If tulips are starting to bloom, then it’s time for another edition of Baselworld. That annual luxury fair of high-end, big brand name jewelry and watches that takes place in Basel, Switzerland April 25–May 2, is a must-attend affair for many in the industry. As I nail down press appointments for next week, I’m taking note of some of novelties that will be unveiled. Here’s a sampling, but expect to see more as opening day draws nearer.
Bayco, Hall 1.1 Stand E09. New York City-based Bayco is debuting The Stellar Green, a 20 ct. t.w. old mine (mined more than 200 years ago) Colombian emerald set in a diamond micro pavé-set ring. The Stellar Green was re-cut to an old French cushion cut to bring out the brilliance of the material.
The Stellar Green from Bayco
Mikimoto at Hall 1.1 Stand C09. Mikimoto is an absolute must-see at Baselworld, as it routinely debuts masterfully made one-of-a-kind jewels in its booth windows that stop passersby dead in their tracks. This year, the firm is touting a 120th anniversary collection, which, I have no doubt, will be a highlight. (Last year’s Mikimoto post proved to be one of the most well trafficked of all the Live From Baselworld coverage.)
Yvel at Hall 2.2 Stand G20. This Jersusalem-based pearl jewelry design firm operated by Isaac and Orna Levy is known for its stunning baroque styles, and for the owners’ big hearts (the couple runs a school to benefit a select group of Israeli immigrants). This year, look for its new Satin Sea collection of freshwater and South Sea pearls made with Yvel’s signature organic-looking satin finish in gold, combining the aesthetics of both sea and earth.
Pieces from the new Satin Sea collection from Yvel
William Goldberg at Hall 3.0 Stand B01. Whenever JCK needs big diamonds for a photo shoot, William Goldberg is always at the top of my call list. That’s because the Goldberg family—Eve is one of the principals—seems to have some kind of a direct line to mines and/or dealers so that when big rocks are plucked from the earth, most seem to end up in Eve’s hands, and in some outrageously gorgeous and over-the-top BIG diamond designs. If you have the budget of a Middle Eastern oil baron and want dinner plate-size diamond designs, head directly to the William Goldberg stand at Baselworld.
Shinola at Hall 1.2 Stand A23. Shinola is a fine watch (and bicycle brand, read story here) that aims to help bring back American watch manufacturing. Made in Detroit, the handmade pieces feature Swiss quartz movements assembled entirely in a new state-of-the-art facility in Motor City. New York City-based Viewpoint Showroom is representing them in the U.S.
First Shinola watch (sold out), new styles to debut at Baselworld
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