Interviews

Exclusive interview with Mr. Carlo Palmiero, Owner of Palmiero Carlo Srl

Why do you insist on personally presenting your jewellery, in the media and the prestigious jewellery fairs?

It’s a great pleasure for me to meet personally with customers during the international fairs and to exchange points of view with them, in most cases by establishing an informal conversation that goes beyond the usual relationship between customer and seller. In my opinion the customer is the trustworthy reference, he confirms me if I worked well, he constantly gives me the enthusiasm to continue my challenge.

Briefly, what philosophy is at the core of Palmiero jewellery and what characterizes the brand?

The strong personalization of the product characterizes Palmiero jewellery.

Your jewellery designs show an intense use of colored gemstones, in your opinion which comes first the design of the stone?

I conceive the jewel always considering its chances to be beautiful regardless its characteristics, both colourful and shaded other than one colour. According to me, the design comes first and the shape, consequently, suggests me the different possibilities.

In what way is Palmiero jewellery related to the world of fashion and trends?

As I often love repeating, I’m quite constantly in line with trends and fashion and I think this comes from the attention I pay to this interesting world.

Many well known brands are using new materials in jewellery such as titanium and palladium and carbon fibers, what is your view on these upcoming trends?

It’s always interesting to test new materials and this practice is usually adopted by designers, at all times curious and eager for novelties but currently, more than ever, the use of these materials in jewellery reiterates the uniqueness of gold and precious stones, always important to create the real Jewel.

Do you do customized jewellery pieces or sets?

I create jewels that come from long processing of shapes and ideas, they are not made by request nor customized, on the contrary I believe that many ideas come to my mind by observing carefully the people I meet.

What, in your opinion, distinguishes Palmiero from its competitors?

I like thinking that Palmiero doesn’t have competitors, but valid colleagues that share the efforts and the joy of creating jewels.

Many brands depend on brand ambassadors and celebrities in, marketing the brand’s image and qualities, where does Palmiero stand from these strategies?

Until now I’ve considered that the most direct way to bring my creations to the international market is to present myself and, above all, to convey the jewel as the only big performer capable to capture the viewer’s attention with its strong nature.

Do you have a strategy with regard to expanding your retail base in the Middle East?

I have planned trips in the most representative cities in order to gain knowledge of the area and to better understand what are the tastes.

What challenges do you anticipate for the region in marketing the Palmiero brand?

I hope that my jewels succeed in overcoming by themselves the great challenge of being appreciated for what they really are. They are the clear representation of a great creative effort.

How important is the UAE and the Middle East for Palmiero?

Very much, I think that historically this part of the world is naturally attracted from the Beauty and the preciousness that also jewels are able to communicate.

Are you considering the possibility of opening an independent, stand-alone boutique in the UAE and the region in the near future?

It’s in our projects.

Market News

Tiffany & Co. opens new Regional Headquarters in UAE

Tiffany & Co. has opened its regional headquarters in Dubai, UAE. Recognizing the fast growth potential of the region, Tiffany says its expansion plan will cater to the increased demand for luxury goods in emerging markets, which, according to consultancy firm Bain & Company, will be a key contributor to the anticipated eight per cent growth in worldwide luxury sales during 2011. The new headquarters will oversee business development in the Middle East, Gulf Countries, East & Central Europe, Africa, Turkey and India, placing emerging markets at the centre of Tiffany’s globalization strategy. 

UAE economy to grow 3.2 percent in 2011

Strong oil prices joined with high public spending and recovery in Dubai to boost the UAE economy by around 2.7 percent in 2010 after a contraction in 2009 and growth will pick up to nearly 3.2 per cent in 2011, according to UN forecasts. Growth will be in both oil and non-oil sectors while strong oil prices will support economic expansion and surpluses in the country’s budget and current account. The combined GDP of the UAE and its partners in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also rebounded by around 4.3 percent last year from only about 0.4 per cent in 2009 and a surge in crude prices and public expenditure will accelerate growth to 5.2 percent in 2011.

Damas opens store in Fujairah

On 20^th of June 2011, the CEO of Damas International Limited (DIL), Anan Fakhreddin has inaugurated a newly-opened Damas store in Fujairah.  The large 176 sqm street-side Les Exclusive Boutique is located on Hamad bin Abdullah Street and stocks the latest collections from the Middle East’s leading international jewellery and watch retailer’s in-house and international brands. The opening of the newly renovated store in Fujairah comes only weeks after Damas opened a ‘new-look’ store in Mercato Mall, Dubai. 

Company News

Hublot supports the Kids Earth Fund by auctioning unique timepiece

On June 23rd 2011, Hublot launch an online auction accessible via www.hublot.com, of a unique King Power Red Devil, numbered 000 of 500. All funds from the sale of this amazing timepiece will go to the “Kids Earth Fund” directly benefiting the children who continue to come to terms with the suffering and loss inflicted upon them by the events that began on that Friday in March.

Jaeger-LeCoultre and Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor introduce the new Grande Reverso Ultra Thin “Tribute to 1931” in the Middle East

Jaeger-LeCoultre is proudly announced Mohammed Sultan al Habtoor as a Friend of the Brand. Spotted wearing Jaeger-LeCoultre’s newest addition to the iconic Reverso watch line, the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin “Tribute to 1931”, Mohammed Sultan al Habtoor feels the Reverso allows him to fully express his personality - a blend of tradition and nobility with a twist of daring fashion and style attitude. Mohammed Sultan al Habtoor joins the world of Jaeger-LeCoultre which is represented by its global brand ambassadors.

Montblanc New Voices at Stars of the White Nights Event

For fifth consecutive year, Montblanc has been Sponsor Partner of Valery Gergiev’s “White Nights Festival” in St Petersburg presenting the Montblanc New Voices Award to two outstanding young singers and new members of the Montblanc family: Russian Tenor, Sergei Semishkur and the Russian bass, Mikhail Petrenko. The award ceremony was held on June 17, 2011 at the Mariinsky Theatre. The award was created for the promotion of talented young opera singers under the guidance of Valery Gergiev - longstanding friend and supporter of Montblanc. The prestigious event was attended by opera lovers, special Montblanc VIP guests and friends of the brand.

Longines - Prix de Diane Event

For the first time this year, Longines had the privilege of being the title partner in the Prix de Diane Longines. The day of June 12 was full of elegance and prestige and Maxime Guyon riding Golden Lilac won the Prix de Diane Longines. Both trainer Andre Fabre and French jockey Maxime Guyon achieved a fantastic performance by winning 4 Group races 4 courses during the afternoon. Alongside the races, the beautiful Longines Ambassadress of Elegance Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan had the pleasure to give away the Prize of Elegance “Mademoiselle Diane par Longines” to Valentine Simon. The day before, the Swiss watch brand gave a gala dinner in the Chateau de Chantilly.

Frederique Constant celebrates the 5th Anniversary of the Manufacture

On 16^th of June 2011, the Frederique Constant Group celebrated the 5th Anniversary of its Manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. Distributors, Retailers, Brand Ambassadors, Members of the Press, Friends and the company’s Staff enjoyed a great night-long party, to celebrate the great success achieved by the Brands that the group consists of today: Frederique Constant SA, Alpina Watch International SA and Ateliers deMonaco SA. During the evening, Peter Stas, Co-Founder & CEO of the Group revealed three special timepieces featuring in-house movements, one for each Brand. The wonderful party was attended by over 300 guests from around the globe.

Zenith Journeys across the Face of the Planet from the North Pole to the South Pole

ZENITH has entered into a partnership agreement with the Swedish explorer, Johan Ernst Nilson as he sets off on his Pole2Pole expedition. Johan E. Nilson will wear a special edition El Primero Stratos on his wrist during his Pole2Pole journey. Designed to withstand the harshest of conditions, this crafted chronograph will be tested in the most hostile conditions on earth. Only 500 of these numbered Stratos Pole2Pole limited-edition chronographs will be produced.

World champion wearing his Black Belt watch

Jerome Le Banner, world champion K1 wear his black belt watch. This unique timepiece features self-winding mechanical high-end movement with a frequency of 28,800 Vph entirely manufactured in Switzerland, steel 316 satin-finished and highly resistant PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) treated, processed “Alzavel waterproof” calfskin and high-tech pierced rubber that is reminiscent of a kimono’s texture. Furthermore, superimposed on 5 levels with different shades of black, the dial features engraved “Black Belt” and stamped with its emblematic representation.

Harrods Summer Sale

The world’s most celebrated sale event of the year: the Harrods Summer Sale was opened by British actress Gemma Arterton on June 18, 2011. The former Bond Girl and Glamour Awards Film Actress of the Year for 2011 was dressed in a sexy black spangly sequin dress by Balmain selected by Harrods By Appointment personal shopping service. Gemma was welcomed by Executive Director and Head of General Investment Portfolio of Qatar Holding and Harrods board member, Dr Kamel Maamria. Also invited to the event was ex-Chairman of Harrods Mohamed Al Fayed.

Rado wins Red Dot Design Award 2011

The Rado Ceramica Digital Automatic has won the prestigious red dot design award in the product design category. A total of 4433 entries competed for the 2011 awards, submitted by around 1700 companies from 60 countries. The Rado watch convinced the 35-strong jury with its intriguing design, incorporating genuine innovation. Rado will accept its award at the red dot gala on 4 July 2011 in the Aalto Theater, Essen. The red dot design award has ranked as the quality seal for outstanding design for over half a century. Over the past two decades Rado products have won 27 international design prizes, including six red dot awards.

Montegrappa’s shareholder Jean Alesi on the Catwalk with Naomi Campbell

During the 64^th Annual Cannes Film Festival, supermodel Naomi Campbell took over the historic Forville Market for her Fashion For Relief spectacular. The event raised thousands to benefit the Japanese Red Cross' efforts to help those affected by the tsunami and earthquake that hit Japan. Also on the catwalk was Montegrappa's shareholder and member of the board for PR and Communication, Formula 1 legend Jean Alesi. Jean was invited in his capacity as Lotus brand ambassador. A Lotus Evora with a special livery dedicated to Japan was auctioned and sold to a Russian bidder for over € 150,000, with the proceeds going for charity in support of the people hit by the tsunami.

Product Launch

Freak Diavolo Only Watch from Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin once again renews its participation in the Only Watch Charity Auction organized by the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophies (AMM) to support in-depth research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the extremely invalidating neuromuscular illness. For the 4th edition, Ulysse Nardin presents the "Freak Diavolo Only Watch", a progression of the groundbreaking 2001 Freak. Named after its devilish-in-appearance power-reserve backing, with its “horns” and black cloak-like backdrop, the Freak Diavolo Only Watch is the cleverest of timepiece creations.

Jaquet Droz & Only Watch 2011

This year, Jaquet Droz will be supporting Only Watch to research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, led by the Monegasque Association against Myopathies. The brand is donating a one-of-a-kind Petite Heure Minute model created especially for the occasion. This exclusive piece proudly boasts an ivory Grand Feu enameled dial adorned with details from one of the principality’s most renowned landscapes, a marvelous specimen of the art of miniature painting on enamel. In choosing to apply this painstaking technique, Jaquet Droz wished to honor an ancestral art with a 21st-century interpretation of the traditions practiced by its founder.

RJ-Romain Jerome: Space invaders shake up the watchmaking world

By agreement with TAITO Corporation (TAITO), RJ-Romain Jerome is paying tribute to late-20^th century pop culture by launching a double limited-edition of SPACE INVADERS watches, designed like generational totems. By allowing the SPACE INVADERS to proliferate on the dial of these watches, Manuel Emch, CEO of RJ-Romain Jerome, is proudly proclaiming the brand’s resolutely standout mission within the fine arts of contemporary watchmaking. The two 78-piece limited series are distinguished by their dial. The latter is composed of three layers of pixelated and shotpeened dies featuring hand-drawn file strokes.

Bell & Ross at Only Watch 2011

Once again, Bell & Ross is supporting the Only Watch project and its incredible fund raising efforts in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. For the second time, the brand will join forces with the Only Watch project and participate in this extraordinary endeavor to help children suffering from this disease. Bell & Ross presents its new exclusive creation for Only Watch: the BR01 CASINO Pink Gold. This unique model is a technical marvel and homage to the famous Casino of Monaco. The auction will take place in Monte Carlo during the Monaco Yacht Show on September 22, 2011.

Breitling Reno Air Races Game

In collaboration with the famous competition in Reno, Nevada, Breitling has announced the launch of “Breitling Reno Air Races”, an online multiplayer airplane race game and the most advanced iOS game ever. The American “National Championship Air Races”, the fastest and most prestigious airplane race in the world and a veritable institution in the world of aviation will take place September 14 to 18, 2011 in Reno, Nevada and will be viewed by over a hundred thousand spectators from all over the globe. To mark this special event, Breitling is offering everyone in possession of an IPhone, IPad or Ipod touch the chance of discovering and living the excitement of the Reno races.

The DeWitt Circle: a private, online VIP service platform

Launched in May 2011, the DeWitt Circle is a private, online VIP area only accessible to DeWitt watch owners. This very innovative and highly secure service platform can only be accessed with a special card delivered with each DeWitt watch. Through the DeWitt Circle, each watch owner will be able to access securely his own, private DeWitt Circle, where he will find all the information and documents related to his watch, at any time and in any place. User manuals, maintenance guides, gemstone certificates, etc. are now all accessible online. Last but not least, the DeWitt Circle will also offer its members with private invitations to DeWitt VIP events held throughout the year.

Gucci Jewellery presents LoveBritt Collection

Gucci has announced the launch of a new addition to one of its most iconic sterling silver lines, the LoveBritt collection. Designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, the LoveBritt with Pink Opal is a new interpretation of the LoveBritt symbol, based on the original Gucci ‘Britt’ motif created in 1969 and named after Swedish actress Britt Ekland. Chosen for its symbolism, pink opal is said to bring true love. The LoveBritt collection with Pink Opal bears the iconic interlocking G’s clasped around a solid pink opal stone and includes a bracelet, pendant, and earrings.

Boucheron's White Edition Quatre Rings

Boucheron has been creating sensual and audacious jewelry for over 150 years. Today that tradition continues with the fresh new arrival of the “White Edition” Quatre rings. The “White Edition” rings transform the diamond point “chocolate bar” band of its iconic Quatre ring into a fresh and sweet “white chocolate” incarnation. After two years of development, Boucheron’s unique “Hyceramique” white ceramic makes it the first ceramic that can be sculpted and embellished by hand. Thus the craftsmen at Boucheron are able to give the graphic ring a luminous glow which will shine under this season’s sunlight.

Ivanka Trump launches Sustainable Bridal Collection

Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry announces an exclusive partnership with Waldman Diamond Company, a select Rio Tinto Diamantaire and Polar Gem. Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry is making a pledge to be socially responsible without sacrificing quality or prestige by re-launching the entire bridal collection with 100 percent sustainable Canadian diamonds and recycled platinum. This sustainable bridal collection will feature signature styles that mark the timeless elegance of Ivanka Trump such as the shanghai setting, signature ovals and Ivanka’s own micro-pave basket ring.

Roberto Coin’s Golden Table now available in Dubai

Roberto Coin has made his debut into the world of interior design with an extraordinary Golden Table. This table that has received Roberto Coin’s midas touch is made out of stainless steel and wood and is coated in a thick layer of 24 karat gold. The table top resembles a giant gold coin held up by four curved planks held together at the center creating a reinterpretation of the tulip. It looks fit for royalty and it features the hidden ruby inlay that is the signature of all Roberto Coin products. This Golden Table is a fabulous piece of furniture and is being lapped up by collectors as a precious piece of art. Developed in limited edition for the select few - just one unit is available on display in Wafi Mall Dubai.

Exhibitions & Events

2nd Edition of India International Jewellery Show

India International Jewellery Show (IIJW) 31st July-4th August, 2011: Conceptualized by GJEPC in 2010, IIJW met with a mega success in year one itself. The 2nd edition which is expected to be bigger & better will include best of the Jewellery Designers/ Design Houses showcasing their exquisite collection. India’s top most models will sashay wearing the premium designer jewellery. These shows will be beautifully orchestrated by ace fashion choreographers. Apart from the models, top Bollywood celebrities & socialites will walk the ramp making it a truly hi class event.

Gemworld Munich 2011

The Gemworld Munich is Europe’s autumn trade show for precious stones and high-end jewellery. It is part of The Munich Show – Mineralientage München and will take place from October 28 to 30, 2011, at the New Munich Trade Fair Center. Around 250 exhibitors from all over the world participate at the Munich Show to meet their European clients: Here, they present new trends, network and observe the European market. After two successful years the Gemworld Munich is experiencing yet another growth, expecting this year already 5’000 professional visitors at the show.

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