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Dear Jewelry Friends,

April is known for its showers and in our case, luckily, this meant showers of gems! From the Winter Show on Madison Avenue, where Core Members Levi Higgs (who created the stunning bejeweled window displays) and Christine Cheng (who was was not letting the actual rainy weather get her down with an incredible Art Deco tiara) gave us a tour, to LA, where we gathered for a breakfast hosted by Heritage Auctions Beverly Hills to view their fantastic Spring Fine Jewelry Signature Sale, jewels flowed and blossomed all month long. For a swoon-worthy example, scroll down for an exquisite bouquet by JAR.

On a more serious note, we celebrated Earth Day and were reminded of the great importance of protecting this beautiful planet we have the privilege of living on. Our first Gemflix this month included a viewing and discussion of the documentary ‘River of Gold’ which follows the journey of two war journalists and their discovery of the unbelievable destruction of Amazonian rainforest to enable illegal gold mining. This is one reason we are so very excited about our event coming up with fellow member and responsible mining expert Stuart Pool of Nineteen48, who will host a discussion about ethical gemstones and treat us to a miniature ethical gem fair in London.  

The month saw other exciting blossomings for our scholars. Kwabena Ampadu and Briyana Rainer of Ampadu Studios received the first shipment of their new collection. If you live close to New York City, be sure to visit them at Together We Thrive in Bed-Stuy on May 14th to see the pieces in person. Metalsmith Yeena Yoon showed some of her beautiful creations at the Goldsmith’s Centre Trove event. 

Read on for more of our spring news. Also, a reminder that if you are looking to connect with other members, including at the many jewelry events coming up like GemGenève and TEFAF, check out our Slack Channel (details below) and hope to see you soon!  

Yours in jewels,    

Heidi & Lin

GemScholar Logo

SCHOLAR SHOWCASE
This month our scholars Kwabena Ampadu and Briyana Rainer of Ampadu Studios received the first shipment of an exciting new collection funded by the Gem X Scholarship. The duo creates jewels for braids and afro-textured hair, “made with your crown in mind”, and their new lux beads feature the star motif. We love their work and also what they’re achieving. Often, braids are decorated with disposable plastic beads. This new collection brings together hair jewelry and design to offer an accessory that will, more sustainably, be used over and over again. Their new collection will be available on their website in mid-May and if you want to see them and meet the founders in person, Ampadu Studios will be at the Together We Thrive event in Bed-Stuy, NYC on May 14th.

Jeweller Yeena Yoon was invited to show at Trove, at the Goldsmith’s Centre, the other week as one of a team of ten of London’s most exciting female jewellery designers. Heidi had the opportunity to visit the event to see Yeena’s most recent work, and snap some photos. Looking forward, Yeena will be traveling out to Italy in June to complete a course with the genius wirework artist Giovanni Corvaja, funded by the Gem X Scholarship. If you didn’t have the chance to visit Trove, Yeena will be showing her new collection, including all she will have learnt from Giovanni, at The Goldsmiths’ Fair at the end of September.

CHAPTER POSTCARDS

Imagine a space filled to the brim with creative spirit, sculptural works of art (that you can wear) and stories of mythical jewels. Last week, the designer Joy Bonfield-Colombara (Joy BC) welcomed us into her magical London studio space. We waxed poetic about Greek mythology, the power of the tiara, ancient Japanese swords, Amazonian pearl divers and much more. All have served as threads of inspiration for Joy’s creations. Better than any ordinary happy hour, it was truly an inspirational and joyful hour. Thank you to both Joy and Elisabetta Cipriani, our member and gracious co-hostess, for a very special evening. XX
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Members Go GaGa Over Jewels in LaLa Land

What better way to spend an early Saturday morning in Los Angeles than seeing one-of-a-kind jewels with fellow jewelry lovers? Thanks to Heritage Auctions for making their Spring Fine Jewelry Signature Sale preview available for a Gem X members-only breakfast on a lovely day in April. With mimosas in hand, we met Heritage jewelry experts who shared their wisdom about the pieces and the auction process. We had the opportunity to try on and chat amongst ourselves about which was our favorite.  As bidding is online only, we were able to place bids on any coveted pieces. It was hard to decide between the exclusive collection of JAR pieces, the 19-carat brilliant cut diamond ring or the retro Raymond Yard citrine and gold suite once owned by Joan Crawford! Oh my!  XX

April showers were aplenty but we beat the grey days with plenty of colors and exuberance. The Winter Show, in the space that formerly held Barney’s,  had us practically skipping between a JAR fibula brooch and Art Deco tiaras @simonteaklejewelry, to Claude Lalanne treasures @didierltd and Etruscan revival bangles @jamesrobinsoninc. By the time champagne was poured at @macklowegallery with Tiffany Studios lamps and art nouveau jewels to keep us company, we were floating on a little slice of jewelry heaven. Later in the month Unlimited Gem X members were treated to champagne and cherry blossoms at Mikimoto’s stunning 5th Avenue flagship boutique to celebrate the Royal Versailles Ball. We were completely immersed in South Sea and Akoya pearls of only the highest quality, as well as the unveiling of some of Mikimoto’s most coveted and newest jewelry designs, featuring lariat necklaces, chokers, and one of a kind suites fit for royalty. Versailles here we come!

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BOOK CLUB WRAP-UP

In late March, author M.J. Rose and co-host Levi Higgs concluded a wonderful series of discussions about our winter read, The Last Tiara. We were absolutely riveted as we finally learned the truth about Sofiya, Carpathian and the tiara! We were especially intrigued to learn more about The Midas Society in these final chapters and knew we needed to ask M.J. what inspired the Society’s headquarters. You can listen to her answer here. Excursion to the South of France anyone?

It has been such a thrilling reading adventure over the past few weeks. We have been swept into a mystery surrounding a missing Romanov tiara, characters inspired by jewelry legends like Paul Flato and M.J.’s plot twists that kept us guessing to the end. We have loved our intimate conversations with M.J. and book club host Levi Higgs. Stay tuned for a new book club pick, coming soon!

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

This month we are shining our spotlight towards the West Coast of America and one of our newest Los Angeles members. Lena Agdere has thrown herself into Gem X membership, helping out with the recent Gem X LA event visiting All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archive at The Bowers Museum. Lena and her father, Sinork Agdere, are the award-winning team behind Lord Jewelry, LA, where they produce exquisite enameled jewels inspired by fine art and high fashion. The incredibly desirable creations of Lord Jewelry manage to fuse historical inspiration with modern design techniques.

We’re sure Lena felt a connection with our recent Earth Day Gemflix, ‘River of Gold’, as Lena originally studied environmental biology and marketing and explored the Amazonian forests, conducting wildlife research on isolated islands. The natural world and history continues to inspire Lena especially when combined with technical skill and visual artistry, all elements on show in their work at Lord Jewelry. Lena is in love with color, her favorite gemstone is an Emerald and her dream jewels are boldly colorful and luxurious. We would love to travel back in time with Lena to her jewelry heaven – experiencing Art Deco jewels in all their glory and heartily agree with Lena and Sinork’s message of making a vibrant mark on the world while reveling in beautiful color.

@lordjewelry https://lordjewelry.us/

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

This month we are shining our spotlight towards the west coast of America and one of our newest Los Angeles members. Lena Agdere has thrown herself into Gem X membership, helping out with the recent Gem X LA event visiting All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archive at The Bowers Museum. Lena and her father, Sinork Agdere, are the award-winning team behind Lord Jewelry, LA, where they produce exquisite enameled jewels inspired by fine art and high fashion. The incredibly desirable creations of Lord Jewelry manage to fuse historical inspiration with modern design techniques.

Interestingly, Lena originally studied environmental biology and marketing and explored the Amazonian forests, conducting wildlife research on isolated islands. The natural world and history continues to inspire Lena especially when combined with technical skill and visual artistry, all elements on show in their work at Lord Jewelry. Lena is in love with color, her favorite gemstone is an emerald and her dream jewels are boldly colorful and luxurious. We would love to travel back in time with Lena to her jewelry heaven – experiencing Art Deco jewels in all their glory and heartily agree with Lena and Sinork’s message of making a vibrant mark on the world while reveling in beautiful color.

Member Directory

LAST TIME ON GEMFLIX...

Gem X hosted two Gemflix this month. The first made us consider the origins and practices around the world’s most beautiful natural materials with an Earth Day screening and discussion of the documentary ‘River of Gold’. We hosted this special Gemflix event in partnership with The Jewelry Edit, Radical Jewelry Makeover and Amazon Aid. If this Gemflix piqued your interest in ethical mining, London members can join fellow member and responsible mining expert, Stuart Pool, for a discussion on this topic.

For our second April Gemflix we were invited into the studio, and incredible creative world, of Studio Renn. Founded by husband and wife team, Roshni and Rahul Jhaveri, their work has become know for pushing the boundaries of design and materials. We were mesmerised by the jewels we were shown, such as this “Orange Peel”where rubies are magically tucked inside the diamond encrusted peel. The play between gems, gold, and light is simply magical and a testament to the creative imagination that Rahul and Roshni put into every one of their designs.

ACCESS ARCHIVES OF 120+ GEMFLIX REPLAYS
Replays are available to all members of Gem X

Gem X on Slack

GEM X ON SLACK ...

Don’t forget to join in the chat on the Gem X Slack Channel. Gem X members hail from all over the world, our Slack channel gives you an easy and friendly way to chat, collaborate and dish about all things gems n’ jewels. This month it has information and chats for members planning to attend TEFAF and GemGenève.

 Missed the email about Gem X and Slack? Write to us at assistant@gemx.club and we’ll be happy to help!

WHAT'S COMING UP...

London | Tuesday, May 3rd

DISCOVERING ETHICAL GEMSTONES As we celebrated Earth Day we stopped to appreciate the beautiful nature that surrounds us and also to question the gems we have the opportunity to see. Where do they come from and at what cost? Fellow member and responsible mining expert Stuart Pool has agreed to host a discussion on the topic and a miniature ethical gem fair for us and our friends.  RSVP HERE

NYC | Friday, May 6th 

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART’S HEIRLOOM PROJECT BAZAAR 

Led by iconic textile and home designer Madeline Weinrib, the Heirloom Project celebrates the 10th anniversary of The Met’s reimagined Islamic Wing by seeking engagement with global craftspeople who pursue ancient techniques and design principles. For Gem X members only. RSVP HERE.

NYC | Saturday & Sunday, May 7th & 8th

MEET THE EXPERTS AT TEFAF 2022

Together with TEFAF, we invite you to discover jewelry up close upon the fair’s return to the Park Avenue Armory. In a special gathering in the jewel-like Veteran’s Room on Saturday May 7th, Didier & Martine Haspalaugh (Didier Ltd.) and Christian Hemmerle (Hemmerle) will each present a special jewel that holds a hidden story. Following the discussion on Saturday, we invite you to stay for a tour of the fair.  We will see the full breadth of jewels at Didier and Hemmerle’s booths, as well as visit the other exhibitors including Otto Jakob, FD Gallery and Ana Khouri.  You also have the option of making a Sunday May 8th reservation, which will include a TEFAF jewelry tour beginning at 1pm.

RSVP HERE

NYC | Wednesday, May 11th

JILL PLATNER & “THE DOCTORS BLACKWELL” 

 A Studio Reception Hosted by Jill Platner, Janice P. Nimura & Marion Fasel. Over the course of the past decade, sculptor and jeweler Jill Platner has been painstakingly renovating 165 Crosby Street, on the corner of Manhattan’s Bleecker and Crosby Streets. In a special evening reception hosted with jewelry historian and author Marion Fasel, we will learn more about the history of the building and the legacy of the pioneering women who made history in the space as well as exploring Jill’s “Blackwell” collection, inspired by these women and their stories.  

RSVP HERE

London | Thursday, May 12th

DESIGNING WITH HANNAH MARTIN 

Join us for a visit to “cult jeweller” Hannah Martin’s new design studio – The Loft – and a window into her creative process, including the opportunity to sit down and try our own hand at designing with Hannah. Hannah has invited us each to bring along a jewel we have been considering reimagining and to join her for an intimate, inspirational workshop. Not an artist or no jewel comes to mind? Not to worry, there will be plenty of inspiration on hand.

RSVP HERE

Versailles, France | Saturday, May 21st

THE ROYAL VERSAILLES BALL

A glorious night in May of fine cuisine, reeling, bubbles, fireworks and entertainment, all in support of the charities Unicef UK, Lewa and Street Child. Gem X is hosting a table and has invited members to join us in France.

The table is currently full, but you can join the waitlist by emailing: events@gemx.club.

 

Not a member yet? Learn about joining us HERE.

That’s it for this month!  For questions and comments, please drop us a note here.

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Gem X Core Collection | Terms and Conditions

1. DEFINITIONS: “Gem X” refers to Gem X LLC, who has lent a given piece of jewelry to Customer. “Jewelry” refers to any piece of jewelry identified above that is being lent to Customer by Gem X on memo for a period not to exceed six weeks. “Loan Period” refers to the period of time which Gem X agrees to lend the Jewelry to Customer.

2. APPLICABILITY: These Terms and Conditions govern and apply to a one year membership in the Gem X Core Collection Program. Customer agrees that by accepting these Terms and Conditions, Gem X is authorized to charge Customer’s credit Card on file the full price of a one year membership. Customer further agrees that by accepting these Terms and Conditions, Customer’s membership in the Gem X Core Collection program will automatically renew one year from the expiration of the term of membership, and Customer’s credit card will be charged for each annual membership renewal. Customer acknowledges that should Customer seek to cancel Customer’s membership at any time during each one year membership term, Customer will not be entitled to any refund for any portion of the one year membership term prior to which the Customer cancelled membership. Customer agrees that Customer may only avoid an automatic membership renewal (and corresponding credit card charge) by canceling Customer’s membership in writing via email to members@gemx.club at least 24 hours prior to the expiration of the term of Customer’s one year Gem X Core Collection Program membership. Nothing herein shall be construed as implying any obligation on Gem X’s part to continue or cancel Customer’s membership at any time. Gem X reserves the right to cancel Customer’s membership in the Gem X Core Collection Program, and further reserves the right to decline to renew Customer’s membership in the Gem X Core Collection Program, for any reason including but not limited to a violation of any of these Terms and Conditions.

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4. CORE COLLECTION AGREEMENT: Customer agrees that by signing below, via Docusign or by clicking a check-box acknowledging acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, Customer shall be part of the Gem X Core Collection program, in which Gem X shall, in Gem X’s sole discretion, lend Customer on memo one or more pieces of Jewelry to be selected by Gem X for a period not to exceed six (6) weeks. At the end of the Loan Period, Customer agrees that it shall ship the Jewelry back to Gem X via the pre-printed Federal Express label to be e-mailed to Customer by Gem X.

5. INSPECTION: Customer acknowledges that Customer has inspected the Jewelry upon taking possession thereof, finds it in good and undamaged condition, with no damaged or missing stones or components, and finds it suitable for Customer’s needs. To the extent that Customer finds the Jewelry to have any damage, or damaged or missing stones or components whatsoever upon receipt of the Jewelry, Customer shall promptly notify Gem X of any damage to the Jewelry, or damaged or missing stones or components, within one (1) business day of receipt. Notice shall be provided to Customer via email, and shall include photographs of any damage to the Jewelry, and/or damaged or missing stones or components. Customer further acknowledges and agrees that should Customer fail to notify Gem X of any damage to the Jewelry, or damaged or missing stones or components, within one (1) business day of receipt of the Jewelry: (a) Customer waives any claim that the Jewelry arrived with any damage whatsoever; (b) Customer will be responsible for reimbursing Gem X for any damage to the Jewelry, or damaged or missing stones or components, as further described in paragraph 5.

6. RETURN OF JEWELRY/CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE: At the expiration of the Loan Period, Customer shall return the Jewelry as specified in paragraph 3. Upon receipt of the Jewelry by Gem X, Gem X shall inspect the Jewelry for any damage to the Jewelry and damaged or missing stones or components. Should Gem X determine, in its sole discretion, that there is any damage to the Jewelry, or that there are any damaged or missing stones or components, or that the Jewelry has been tampered with in any way such that it is not in the condition that it was in at the commencement of the Loan Period, Gem X shall notify Customer in writing within ten (10) business days of receipt of the Jewelry. Gem X shall make any repairs and/or replace any damaged or missing stones at its sole discretion, and shall invoice Customer in writing for the full cost of said repairs within ten (10) business days of such repairs being made. Customer hereby agrees and consents that Gem X may charge Customer’s credit card on file within two (2) days of Gem X sending the above Invoice without further notice to Customer. Customer further agrees and acknowledges that, should Customer fail to return the Jewelry within five (5) business days of the expiration of the Loan Period, Gem X may invoice Customer for the full replacement cost of the Jewelry, and may charge Customer’s credit card of file within two (2) days of Gem X sending the above Invoice without further notice to Customer.

7. TITLE/NO PURCHASE OPTION/NO LIENS: These Terms and Conditions do not constitute a contract of sale, and title to the Jewelry shall at all times remain with Gem X. Gem X may offer Customer the option to purchase the Jewelry in Gem X’s sole discretion, but any such purchase of the Jewelry by Customer shall be the subject of a further contract or agreement. Customer shall keep the Jewelry free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, and under no circumstances shall Customer use the Jewelry as collateral or security for any type of loan whatsoever. Customer shall not lease, assign, loan, or rent the Jewelry to any individual or entity.

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9. NON-WAIVER: Any failure of Gem X to insist on strict performance by Customer or any of these Terms and Conditions shall not be construed as a waiver of Gem X’s right to demand strict compliance.

10. HEADINGS FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY: Headings of any paragraph or provision in these Terms and Conditions are for convenience and organization only. Headings shall not affect the meaning of any provisions of these Terms and Conditions.

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12. SEVERABILITY: If any part or sub-part of these Terms and Conditions is deemed or held invalid or unenforceable by a court of law or competent arbitrator, the remaining Terms and Conditions will be enforced to the maximum extent possible. In such circumstances, the remainder of these Terms and Conditions shall continue in full force.

13. JURISDICTION/COSTS: Gem X and Customer agree that New York law shall govern any matter or dispute relating to or arising out of this Agreement, as well as any dispute of any kind that may arise between Gem X and Customer. In the event litigation is initiated, Gem X and Customer agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of the following county: New York, New York. Gem X and Customer agree that this choice of law, venue, and jurisdiction provision is not permissive, but rather mandatory in nature. Customer agrees to pay all reasonable costs of collection, court, attorney’s fees, and other expenses incurred by Gem X in the collection of any charges due under these Terms and Conditions or in connection with the enforcement of these Terms and Conditions.

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15. CRIMINAL WARNING: Failure to return the Jewelry at the end of the Loan Period may be considered theft subject to criminal prosecution pursuant to the applicable penal or penal code provisions.

 

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