Meeting place of the gemstone elite
On Friday, 30 September the INTERGEM 2016 commences in Idar-Oberstein. It will be opened by the Rhineland-Palatinate business minister Dr. Volker Wissing – underscoring the significance of the trade fair for the industry of the state. Because the four-day fair is the most important event for the local gemstone sector. “There is no comparable trade event with such an exclusive range of gemstones, diamonds, pearls, jewellery, equipment and expertise. The INTERGEM enjoys a worldwide reputation for this,” says the fair’s Managing Director, Kai-Uwe Hille. “Here jewellers, goldsmiths, designers and manufacturers can find a comprehensive selection in all price segments.” The unique feature here is the concentrated expertise of the approximately 120 exhibitors and the anticipated 3,000 visitors who will stream in over the course of one weekend from all over the world. Hille: “All key actors in the sector are present. The gemstone know-how of the globally-linked participants is unique of its kind.”
The support programme will see acclaimed experts provide information on current news and trends. For example, the Deutsche Gemmologische Gesellschaft – German gemological society – is staging a workshop on the recognition of synthetic diamonds. One particular focus of the fair this year is the Paraiba tourmaline. Its beauty and rareness make it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. “By the way, the potential of the Paraiba was first discovered by cutters from Idar-Oberstein, who triggered the hype,” reports the fair manager. “But this precious gemstone variant is not the only thing that the numerous exhibitors have brought along. Each year there are many beautiful and scarce objects to discover. Many of the gemstones presented at the INTERGEM are almost impossible to find on the world markets.” In addition, most of the exhibitors have an unbeatable home advantage: they can turn to their comprehensive stocks at their cutting operations, constantly replenishing the range on display.
All those who feel part of the international gemstone community should be sure not to miss the INTERGEM 2016 from 30 September to 3 October.