Thanks to its early date in the trade fair calendar, this industry gathering is considered an important indicator for the coming season. The wide range of exhibitors' offerings from all sectors of the industry provides visitors with a comprehensive overview of new collections, new brands, and new technologies.
The 37th International Trade Fair for Watches, Jewellery, Gemstones, Pearls and Technology will take place from 19 to 22 February 2010 in Munich. The organiser – Messe München International – expects participation from over 1,200 exhibitors from more than 45 countries and, as in the previous year, 30,000 trade visitors. They will have the opportunity to view the products and services presented in six halls with a total area of 64,500 m²2 and covering practically all market sectors.
Fashion and design
The keyword facilitating movement around the trade fair will undoubtedly be... fashion. To support visitors in the difficult process of decision-making and placing orders, as well as to streamline orientation in market trends, the organiser has arranged an „instruction” in the form of numerous seminars, lectures and special shows. Among them, lectures on current trends in jewellery (Irmine Schüch-Schamburek), coloured gemstones (Peter Welchering and Dr Ulrich Henn), as well as on new diamond cuts (Sir Gabriel Tolkowsky) look promising. Panel discussions („How much design does a brand need?” and „The renaissance of retail trade – winners in difficult times?”), translated into English or German, are also aimed at the trade public.
Traditionally, particular emphasis was placed on contemporary design. Hall C2 has for years been considered one of the most important (if not the most important) venues for the presentation of modern jewellery design. As part of the Concept Forum, Innovation Forum, the BrandNew-NewBrand platform, and the Goldsmiths' Forum, they presented their new products on an area of 10,000 m2 it will showcase 350 exhibitors from all over the world. Selected jewellery by exhibitors from the Design Podium will be exhibited on the Designers’ Avenue. One of the leading themes of the numerous special exhibitions planned under the slogan „Modern Silver” is, among other things, the presentation of exhibits from the famous Sterckshof Silver Museum in Antwerp. The exhibition „150 Years of the German Gemstone Museum“ from Idar-Oberstein also promises to be attractive, as does the subsequent edition of the „mineralART“ competition addressed to young creators, who this time will tackle the theme „Adventure with Jasper“. Creative ideas in the field of gemstones will be provided by the joint project of the school in Trier (Germany) and Lappeenranta (Finland) entitled „Stone Matters“, and as part of the „Signs of the Times” exhibition, jewellery and gemstone designers will jointly present their achievements. Fans of fancy cuts will be satisfied by the competitive exhibition for the Deutscher Schmuck- und Edelsteinpreis Idar-Oberstein 2009 (German Jewellery and Gemstone Award).
The event of the highest importance in the field of design is certainly the Innovationspreis competition, the aim of which is to support innovative jewellery design that points in new directions. This year, to mark its 10th anniversary, a „virtual exhibition” of previously awarded works has been planned online. Over this time, the competition has gained the reputation of being one of the most important on a global scale. In the upcoming edition, around 200 designers will take part, competing for prizes of 2,000 euros in the categories of Jewellery, Platinum and Silver Objects.
Amber in Munich
Polish amber jewellery manufacturers value the Inhorgenta Europe trade fair for several reasons, including the opportunity to network with international clients, its professional organisation, and invaluable inspiration. Amber has enjoyed a loyal following there for years – which perhaps explains the growing interest in the event from Lithuanian companies over the last few years. And although the list of exhibitors in the amber sector features only seventeen entries, there will certainly be many more companies offering this type of jewellery. At the Polish stands alone, the „gold of the North” can be found in as many as 12 locations: usually set in silver and gold, featuring classic or modern designs, and sometimes combined with other coloured gemstones. Meanwhile, Lithuanians specialise in pure amber ornaments, although they too are slowly starting to use precious metal settings. Interesting specimen lumps, as well as extraordinary jewellery, have been offered for years by the Swiss company Cool Design. Among the German companies, it is certainly worth visiting the stand of the German firm Günther Herrling, which has specialised in this production sector for over 50 years. It is also worth looking out for „amber” in the offerings of other companies or designers who are not generally associated with it – the stone is valued for its aesthetic qualities and is readily combined with other stones in gorgeous necklaces, bracelets or chokers, such as in the collections of Atelier Michael Zobel or Ehinger-Schwarz.
This year we will not see S&A and Art7 in Munich. They will be replaced by inhorgent newcomers: NAC New Amber Collection, Silv-Art and ABK-Styl.
37th Inhorgenta Europe International Trade Fair for Watches, Jewellery, Precious Stones, Pearls and Technology
New Exhibition Grounds
19-22 February 2010
Trade fair for professionals only