ZeitZeichen: A Time Signal

For the last four years, ten young gemstone designers from Rhineland-Palatinate have been collaborating under the title of 'ZeitZeichen' (time signal) to present their individual style at Inhorgenta Europe in Munich each spring and Intergem in Idar-Oberstein each autumn. Many young designers go on to successfully establish themselves as independent artists after their involvement in the scheme.

Karin Drochner, ring 'All is Round'. Sterling silver, peridot, aquamarine

Stephan Hubel, ring systeme 'Change Royal'. 18 karat yellow gold, changeable for a cartridge with sapphire or brilliant

Tanja Emmert, ring 'Shirkan'. Tiger's eye, rock crystal, freshwater pearls

Wibke Haase, hand teaser with box. Amber, sterling silver, wool tie

The exhibition forum initiated by Progem Marketing GmbH from Idar-Oberstein serves to promote young up-and-coming gemstone and jewelry designers. The marketing initiative aims to draw international attention to the traditional and innovative gemstone and jewelry-making center of Idar-Oberstein - young artists from the region and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate come here. For those just starting out in the profession, the ZeitZeichen platform offers a first professional opportunity to establish contacts with the industry and buyers from all over the world. "Many careers have been kick-started by such youth promotion schemes," explains managing director of Progem and project manager of the Intergem gemstones trade fair, Kai-Uwe Hille. "In the past, some of our participants have gone on to have their own stands at Inhorgenta and other international trade fairs. We gave them the impetus to achieve this, as our platform enables gemstone designers to present themselves professionally to the specialist audience for the first time."

Gaby Wandscher, neck jewelry. Meissen porcelain with butterfly, 18 karat yellow gold, brilliants, freshwater pearls

Kerstin Kavalirek, 'Steinrlei'. 18 karat yellow gold, yellow seethed, aquamarine

Janine Eisenhauer, 'Pin No. 04'. Brass, gold plated, agate

Lavinia Charareh, 'Pearls in dressing gown'. Sterling silver, freshwater pearls, satinized rock crystal, carnelian

Diane Dille, necklace 'Lampion'. Fine silver, frosted amethyst

The measure is supported by the Ministry for the Economy, Transport, Agriculture and Wine-growing of Rhineland-Palatinate, the district of Birkenfeld and the city of Idar-Oberstein. Each year the jury, comprising renowned gemstone designers Bernd Munsteiner and Dieter Lorenz as well as Professor Udo Ackermann from the Idar-Oberstein College of Gemstone and Jewelry Design, select ten talented gemstone and jewelry designers. All participants receive high quality, modern display cases in optimal positions with a heavy flow of visitors and marketing support. In February, they present at Inhorgenta in Munich and in October, they show off their talents back in Idar-Oberstein at Intergem. "This year, we have made the ZeitZeichen forum at Inhorgenta even more attractive with the help of the Munich trade fair. This time, the creative artists can present their works in Hall C1, the newly developed gemstones hall, along with other world-renowned artists," explains Kai-Uwe Hille. Hall C1 is expected to become a real focal point for the international gemstone and pearl trade. Armin Wittmann, project manager at Inhorgenta explains: "The designer Hall C2 has become a well-established term on the scene. We want to achieve the same for the gemstone and pearls sector." More than 200 firms will be displaying raw and cut gemstones and loose pearls. Manfred Wild and Bernd Munsteiner will be presenting their latest gemstone creations as part of the ZeitZeichen forum, amongst others. The results of the MineralArt design competition, focusing on rock crystal, will also be announced here. The German Geological Society will be offering a gemstone examination service in Hall C1 for specialist visitors and exhibitors. Renowned companies such as Groh + Ripp, Wild & Petsch and Philpp Hahn are also sure to attract a high quality clientele from all over the world "ZeitZeichen is sure to benefit from this attractive setting," says Hille.

www.progem.de