Inhorgenta 2026 – Gems, pearls and lots more
In our industry, there are always a number of (trade) fairs that you, as a goldsmith, like to attend, whether you have been there or are a regular visitor. This coming weekend I will be attending Inhorgenta for the second time in Munich, Germany.
What kind of fair is Inhorgenta?
Inhorgenta is an international trade fair for the jewellery industry, and all it entails. It is a fair aimed at professionals in the trade: goldsmiths, jewellers, engravers, watchmakers, designers, and others working in our industry. Different parts of the profession come together here, from jewellery and materials to tools, presentations and knowledge sharing. Just to point out how big it is: 6 large halls FULL of everything related to this industry.
Jewellery brands and collections
One such component is the segment (high and low) in which various jewellery brands present themselves to visitors who already sell their work or are considering doing so. These are often jewellers, as well as goldsmiths, who carry other brands in addition to their own work. It is thus one of the many facets that make Inhorgenta such a broad and versatile fair.
Tools, machinery and investments
There is also an entire hall with vendors of tools, machines, and semi-finished components Brands such as Badeco, GRS, Jura Tools, Hatho and Komet are represented there. It’s always nice to walk around there, check out products and see if there are any new developments or tools you didn’t know you actually “must” have. Goldsmithing is a beautiful craft, but without good tools, you are nowhere. And sometimes you just want to try, feel and experience things before making another investment in your tool inventory.
Presentation and appearance
There are also several providers of packaging and presentation materials. Think labels for in-store jewellery, price cubes and complete window display materials, and jewellery boxes for when customers come to pick up their jewellery. Again, goldsmithing is a wonderful craft, but presentation, brand identity and appearance are of enormous value. I have been doing business with Dahlinger for a number of years. A nice German company, with a pleasant business contact in the Netherlands and I order my jewellery boxes, bags and display materials from them. But even within this category, there are constant developments: new colours, materials, combinations and possibilities. This is precisely why I enjoy seeing this in person. Ordering from a catalogue or online is always possible, but I think it’s important to have seen and experienced it first. After all, I can only spend my money once, and I’d rather do it well.
Lectures and deepening
And then there is something this year that completely passed me by during my 2022 visit: lectures by various speakers and industry experts. Over the past few weeks, I have been looking into Inhorgenta’s program and downloaded the accompanying app (super convenient and clear). I hope to attend some of the lectures, as there are some great and interesting topics coming up. These include a lecture by Helen Molesworth, curator at the V&A Museum in London. She curated the Cartier exhibit there and is the author of the book Precious, which, for me, is an absolute must-have for any gemstone lover. Her lecture is entitled Cartier: an obsession with stones. That title alone really says it all.
There will also be a lecture titled From the workbench to a global audience: making craftsmanship visible in the digital age, given by Pablo Cimadevila. I also hope to attend a lecture on craftsmanship and cultural heritage, focusing on Enzo Liverino’s work. Enzo Liverino is a renowned Italian master coral carver and engraver (jaw-dropping: the work, the story and the craftsmanship). This talk is presented by Laura Astrologo Proché, whom I follow on Instagram and who runs the Journal de Bijoux platform. There she shares the most extraordinary jewellery and stories. Laura also writes for various magazines, such as Forbes Italy and Orafo Italiano.
Pearls and gemstones: the main reason
I could name a few more, but I mainly go to Inhorgenta to buy pearls and gemstones. Because really: an entire hall full of pearls and gemstones of all shapes, sizes, cuts, colours, and variations. This is really the main reason I’m coming here. Three days of “bling” browsing. Shifting gems, deciding whether or not I’m going to do something (I definitely set a budget for myself), enjoying all the beauty and seeing what I come home with.
Selection for the Aurargent collection
My focus is mainly on gemstones that I can incorporate into the Aurargent collection. Gems and pearls that do not come out at a certain selling price because the ratio of silver and hours would soon be lost. I am especially looking at special cuts and bi-coloured gemstones, thinking of topaz, amethyst and quartz – and who knows, maybe I will run into a fine surprise.
Of course, anything is possible, and you can also incorporate more precious gemstones into silver, but from experience, I know that this is often not preferred. Silver is still much associated with “affordable,” a term that can be the subject of an interesting discussion in itself. At the same time, I create unique, handmade silver pieces, with my designs starting at around €500.
Inside Out: strings and round cuts
In addition, I want to look at beautiful gemstone necklaces and so-called pampel cuts for the Inside Out collection. The selection at Inhorgenta is vast, with many vendors. Of course, I stop by Alice Pearls, one of my Dutch pearl suppliers, who will be at Inhorgenta again this year. I also want to check out GemHype, where I often get my finest tourmalines. At Adnan Gems, I had a good success last time, and the Antwerp company Gem World is also at the fair. On Instagram, I always see a lot of beautiful things popping up.
Looking, experiencing and loving it
Again, I want to see it, live it and experience it. Watching how the light plays with the colours of a gemstone or the lustre of a pearl. I never buy gemstones online. I need to see them in real life. Gemstones and pearls are a crucial part of the jewellery I make, both for my collections and for client commissions. For example, I may try to find a set of white faceted pearls for a lady to match what she already has. And I start looking for a round cut aqua, blue or greenish gemstone for a bespoke Sirius ring.
You guys understand that I am incredibly looking forward to this fair. I am going there with my dear friend and colleague Natalie Hoogeveen. And this Thursday I will have my nails done first, because I will definitely be taking pictures and videos for my socials, and then I want to have nice hands and nails. Looks more pleasant anyway ;-). I hope this will take you a little into the world of Inhorgenta.
With love,
Sarah
