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THE EXTRA

THE TOPAZ ISSUE | 2021

WHAT GEM X HAS BEEN UP TO

Gem X LA: Bonhams Wearable Art sale

 
What a notable fall sale season for Bonhams! We recently previewed not only the London Hercules II sale (see below), but also the historic (and first of its kind) Wearable Art sale at a special VIP event + discussion in LA. The accomplished panelists Sarah Davis, Emily Miller Waterfall, Loren Nicole & Victoria Gomelsky explored complex facets of jewelry as art in the scope of the Crawford collection with 300+ highly collectible works by Picasso, Cooke, Monongya, and more. As Victoria beautifully elaborated on the Monongya’s inlay cuff seen here, a “cosmology of beauty and harmony.” The energetic Oct 12 sale saw $1.7 million in results with several auction records.
 

Gem X NYC: Sunset Cruise

 

Gem X NYC took to the seas on a Bejeweled Sunset Cruise adventure around the NY harbor, hosted by Aline Shapiro. Donning our best nautical jewels (we spied pearl rings and necklaces, anchor pendants, and golden knots, among other seafaring gems) we gathered with jewelry friends to enjoy the most beautiful of sunsets and skylines. While no necklaces were tossed overboard, we did not hold back on the stories, cocktails or laughter.  Can all Sundays end like that one?

Gem X London: Lyon & Turnbull

It was an evening of glam rocks and glam company. A tremendous thank you to Charlotte Peel, Ruth Davis and the rest of the team at Lyon and Turnbull for sharing their new exhibition “Glam Rocks: British Jewelry from the 1970s” with us in such style. We discussed why the 1970s was a time of such innovative jewelry design in the UK; including a gorgeous watermelon tourmaline necklace by Gillian Packard; delved into the relationship between jewelry and the fashion of the time, and caught up with old and new jewelry friends.

Oh and leave it to Gem X member Sarah Duncan to spot a necklace calling out to also be a tiara, a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels jewel which looks incredible both around the neck and on the head

Gem X London: A Private Preview of The Hercules Collection Part II at Bonhams

Paddles up for the Hercules Collection Part II at Bonhams. A huge thank you to Marina Vieira and the team at Bonhams for our private tour of more than 250 lots of primarily antique jewelry. As well as marvelling at the beauty of 17th century posy rings and Victorian snake rings, we learned about the many layers of meaning in each piece. Take, for example, the stunning memorial ring, dated 1781, in our gallery above. If you look closely, the ivory is exquisitely painted in sepia to depict a figure mourning under a weeping willow tree. The collection went on sale on the 14th October.

Gem X London: Private View of 'Cocktales: A Hedonistic History of the Right-hand Ring' with Stephen Webster

What a beautiful evening Gem X had at Stephen Webster’s Mayfair salon. Stephen and his salon manager Elena were consummate hosts, welcoming us into their stunning space to view the even more stunning cocktail rings on display, all from their current exhibition. Stephen shared his stories of celebrity clients, favourite designs and brilliant inspiration. The common ingredient throughout was Stephen’s love of the cocktail ring. A carefree jewel that is the embodiment of a party, a celebration for the sake of celebrating, and a showcase of independence and personality. We found that Stephen’s rings tell tales almost as well as their creator, who serves his straight up with a tangy twist of humor (fitting for a designer whose cocktail of choice is the gin martini). Huge thanks to Stephen, Elena and Dalia Daou for hosting us, and cheers to the cocktail ring.

Have more photos from any of our events? Tag us at @gemxclub or #gemxlondon #gemxnyc

ONLINE: GEMFLIX ROUND-UP

DISCOVERING THE CHEAPSIDE HOARD

On Wednesday 6th October, Gemflix was taken on a fantastic journey of dazzling discoveries, colourful characters and magnificent gemstones. The Cheapside Hoard, a cache of the most stunning jewellery, gems from across the globe and numerous incredible, precious objects was lost for almost 300 years. We were guided through the story of its lucky discovery in 1912, the journeys that the gemstones took to arrive in London, and shown highlights of this captivating collection, from the sublime, in the most beautiful carved emerald watch to the “almost ridiculous” in the hoard’s collection of fascinating toadstones. Its tale, spanning the centuries, was told with incredible knowledge and obvious affection by Hazel Forsyth, Senior Curator at the Museum of London. The Hoard will have its own permanent display in the new Museum of London buildings opening in 2024 and a full new catalogue of the Hoard is being completed by Hazel.

                                                 

EXPLORING ARTISANAL & LARGE-SCALE MINING

We went on an epic Gemflix adventure with Richa Goyal Sikri. Richa, Singapore based journalist and storyteller, was our fearless guide on Gemflix. She whisked us on a virtual excursion to two gem mines. First stop, an artisanal mine in Sri Lanka, which produces sapphires, rubies and moonstones. Then we headed to Zambia’s Kagem mine, which produces some of the world’s oldest and most beautiful emeralds. We can’t wait to travel with you IRL Richa!

POWERFUL CALM: THE STUDIO & PROCESS OF LEEN HEYNE

This Gemflix saw us journey to The Netherlands. We headed to the small town of Tilburg in the Brabant province, where we were invited to step inside the private jewelry studio of Leen Heyne. Leen is a master goldsmith, who works with single strips of precious metal – bending, shaping and transforming them to unleash their beautiful potential.  Guest host Stephanie Carendi took us inside Leen’s studio for a conversation and live demonstration of his metallurgic magic, to experience his creative magic first hand. Leen demonstrated the many steps he goes through to achieve a perfect form, including countless iterations of bending and twisting before making the finished ring. The result speaks for itself, and we are so grateful that you opened your world up to us Leen.

Missed one of our Gemflix last month?  Catch these replays now.Gem X members have access to our entire archive of Gemflix replays. Not a member? Apply here.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

UPCOMING GEMFLIX

HIGHLIGHTS from the MINERALOGICAL AND GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, HARVARD UNIVERSITY

◆ A conversation with Curatrix, Raquel Alonso-Perez.  ◆

WEDNESDAY | November 17th, 12:00PM EST | 5:00PM GMT

Dear Jewelry Enthusiasts,

If you stroll along Oxford Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, you will notice a large red brick building among the row of historical edifices.  It houses Harvard University’s Museum of Natural History.  Walk in, and on the third floor, you will find a gallery that is of utmost interest to gem lovers, The Mineralogical and Geological Museum (MGMH).  It holds a vast collection of over 150,000 mineral samples that has been assembled since the late 18th century.  Among the 1,600+ pieces in its gem collection, the most prized is the Hamlin Necklace, pictured above.  The necklace was created by Augustus Hamlin in the late 19th century to showcase eighteen stunning tourmalines from the Mount Mica Mine he owned and operated in Maine

Join us for a virtual conversation with Raquel Alonso-Perez, curatrix of this incredible collection. Raquel will discuss the museum’s iconic pieces, including the Hamlin tourmalines, gold collected during the California Gold Rush, and historic opals that trace back to the renowned gem historian and writer George Kunz. Raquel will also offer insights on her personal passion – the formation and provenance of gold, emeralds, and diamonds.  Her research on this topic has taken her all over the world, and she is delighted to be opening up the collections of the MGMH to Gem X.

Gemflix are hosted in support of charity. In lieu of an event fee, we hope you will consider donating to The Gem X Scholarship and Grant Fund.  Please RSVP to this virtual event using the link below.  We hope you enjoy the conversation.

– Gem X

 

UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS

(NYC) SATURDAY, November 13th: SALON ART + DESIGN with SILVIA FURMANOVICH

◆  A Private Event for Gem X Members  ◆

SATURDAY | November 13th

You are cordially invited inside the Park Avenue Armory and the 10th annual Salon Art + Design Fair, for a private reception hosted by Brazilian jeweler Silvia Furmanovich and her son, Andrey Furmanovich. So many of us adore Silvia’s jewels, known for their artisanal techniques, use of novel materials and vibrant colors. You might imagine our excitement when we learned of Silvia’s latest endeavor – a home collection, to bring her craft and creativity into our living spaces. This event is open to Gem X members and their guests only. RSVP is open via link in the title.

LONDON: PRIVATE TOUR of ‘FORCE OF NATURE’ 
at the ELISABETTA CIPRIANI GALLERY

◆ Conversation with Exhibition Curator & Journalist Melanie Grant ◆

 Thursday 25th November | Mayfair 


Joy BC, Hypatia Brooch, 2021

We are delighted to offer a private evening tour of the highly anticipated new exhibition ‘Force of Nature’, guest curated by Melanie Grant, at the Elisabetta Cipriani Gallery. With this exhibition, Melanie Grant, journalist and author of ‘Coveted: Art and Innovation in High Jewelery‘, continues her mission to dismantle the boundaries between art and jewellery by inviting renowned artists to express their connection to nature through wearable sculpture.

An absolute must for contemporary jewellery lovers, ‘Force of Nature’ features 40 jewels dedicated to naturalism and the evolution of our relationship with the outside world, embracing both figurative and abstract approaches. The exhibition includes work by some of the world’s most talented artists and designers, like Ai Weiwei, Andrew Grima, Bibi van der Velden, Frank Stella, Satta Matturi, Ute Decker and Wallace Chan. We cannot wait to hear from Melanie, first-hand, about her inspiration and to see the exhibition.

JEWELRY SOCIAL DIARY

Looking for some jewelry activities? Don’t forget to check out our Social Diary!

SIMPLY BRILLIANT: ARTIST-JEWELERS OF THE 1960’S AND 1970’S 

USA – This exhibition at the Cincinnati Art Museum features approximately 120 pieces represents a single collector’s interest and explores the international renaissance in fine jewelry in the 1960s and ’70s. 

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CARTIER ET LES ARTS DE L’ISLAM

FRANCE – This exhibition shows the influences of the arts of Islam on the production of jewelry and precious objects at Maison Cartier from the beginning of the 20th Century to the present day. It traces the interest in oriental motifs through more than 500 objects.

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FABERGE IN LONDON: ROMANCE TO REVOLUTION

UK – The V&A’s new exhibition will explore master goldsmith, Carl Fabergé – whose internationally recognised firm symbolised Russian craftsmanship, luxury and elegance – and the Anglo-Russian relationship which saw the opening of a London branch in 1903.

READ MORE

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GEM GENEVE

SWITZERLAND – Connect to the global community of gem & jewellery dealers, enthusiasts and innovative designers. Gem Genève, created by exhibitors for exhibitors, sets a free-spirited stage where passion meets expertise and education.

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GEM X SLACK

 

Slack chats on the Gem X channel have been lively this month. There’s been lots of talk of favourite gem and jewelery based movies , tv shows and books – Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Crown, Lupin to name a few. There was also a podcast recommendation – Thrive by Design: Business and Marketing Strategy for Fashion, Jewelry and Creative Brands.

Chats to connect with this month:

#gemgeneve #nyc-events #london-events #jewelrydetectives #jobs-networking

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

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.

3. AUTHORITY TO SIGN: Any individual signing below, via Docusign or by clicking a check-box acknowledging acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, represents and warrants that he or she is of legal age and has the authority and powder to sign below or check the box accepting these Terms and Conditions, either on his or her own behalf or on behalf of the Customer.

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.

8. ENTIRE AGREEMENT/ONLY AGREEMENT: These Terms and Conditions shall constitute the entire agreement between Gem X and Customer, and shall supersede all prior agreements, understandings and negotiations between Gem X and Customer with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any modifications to these Terms and Conditions must be made in writing and signed by Gem X and Customer.

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.

11. NO CONSTRUCTION AGAINST DRAFTER: Customer acknowledges that he or she has read these Terms and Conditions, and has agreed to all of the terms hereunder. Customer further agrees that any ambiguity in any of these Terms and Conditions shall not be construed against Gem X on the basis that Gem X authored the same.

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.

14. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES/CHECK BOXES: Customer agrees that execution and/or acceptance of these Terms and Conditions via Docusign, by clicking a check-box below, or via other electronic means, has the same force and effect as signing in ink.

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.

 

I Agree to the Terms and Conditions