pavilions: “Sense Zone,” “Stainless Steel Jewellery Pavilion,” “Fashion Accessories Zone” and “Fashion Jewellery Atelier.” Six group pavilions, representing mainland China, India, Korea, Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan region, further add to the product offerings.

“Apart from the collaboration with HKDI, the ‘Fashion Jewellery Atelier’ at 3FJ is another platform that helps emerging talents,” Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at UBM Asia Ltd. It is mutually beneficial to all industry players.” 

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet, the Forbes website and on Instagram @JewelryNewsNetwork

Daniel Craig’s Omega Seamaster Bond Watch Fetches $130,000

By Gretchen Friedrich, Jewelry News Network’s social media manager (a.k.a. Miss Moneypenny)

An Omega Seamaster 300, Bond Edition timepiece worn by Daniel Craig in the film, Spectre, sold for £92,500 ($131,813), shattering its high estimate of $28,000.

The watch was part of a special charity auction of 24 pieces of memorabilia from the 24th installment of the James Bond series at Christie's King Street, London. Ten lots sold at the auction raising more than 2 million British pounds ($2.87 million) for Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières).

The Omega Seamaster 300, Bond Edition is the first limited edition Bond model produced by Omega. There were 7,007 released to the general market at a price of $7,500. Omega, the official watch of James Bond for 50 years, remastered this version with an ode to the original timepiece worn by Sean Connery during his stint as the famous spy. 

Omega Seamaster 300, Bond Edition timepiece worn by Daniel Craig

The NATO strap, the "lollipop" second hand, the presentation box that resembles a lockbox and the casing are all reminiscent of those seen in the early Bond movies. 

Selling the watch at such a price is certainly a coup for Christie's, but what does it mean for the watch market in general? 

Brian Walker, VP of marketing for Shreve, Crump and Low, who carries the Omega line in their flagship store in Boston, says it’s a positive signal for collectors. 

“Generally, when a watch at auction realizes an extraordinary hammer price such as the six-figure number for the Seamaster Bond piece, it excites the demand and increases resale value for the piece on the secondary market, especially on a limited-edition model.”

In other words, there could be some “shaken, not stirred” activity on Omega Bond watches currently in circulation. Cheers

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet, the Forbes website and on Instagram @JewelryNewsNetwork