UAE ranks among top global commodity trading hubs; The Future of Diamonds is Bright; The Maison Boucheron releases its new campaign for the Middle East

   
 
 

Market News

 

UAE ranks among top global commodity trading hubs

The UAE has been ranked among the top three global commodity trading hubs, according to Dubai Multi Commodities Centre’s (DMCC) latest Future of Trade 2020 report. The Commodity Trade Index (CTI) assesses the role of 10 key trading hubs within global trade. The rankings are based on an analysis of 10 indicators across the three key areas of locational and trading partners, commodity endowments and institutional factors. The 2020 Index sees the United States marginally overtake the UAE for the top spot scoring 61 percent, with high scores for institutional and commodity endowments factors. Having led the index in 2018, the UAE is only one percentage point behind the US while having increased its overall score from 57 percent to 60 percent.

 

The Future of Diamonds is Bright

No other gemstone evokes the emotion of love and a sense of commitment like the diamond. This year, as the world battled with an unusual virus, the diamond industry collectively came to a halt for some time – miners stopped mining; and later, offered the flexibility to buy rough as per clients’ needs; India voluntarily banned the import of rough to clear the pipeline – and all of this kept the prices of polished to a near-stable level. At the recently concluded India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Virtual, retailers were stocking diamond and gold jewellery for the upcoming festive and wedding season. It is estimated that around Rs. 1000 crore business was transacted at India International Jewellery Show, IIJS Virtual 2020.

 
 

Company News

 

The Maison Boucheron releases its new campaign for the Middle East

Boucheron has presented its new campaign, «Legacies», broadcasted from September 21 to November 5. It puts the spotlight on three women who share the values of empathy and generosity that are dear to the Maison: Nour Arida, Jessica Kahawaty and Saira Arshad. Each of them speaks of the values passed on to them, which have enabled them to shape their own style. Style and values that, in turn, they endeavor to pass on. This message echoes the vision of Maison Boucheron, where every creation in the last 160 years has aimed to help women reveal their uniqueness. The «Legacies» campaign is exclusive to the Middle East, where custom-made vitrines of the Boucheron stores will be showcasing the icons of the Maison.

 

Vacheron Constantin introduces the ‘One of not many Mentorship Program’

As part of its feminine journey, Vacheron Constantin has revealed the ‘One of not many Mentorship Program’ in the Middle East, an initiative created to inspire and empower young women. The ‘One of Not Many Mentorship Program’ is launched in collaboration with the prestigious Zayed University and Hala Al Gergawi, Founder and CEO of the local luxury consultancy, Tea Before Noon. The six mentors to take part in this one-of-a-kind educational program are: Rafia Helal Bin Drai, Founder and Fashion Designer of Mauzan, Hala Al Gergawi, Founder and CEO of Tea Before Noon, Latifa Al Gurg, Fashion designer and Founder of Twisted Roots, Alia Al Shamsi, Author and Artist, Salama Al Shamsi, Founder of Salama’s restaurant and Noora Shawqi, Jewelry Designer and Founder of Noora Shawqi.

 

Panerai celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Paneristi.com online community

The joint project was conceived and executed to recognize a powerful emotional bond. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the authoritative web community Paneristi.com, a recognized point of reference for collectors and enthusiasts the world over, Panerai will release a special edition reference, Radiomir – 45 mm (PAM02020), made in a limited edition of only 1020 pieces. The new Radiomir – 45 mm is the result of an intense creative process involving close collaboration between the Laboratorio di Idee, Panerai’s technical and creative team, and the Paneristi. Both timepiece and tribute, it celebrates a group of loyal connoisseurs and admirers whose engraved insignia the watch bears on both its dial and caseback.

 

Louis Vuitton’s first jewelry store in Centria Mall

Louis Vuitton has unveiled for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the new Louis Vuitton dedicated jewelry store, an extension of the existing Louis Vuitton store in the Centria Mall. The space is dedicated to the House’s jewelry collection and will also showcase the High Jewelry collection during the opening. B.Blossom and LV Volt collections as well as watches such as Tambour Moon Dual Time, Tambour Curve and Escale Spin Time Meteorite amongst many others will also be available.

 

The Jewelers Circle launches Online Trading Platform

The Jewelers Circle has launched its international online trading platform intended to expand the trade show model in support of the jewelry industry’s current needs. Recognizing a demand for a safe alternative to in-person trade events, where the fine and antique jewelry industry can source and sell products, gemstones, timepieces and other collectibles, The Jewelers Circle created this digital environment that allows approved vendors the ability to do so. Developed for the trade by the trade, The Jewelers Circle aims to help its exhibitors reach new clients, and to help retailers and other trade professionals enlarge their network for sourcing and comparing goods.

 
 

Product Launch

 

Roger Dubuis unveils Star-studded glitz for SIAR 2020

In its latest flight of fancy revealed at the SIAR from October 20th to 22nd 2020, the devil is truly in the detail as the Geneva Maison rocks a breathtakingly precious vibe with the launch of two technically elaborate and extravagant pieces. The stunning mix of gold and diamonds showcases the inimitable Roger Dubuis blend of eccentric aesthetics with just a hint of madness. All of which makes a dazzling debut for the Excalibur Diabolus in Machina and the diamond-studded Excalibur Automatic Skeleton, both irresistibly clad in beguiling pink gold. Styled in the iconic Excalibur case and flaunting a fascinating combination of matte and polished finishes, the 45 mm, one-off limited edition Excalibur Diabolus in Machina features two highly sophisticated complications: a Flying tourbillon with a minute repeater, accompanied by tone playback function indicators.

 

Introducing Zenith Pilot Type 20 Blueprint

Limited to 250 pieces, the Pilot Type 20 Blueprint remains true to the legacy of Zenith’s ubiquitous Pilot watch. The oversized steel case, finished with a mix of polished and satin-brushed surfaces, features the signature oversized “onion” shaped crown that allows the time to be adjusted even while wearing flight gloves. The side of the case features a screwed plaque bearing the unique limited edition number of the watch. Powering this wearable flight instrument is the Elite manufacture automatic movement, providing a minimum autonomy of 50 hours. In a nod to the earliest years of aviation, the blue calfskin leather strap recalls the classic shearling leather flight jacket, with rivets and a titanium pin buckle as well as a distinctive tab one would find on a vintage pilot’s helmet.

 

CYRUS launches “KLEPCYS GMT RETROGRADE”

CYRUS Geneva is moving forward from its explorations into watchmaking complications such as the moonphase, alarm and vertical tourbillon to introduce a newcomer for 2020. This timepiece will further join the Klepcys collection: the newly-developed automatic movement sees a “second time zone” function, housed in a titanium case which is smaller than existing models. The result is the KLEPCYS GMT RETROGRADE, yet another work of art which lives up to the high qualitative standards of traditional watchmaking. It is the brainchild of Jean-François Mojon, a master watchmaker deemed one of the most highly skilled and prolific of the twenty-first century. CYRUS has incorporated one of the most useful functions a watch can have into this latest creation.

 

Armin Strom introduces Lady Beat in stainless steel

The newest watch from Armin Strom demonstrates one of the brand’s core principles: always innovate. Lady Beat features an off-center dial and slimmer new case with a much smaller diameter. The 38 mm case diameter of Lady Beat is a first at Armin Strom, hitting the sizing sweet spot of many women. The highlight of the front of this watch is the visible triplet of bridges echoing the pocket watch inspiration behind Caliber ALA20, just one of many mechanical elements visible on the dial. The Armin Strom Lady Beat is the very first model created specifically for women by this Swiss manufacture. 

 

URWERK presents UR-220 All Black

The collection of UR-220 watches has taken off. The initial version in carbon has now been joined by a new model - the UR-220 All Black. URWERK is exploring all the shades of its lucky colour. Black will always be black, but it comes in many textures. With these two watches you can have any colour you like, so long as it’s black. One is made of carbon in patterns reminiscent of crop circles; the other is in a deep, intense black. Both are from the URWERK workshops and belong to the new UR-220 collection. The UR-220 All Black version is made of titanium and steel. The carbon UR-220 is the first URWERK model in this material and was unveiled last September. Its case, built up in 81 layers of carbon, is unmistakable.

 

Favre-Leuba presents Sky Chief Chronograph

The redesigned Automatic Chronograph in a 43 mm case combines classic Chronograph design with a new color palette: a rich autumn green with black counters, a burgundy red with brown counters, a velvet black with beige indexes, and a panda with a porcelain white dial, black counters and red cherry indexes. All dials can be combined with suede straps in oak brown, dark root brown, sand beige and khaki green. The design still impresses with its uniqueness. With the bridge, the tetradecagon in the bezel and the striking hour-markers, Favre-Leuba manages to highlight the brand's typical design elements in this collection as well.

 

Salvatore Ferragamo releases Double Gancini cuff

Double Gancini cuff, an evolution of the homonymous line, makes protagonist of its refined design the unmistakable Ferragamo Gancini symbol, an interpretation of the double-hook buckle inspired by the knocker on a façade of Palazzo Spini Feroni, the House's Florentine headquarters. The Gancini ornament frames its little rectangular case, and stands against its calf strap, available in leather, mink, or black hues, and finished with contrast stitching – a homage to the Italian tradition of leather manufacturing, of which Salvatore Ferragamo is among the most famous interpreters. The silver sunray dial and the red cabochon on the crown complete the allure of Double Gancini cuff, a timepiece dedicated to those who like to reinterpret in a modern way the most iconic fashion symbols, wearing an accessory that is both versatile and rich in personality. 

 

Introducing AWAKE .01

AWAKE .01 is the first collection developed in AWAKE innovation laboratory. It embodies the brand's visionary approach to manufacturing through its re-engineered, biodegradable and bio-sourced materials. AWAKE .01 thus demonstrates AWAKE's ambition in the field of responsible research and development, while responding to growing demand for products that make sense. AWAKE have developed RE:FN-S1®, an extraordinary material made from fishing nets processed into a new, ultra-light and highly sustainable resource. Race against the weight is an obsession with the primary goal of reducing our carbon footprint. This extreme lightness makes the AWAKE .01 particularly comfortable on the wrist, while limiting its environmental impact.

 
 

Exhibitions & Events

 

IIJS Virtual 2020, a game changer for the Indian Gem & Jewellery Industry

India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Virtual 2020, powered by GIA, organized by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC), concluded on October 16, 2020. The five-day jewellery extravaganza which commenced on October 12, 2020, has been one of a kind experience for all the exhibitors and visitors. IIJS Virtual 2020 was promoted extensively across the world. Over 50 National and International web road shows, 450+ exhibitor training sessions, and 100+ buyer tutorial sessions were conducted before the start of the show. It is estimated that approx. Rs. 1000 crore (USD 137 million) business transacted at IIJS Virtual.

 
 
 
 

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