Supplier BulletinSep 04, 2025
A Brilliant Future Is HereSponsored by GIA
EditorsSep 14, 2016
Amid Controversy, Here are the 4 Jewelers at the Biennale
Associate Editor Ashley Davis takes an Insta-look at the few design houses that adjusted to the new tone of the Paris Biennale des Antiquaires.
Pictured here is a brooch from high jeweler Cindy Chao.
Change is in the air at the Biennale des Antiquaires.
Going on now in Paris at the Grand Palais, this year marks the show’s 28th and last presentation as a biennial event. In 2017 it will return as an annual affair.
But that’s not the controversial part. What was once the most concentrated showing of haute joaillerie is now but a sampling.
Only four jewelry houses, De Grisogono, Boghossian, Nirav Modi and Cindy Chao, are represented at this year’s fair, down from the 14 that exhibited in 2014.
Reportedly, the last Biennale’s exhibitors, like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Chaumet and Piaget, were unhappy about reduced booth space this year, which was enacted at the request of the antiques dealers, though organizers are hoping that the missing brands will return next year.
De Grisogono has exhibited once before and Boghossian, Nirav Modi and Cindy Chao are all newcomers. A committee selects the brands that will attend.
Despite the overarching de-emphasis on contemporary high jewelers, the participating brands have been making quite a splash on social media since the fair kicked off over the weekend.
De Grisogono debuted its Constellation Diamond, which was purchased earlier this year for $63 million. Lucara excavated the diamond from its Karowe mine in Botswana. The rough stone weighs in at 813 carats and De Grisogono expects the cutting process will yield one of the world’s largest faceted stones when it’s finished next year.
The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie partnered with the Biennale on one of three special exhibits at the fair, called The Mastery of Time, which showcases more than 100 artifacts and historic timepieces that explore the milestones in the evolution of telling time.
Here are a few of the Instagrams that best display the Parisian high jewelry moment.
@thejewellerycollectorsclub posted this shot of a butterfly brooch from Cindy Chao, which is on view at the Biennale.
Blogger Katerina Perez took over @BoghossianJewels’s Instagram account, posting this selfie with a fistful of rings.
@ChindyChao_ArtJewel gave her followers a glimpse of her booth’s display.
@DeGrisogono pulled out all the stops with its rough Constellation Diamond.
Maison @DeGrisogono shared a look at a diamond and ruby ring finished for the show.
Antique jewelry exhibitor @EpoqueFineJewels snapped this image of the Grand Palais ceiling.
The official Instagram account of the Biennale des Antiquaires, @LaBiennaleParis, shared this Nirav Modi ring in the weeks leading up to the fair.
Parisian antique jewelry exhibitor, @MartinduDaffoy, shot this stunning lariat.
@MartinduDaffoy also put this stunning emerald rock on my radar.
@Oligem75 posted a picture of this incredible fish brooch from Cindy Chao.
My favorite contemporary jewelry author @OlivierDupon posted a video of this Nirav Modi bib necklace that is definitely worth viewing.
The questionably named Instagram account @yo.momma.a.hucci at least pays tribute to a good jewel in this post of a De Grisogono necklace.
Also from @OlivierDupon this video of an articulated Nirav Modi cuff is not to be missed.
@FondationHH showed this snap of its The Mastery of Time exhibit.
The Latest
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Weekly QuizAug 29, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.
