The Basel Watch, Clock and Jewellery Fair, now known as BaselWorld, is the premier exhibition for the world’s best jewelry, watches and related fashion. This important event defines World Class in jewelry and watches.
In the morning, just before the fair begins, the staff gets ready for a busy day and many interesting demonstrations.
Crowds are drawn to the creative work clearly shown in vivid detail right on the show floor. Several attendees commented that the GRS stand was the busiest one in the tool & equipment section.
Alexandre Sidorov takes advantage of a rare quiet moment to try something new. Right: Any live work by Sidorov quickly gathers a crowd. Here Dima Semenets, himself a world-class stone setter, points out a special setting technique demonstrated by Alexandre.
Todd Daniels traveled from the U.S. to add his bench expertise to BaselWorld 2009. His unique and artistic work was a “show stopper” at many times during the eight day event. Monogramming, one of Todd’s specialties, was a favorite. Here he works on a pocket watch sized medallion with a nice three letter script monogram. All of this work was designed, laid out and executed from start to finish in front of a crowd.
An important part of this fair is giving people the chance to try GRS Tools with expert guidance. There are four benches equipped to accommodate a wide range of applications. Many people eagerly used this opportunity to experience how GRS Tools can make their work faster, easier and finer.
For 22 years, Glendo has exhibited GRS Tools at this extraordinary international event. The 8-Day trade show is exciting and far reaching. Attendees from every continent travel each year to Basel.
What’s it like to work such a show overseas? Preparing for BaselWorld is clearly different from other trade fairs. Live demonstrations are of primary importance.
The GRS team prepares for an astonishing variety of stone setting and engraving demos…from production small stone setting to creating original jewelry right on the show floor. And, virtually all metals are included: soft silver, various karat gold alloys and tough stainless steel.
The international attendees include large production firms who use GraverMax machines 20 hours per day to exclusive small studios that create breathtaking one-of-a-kind jewelry and metal art.
At BaselWorld, each stand is a statement of excellence. Like most companies, GRS begins with a custom-built presentation of erected walls, shelves, display cases and overhead lighting. Added to this are two large video screens, four stone setting and engraving work benches and even a separate meeting room.
People travel halfway around the world for this event so customer service and hospitality are very important. Every year the Glendo graphic design staff creates new colorful banners and signs that show top work done with the help of GRS Tools. It’s clearly the best stand used by GRS at any of its trade fairs around the world.
For 2010, BaselWorld will be March 18-25, 2010. Visit www.baselworld.com for more information on this unequaled event for jewelry, watches and other fine craftsmanship. GRS will be there for its 23rd year in a row and extends a warm invitation to anyone interested in fine bench work, stone setting and hand engraving.
Trade Fair Demonstrations
During the fair, there were many interesting demonstrations. Here are a few projects photographed in various stages of completion.
Silver Pendant with White Stones and Blue Sapphire
As the below photo sequence shows, this domed silver pendant was set with a center dark blue oval sapphire in a polished blind seat to reflect light into the stone. Immediately around the sapphire is a singles row of white stones bead set.
On the outside is another single row of white stones also bead set. The area between the rows of white stones was brush textured to add contrast to the piece. The overall size of the pendant is 0.75” X 0.55” (19mm X 14mm), not including the chain loop.
Demo Pendant with Burnished and Bead Set Stones
The finished pendant is 0.67” X 0.59” (17mm X 15mm) and includes a 5 X 7mm oval white CZ burnish set and millgrained, four 4mm round yellow CZ’s burnish set and millgrained, and four 2mm light brown CZ’s bead set and bright cut. Fine hand engraved concentric oval lines add nice contrast and flow to the piece. Todd Daniels created this piece at BaselWorld 2009.
GRS MicroBlock Project
People visit trade shows to see something new and impressive. So, the Glendo/GRS stand decided on a unique stone setting demonstration: set stones in the jaws of a stainless steel MicroBlock ball vise. There were many reasons this was chosen.
One question that often comes up at the fair is the possibility of setting stones a tough metal (unlike softer jewelry alloys). This is clearly answered by this distinctive example. After all, stainless steel vise jaws are harder than jewelry and watch metals.
Another reason is that this work is very eye-catching and creates inquisitive conversation between the demonstrator and the audience. But perhaps one of the best reasons is that it’s simply fun to make something different.
About These Images - Left to Right
(1) Alexandre (hidden from view) begins the first cuts on the top of the MicroBlock jaws as shown on the video monitor. (2) The seats are complete for the outside row of stones. Note how the stones are nicely spaced to accommodate the seam between the jaws. (3) Alexandre Sidorov begins outlining the GRS logo in the center of the jaws. (4) Dima Semenets measures the logo areas to determine what size stones should be used inside the GRS logo. (5, 6) Dima marks stone locations and center punches before drilling. (7, 8, 9)Next, seats are drilled and then opened with a bud bur. (10) The piece is now ready to add stones. Note how nicely the layout allows for the jaw seam. (11, 12) Stones are placed in the seats and secured with a beading tool. (13) Next is the process of removing excess metal around the bead posts using the 901 handpiece with a small knife graver. (14, 15) Then adding and securing the outside stones. (16) Separating and defining beads. (17) All stones are set and job is nearly finished. All that remains are some small accents to add inside the logo. (18) Dima Semenets of Antwerp, Belgium, presents Glendo’s Kim Pember with the beautiful stone embellished stainless steel MicroBlock during the BaselWorld 2009 exhibition. It is now prominently displayed on her desk in Emporia, Kansas, the home of GRS Tools.
The End of BaselWorld 2009
The End of BaselWorld 2009 Everything is packed and ready to ship back to the U.S.A. Alexandre Sidorov rests his feet after the successful and demanding 8-day show. He and Dima will return to Antwerp where they set stones and train new world-class stone setters every day. There is nothing like BaselWorld…..we would love to see you there next year!
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