Gem X members in New York were treated to a private viewing of Doyle’s upcoming Fine and Important Jewelry Sale. With the place to ourselves, we went case by case fawning over the beautiful antique necklaces, charming hat pins, and link bracelets from different eras. We were especially enchanted by two Lalique Brooches featuring delicate Plique-à-Jour and magical moonstones. It was the perfect way to spend a sunny, Sunday morning.
Gem X London gathered at the Goldsmith Centre for a studio visit with Emefa Cole and Benjamin Hawkins. A jewelling artist and Diaspora Jewelry curator at the V&A, Emefa Cole’s work uses a brooding combination of hefty materials, precious stones and elevated craft to create artistic relics. In turn, Benjamin Hawkins is a bench trained jeweller and resident designer at the Sarabande Foundation, who focuses on bespoke commissions using a range of innovative techniques, materials and fine craftsmanship. Members had the opportunity to learn the stunning craft of gouache painting with core member Inesa of Draw Me A Jewel. Under Inesa’s instruction, we mastered line work, dimensions of color and understanding of light and tone. We brought to life transparent, translucent and opaque gemstones through a mix of toned paper, gauche and marker. At a trip to Gem-A Senior gemmology tutor Pat Daly FGA, DGA and tutor Dr Juliette Hibou FGA DGA EG led the group through an immersive, hands-on workshop and lecture, exploring the dazzling variances of optical phenomena in a selection of gemstones, including asterism, chatoyancy, fluorescence and adularescence, seen in boulder opal, obsidian, rutilated quartz and labradorite.
The last few chapters of Forgetting to Remember by M.J. Rose are wrapping up this month with Gem X Book Club. Join M.J. and Levi Higgs on Sunday, May 12th for an intimate look into the book and discuss the conclusion of Jeannine Maycroft’s journey. To register for the event, please click here. If you have not ordered your copy of the book, you may purchase here.
We are thrilled to welcome our new members this month.
Jessica R. San Jose, CA | Lindsey F. New York City, NY | Rachel B. New York City, NY | Susan D. Montclaire, NJ
Not a Gem X Member? We would love to have you join us on our exclusive adventures. Start your application here.
The Indian city of Jodhpur is home to a rich and storied jewelry community. Stone, gold and metal workers in Jodhpur have honed their crafts over years of training and studying time-honored techniques to produce creations native to the region and its surrounding culture. We were delighted to host a conversation that explored the hidden details and techniques of Jodhpur’s jewel craft, revealing their everyday workings, ancient specialisms and exquisite relics.
EXPLORING THE JEWELER’S ART IN JODHPUR, INDIA
In case you missed out on the Inesa Kovalova’s in person event, you should check out our Gemflix with her as she introduced us to the art of gouache and demonstrate the techniques used to draw diamonds. Trained at Central Saint Martins, Inesa has worked with houses like Van Cleef & Arpels and led gouache courses for organizations like the V&A.
DRAWING DIAMONDS WITH INESA KOVALOVA
NYC | Wednesday, May 8th
THE CRAFT OF WAX CARVING BY PAGE SARGISSON
The ancient art of wax carving is a core technique in jewelry-making, giving each piece a unique fingerprint that reminds wearers of the maker’s touch. We’re delighted to invite you to explore this art, with Park Slope-based designer Page Sargisson. Join us for a private wax-carving demonstration with Page to see her creative process, followed by a viewing of her joyful, spring-perfect jewels. RSVP HERE
London | Thursday, May 9th
THE STORY OF JEREMY MAY’S BOOK JEWELS The story behind a jewel is what forges a connection with the wearer – but what if a story is what made up the jewel itself? Join us for an evening at Jeremy’s studio, in which he will present his ‘wearable narrative’ jewels and explain more about his fascinating process and love of preserving stories. RSVP HERE
Online | Sunday, May 12th
FORGETTING TO REMEMBER WITH M.J. ROSE We’re delighted to invite you to the second installation of the first Gem X Book club of 2024, featuring the latest novel from author M.J. Rose, Forgetting to Remember. As part of our book club, we invite M.J. to be an intimate part of our reading journey. We recommend reading the the second half of the book, chapters 18-36, by 12th May. RSVP HERE
NYC | Tuesday, May 14th
COMING HOME WITH CADAR JEWELRY In celebration of this wonderful affirmation, we’re delighted to invite you to an exclusive preview of CADAR Jewelry’s latest collection, HOME. A modern luxury jewelry house established in 2015, CADAR specializes in 18kt gold and diamond jewelry inspired by Founder/Creative Director Michal Kadar’s multi-disciplinary interests. RSVP HERE
Gemflix | Thursday, June 6th
IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE LINE: CARTIER ART DECO DESIGNS OF 1910-1930s We are delighted to host a conversation on this enrapturing period of Cartier’s creative growth and within it, explore the secrets and signatures of the period’s elegant hallmarks. Joining us for this fascinating discussion is jewelry historian Olivier Bachet. RSVP HERE