True passion is bound by neither time nor borders. As proven by gemstone and jewellery experts Gubelin - better known as the House of Gubelin - it can only grow, transform and breathe life into other forms of passion. From a watchmaker to a jewellery atelier, gemmological laboratory and now an educational academy, Gubelin elevates its passion anew to a level where it is not only shared with well-heeled customers, but transformed into purpose for equally fervent enthusiasts of the craft that Gubelin has perfected since 1854. With the Gubelin family's sixth generation at the helm, the company also continues to achieve milestones with exceptional creations, such as the one-of-a-kind sapphire ring sold for US$751,452 at Christie's Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong last year. Specially made for one of the company's private clients, the ring features a 10.50ct cushion-shaped sapphire, six brilliant-cut diamonds and additional diamonds for the pave-set frame. It was designed and handcrafted at the Gubelin Jewellery Atelier in Switzerland and accompanied by a gem report from the Gubelin Gemmological Laboratory stating that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indication of heating. "We are naturally gratified by the strong auction price of this ring," says CEO Raphael Gubelin. "It is a sign of appreciation and respect for both the beauty and quality of the work of our jewellery atelier." Sharing expertise at the Gubelin Academy Encompassing the practical and technical aspects of gemmological education, the Gubelin Academy enables interested parties to understand and appreciate coloured gems with an informative and inspiring approach. "In addition to using our vast gemmological expertise for the benefit of our clients, we are keen to share our knowledge and understanding with the wider public," Gubelin says. "Geared towards professionals, enthusiasts and connoisseurs of coloured stones, the academy offers a series of modular programmes providing an unparalleled training into the wonderful world of coloured gems through knowledgeable, passionate and inspiring teaching." Through fast-track and in-depth courses and seminars, participants can choose to begin with the basics or master the advanced history, gemmology and psychology behind the most precious and colourful commodities in the world, including emeralds, rubies, sapphires and other market-popular coloured gemstones. Apart from having a rare opportunity to explore coloured gemstones on a multitude of levels, they also earn a Gubelin "Coloured Gemstone Professional" diploma. The academy opened in 2013 in Hong Kong. It has since received a remarkable market response, with students coming from all over the region. Last year, the Gubelin Academy began offering courses and seminars in Switzerland, and it will also be offering courses in Kuala Lumpur this year. The heights of gemmological knowledge While the Gubelin Academy is geared to disseminate knowledge, the Gubelin Gem Lab - one of the world's most respected gemmological laboratories - is where the House of Gubelin uses its gemmological expertise for the benefit of clients. "Along with beauty and craft, knowledge and understanding are also extremely important values at Gubelin, and are integral to the way we run our business," Gubelin says. "The genesis of the Gubelin Gem Lab is rooted in the Gubelin family's high regard for authenticity and truth." The Gubelin Gem Lab began as a small in-house gemmological laboratory, which was opened in 1923 along with the opening of the Gubelin Jewellery Atelier. At the time, the gemstone and jewellery industry faced a number of serious challenges. While glass imitations were easily detected, the first synthetic stones had appeared, and methods for treating stones were becoming ever more refined. As a way to maintain the trust of clients and to stay true to the company's ideals, the laboratory was developed to examine and determine the authenticity of the stones used in its own jewellery. The Gubelin Gem Lab rose to prominence under the aegis of Eduard J. Gubelin, a member of the fourth generation of the family to run the business. One of the world's most renowned and influential gemmological specialists, Eduard Gubelin helped advance the science of gemmology with his research and discoveries, especially regarding origin determination of coloured gemstones. Today, the Gubelin Gem Lab is a completely independent organisation, and counts gemstone dealers, jewellery retailers, auction houses, royalty and private collectors among its many clients. "All the stones used in the high-end jewellery at the House of Gubelin carry a Gubelin Gem Lab report, which assures clients that the gem at the heart of their piece is indeed what it purports to be," Raphael Gubelin says. "The reports enable clients to appreciate the gems even more - through a deeper understanding of where they came from, where they have been and what makes them so special." Craft rooted in legacy, driven by innovation If the Gubelin Academy and Gubelin Gem Lab are examples of the company's expertise and know-how, its creativity, aesthetic and artistic talent are on display at its jewellery atelier. Thanks to its extensive experience as gemstone buyers with excellent connections in the industry and with all the important gemstone producers around the globe, Gubelin consistently sources the rarest, highest-quality gems for use in its creations. The company celebrates these natural treasures through classic, enduringly elegant, handmade jewellery which brings out the full beauty of each individual stone, providing a stage suitable to its particular radiance or temperament. To achieve this, Gubelin's designers get to know each stone personally. They carefully observe its outer beauty, colour and radiance. They look deep inside to get a feel for what makes the stone unique. They also examine the inclusions, the fascinating shapes and patterns beneath the surface, which reveal the stone's soul. The idea is to let the stone speak for itself, and for the design to be influenced by what it has to say, as Gubelin believes each stone has its own special story to tell - one that Gubelin aims to bring to life. "Our designs, always subordinate to the majesty of the stone, are fresh but also timeless, steeped in the classical traditions of haute joaillerie but updated for modern sensibilities," Gubelin says. "They are meant to last even as trends and fashions change. Achieving this balance is no easy task. It is a demanding skill requiring subtlety, experience, discretion, humility and a fine touch." The Gubelin aesthetic also rests on a dedication to - and deep respect for - traditional craftsmanship. That means working by hand, and taking pains with details. It means relying on the skill of experienced specialists who have a passion for the stones and for the traditions of the jeweller's art, and giving them the time and materials they need to do their work the right way. Gubelin believes strongly that this approach not only makes for superior jewellery, but it also gives its creations their own special, very human spirit. "The result is breathtaking, deeply elegant, fine jewellery that feels and looks good on the skin," Gubelin says. "These pieces are for women and men who appreciate not just the finer but also the deeper things in life, and who seek a lasting, timeless elegance and style." All high-end jewellery from the House of Gubelin is handcrafted at its jewellery atelier in Switzerland by master craftsmen and women who are among the most talented and highly skilled people in their fields, and share Gubelin's deep passion for gemstones. All processes are done in-house, from the design to the goldsmithing, gem-setting and polishing, and on through to the servicing of the pieces. Working together allows Gubelin's specialists to influence and inspire each other, sharing expertise, gaining new perspectives and trying out new ideas. This collaboration has been the source of many design innovations, helping Gubelin in its constant quest to make its jewellery as perfect, as comfortable and as enduring as it can be. This also means each piece can take up to six months to finish - beginning with designs in hand sketches, and going through countless drafts until they are just right. "Gubelin takes no shortcuts. Our jewellers are trained in classic jewellery-making techniques and work in the traditional fashion - by hand, using their skill and the best materials to bring the designs to brilliant life," Gubelin says. "For Gubelin, being deeply inspired means paying attention to such details of the craft. It is the only way to truly capture the spirit of a fine stone, and to create pieces worthy of these magnificent gifts of nature." Gubelin's exquisite jewellery can be viewed at its nine boutiques in Switzerland and Kuala Lumpur, and at its private salon in Hong Kong. These elegant, engaging spaces are designed to make customers feel at home while enjoying the full attention of Gubelin's highly knowledgeable sales personnel. All lovers of fine jewellery and jeweller's art are cordially invited to drop by. Gübelin Group http://www.guebelin.com
