Happy Father’s Day to all the paterfamilias—past and present—who made the jewelry industry great and carry us forward! This week, get ready for what Christie’s is calling the “sale of the century” at 20 Rockefeller Center in New York City. Nearly 8,000 miles away in Mumbai, India, the Intersessional meeting of the Kimberley Process will soon be underway, and in L.A.’s fashion district, SoCal jewelers can take the temperature of what cool girls will be buying this fall/holiday with the help of some indie designers and agents.
Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting: June 17–21
The annual Intersessional meeting of the Kimberley Process (KP) is set to take place this week in Mumbai, India. Its purpose is for invitation-only participants from around the globe to review and reform the Kimberley Process. According to the World Diamond Council (WDC), an industry organization focused on preventing conflict diamonds from entering the global supply chain, preserving the value attached to natural diamonds, and who will be attending the meeting: “Decisions that are taken over the next six months, as part of the review and reform process, will reverberate for years to come and impact lives and livelihoods all the way up and down the diamond value chain.” Sounds intense—we’ll be checking the KP website at the WDC blog for updates.
Designers and Agents Trade Show/Marketplace: June 17–19
SoCal jewelry pros can get a window on the fashion and lifestyle products coming out this fall/holiday at Designers and Agents, which is worth a quick visit if you’re targeting a young, discerning, and stylish customer (even if it’s just to do a little personal shopping). This super-relaxed, thoughtfully curated show features a small group of mostly undiscovered artisan makers and designers, including Denver-based CLP Jewelry (whose work is pictured above). It’s conveniently located in a downtown L.A. events space that’s not too from the jewelry district, and entry is free to trade, press, and retailers (just show your business card).
Christie’s Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence Auction: June 19
Featuring nearly 400 jewels and objects spanning 500 years, the Christie’s New York Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence auction showcases an unprecedented group of jewels, gemstones, and decorative objects from the Mughal period to the age of the maharajas. Exploring the creative dialogue between India and the West, these significant historical pieces are complemented by important 20th-century creations from the houses of Bulgari, Cartier, and Mauboussin, Bhagat, and JAR. The sale is being marketed as a landmark event that’s expected to exceed the record for its most valuable jewelry auction to date (the Christie’s December 2011 Elizabeth Taylor sale, which totaled $144 million, is the one to beat).
Top: Brooch with pear-shape, rose-cut, and circular diamonds, and a 20.03 ct. emerald bead in platinum, signed “Bhagat.” Estimate: $100,000–$150,000. The bidding for Christie’s Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence auction starts June 19.
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