GemGenève 2026 concluded its landmark 10th edition on a high note, drawing record visitor numbers and reaffirming its position as one of the most influential and intellectually vibrant events in the international gem and jewellery calendar.
Held from 7 to 10 May 2026 at Palexpo in Geneva, the fair welcomed 5,365 unique visitors from 109 countries and recorded a total of 8,009 visits, surpassing the attendance figures achieved in 2025. The event brought together 249 exhibitors, including leading gemstone dealers, antique jewellery specialists, contemporary designers, emerging talents, artisans, and cultural institutions.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and a slowdown in certain markets, GemGenève sent a clear signal that the appetite for rarity, craftsmanship, and exceptional gemstones remains strong. According to co-founder Ronny Totah, exhibitors reported high-quality discussions, strong energy, and an environment particularly conducive to business. Co-founder Thomas Faerber described the edition as a “vintage year,” noting robust participation from European buyers and widespread interest from exhibitors eager to return in 2027.
One of the key trends at this year’s edition was the growing demand for untreated gemstones. Buyers showed strong interest in non-oiled Colombian emeralds, Kashmir sapphires, and unheated Mozambique rubies, reflecting an increasingly discerning market that places a premium on rarity, provenance, and natural integrity.
The Designers’ Village, curated by Nadège Totah, was once again a highlight. Featuring three New Designers and five Emerging Talents, the platform attracted collectors, talent scouts, and international professionals, creating opportunities for collaborations and helping promising artists gain global visibility.
GemGenève also continued to distinguish itself through its strong cultural and educational programming. Visitors were invited to explore the temporary exhibition Shaping Matter, Enhancing Beauty, which showcased museum-quality objects crafted from jade, coral, amber, horn, and agate, with loans from the Baur Foundation Museum of Far Eastern Art and the Museum of Art and History of Geneva. Interactive workshops with lapidaries, gemmologists, and engravers further underscored the event’s commitment to preserving and transmitting rare jewellery-making skills.
Since its launch in 2018, GemGenève has evolved into far more than a trade show. Conceived by exhibitors and rooted in values of transparency, expertise, and human connection, it has become a unique meeting place where business, artistry, and scholarship intersect. As the organisers noted, the event continues to serve as a strategic platform where trust and high-quality interactions remain the true drivers of the global jewellery market.
The next edition of GemGenève is scheduled to take place from 11 to 14 May 2027 in Geneva.