Intergem proclaims another successful show

December 2013


Intergem 2013 opened to promising crowds on October 1 in Idar-Oberstein, Germany and fulfilled this promise of success to the very end.

An array of colourful gemstones displayed by Rolf Goerlitz.
An array of colourful gemstones displayed by Rolf Goerlitz.

For the first time, Intergem began on a Thursday and closed on Sunday rather than opening Friday and ending on Monday, which seemed to please the visiting crowds. Kai-Ewe Hille, Intergem’s managing director, stated that about 3200 visitors and buyers attended the 29th edition of the show, which was about the same as last year. Given the economic climate in some parts of the world, Hille considered this to be an excellent turnout.

During the show, one of the more inspirational talks was given by Sir Gabi Tolkowsky, famed diamond cutter. In a very philosophical approach, Tolkowsky began with the everchanging clouds, and continued to observations about humanity, love, and friendship, before finally turning to diamonds. He mused that a diamond reflects his soul, and while perfect diamonds are something to behold, those with inclusions—imperfections to many—are one-of-a-kinds, never to be repeated by nature.

Puzzle watch by August Veeck.
Puzzle watch by August Veeck.

For the 139 exhibitors at Intergem, reflections of their soul were seen not only in diamonds, but also in pearls and gemstones of all sizes and descriptions. At this show, they speak to the designers and to those selling facetted gems, pearls, strands of beads, and objets d’art in a way that is different from other fairs. There is a passion among the exhibitors that was reflected in Tolkowsky’s talk, especially among the 54 local exhibitors who have long family histories in the gem and jewellery business.

Constantin Wild of the company, W. Constantin Wild, spoke of “Great Temptations” which evoke the stones he presented for the first time in his premium line of “more than just rare.” He explains: “More and more gemstone lovers and women who wear jewellery wish they had this kind of very large, unusual, high-quality stone. Coloured gemstones like these are very rare and mostly unique: the larger the stone, the smaller the chance that similar specimens exist. That also makes these thoroughly individual jewellery and collector’s items very suitable as secure investments.” Wild went on to add that the demand for rare stones is growing at a rapid rate.

Wild hails from a centuries-old dynasty of goldsmiths and gemstone cutters, and now manages W. Constantin Wild & Co., founded in 1847. He is the fourth generation of the family to operate the business, and has had an intimate knowledge of the gemstone market for more than 25 years.

One of the larger pieces of opal found at Pedro Segundo, Brazil by Brasil Opal.
One of the larger pieces of opal found at Pedro Segundo, Brazil by Brasil Opal.

Jochen Knitte of Brasil Opal displayed a number of opal specimens from the Pedro Segundo area in Brazil. His stones were the only opals from Brazil, and he mentioned that the German dealers had never seen anything like them. Opals in this area of Brazil were discovered in 1989. The rough pieces he was showing were found in March 2012, the largest alluvial deposit find in over 20 years. Knigge said this opal has a very low water content, so is perfect for doublets and watch faces.

Wild & Petsch’s Alexander Wild responded to a question about the younger generations wanting to continue in the gemstone and jewellery tradition that goes back over 500 years in the Idar-Oberstein region. He said he is not concerned, that there are still children, both men and women, who are continuing family businesses. He also noted that Hong Kong and Intergem were good shows for him, since he carries a wide variety of high-quality stones, and that customers know he can get what they need.

Green amber by Hermann Grimm KG.
Green amber by Hermann Grimm KG.

Achim Grimm of Hermann Grimm KG who runs the business with his son, Sebastian, sells a unique variety of cut stones at all price points. One of his favourites is green amber, which he says he will be selling again in Tucson in February. He is putting together a large inventory of stones for that show. He also was pleased with sales in Hong Kong and at Intergem.

Opal ring by Andrea Sohne.
Opal ring by Andrea Sohne.

Andrea Sohne spoke about her growing jewellery design business. “It used to be just Christmas sales, but now people buy when they want to. The last two years have been very good.” She attributes her success to her very wearable but unique one-of-a-kind designs.

Konrad Henn of Karl Feller, stated “With the fair starting on Thursday (Reunification Day) this year instead of Friday, it made it very easy for jewellers, goldsmiths, and others to visit.” He added that he saw buyers from Ireland, England, Austria, and Asia, including a large Indian company. Henn also said three representatives from Cartier visited at his invitation.

Jorn Petterson of Adamas Smykke-design, a jewellery store owner and his wife from Bamberg, Norway were enthusiastic about their first-time visit to the show. “We bought some bread and butter stones, plus some spice,” he smiled.

During the coming year, the fair office will certainly be abuzz with plans for the milestone 30th edition, which will be held October 3 - 6, 2014.

www.intergem.com