PARTNER COUNTRY INDIA AS AN IMPORTANT PLAYER ON THE GLOBAL MARKET
Inhorgenta is derived from International, Horlogerie (watches), Argentum (silver) and Aurum (gold) – INHORGENTA is Europe’s leading platform for everything beautiful and valuable and reflects the market in all its diversity. Exhibitors from all over the world will be presenting their latest creations in six halls at Messe München. With India as this year’s partner country, not only is an important player on the global market for jewellery, watches and gemstones on board, but the collaboration also underlines the increasing internationalisation of Inhorgenta in order to “invest specifically in growth markets”, says Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München. The aim is to explore new opportunities together and set global standards, explains Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the GJEPC (Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council).
FASCINATION HAUTE HORLOGERIE
Also new this year is the co-operation with the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH). The FHH Cultural Space offers exclusive and historical insights into watchmaking expertise. “The FHH Cultural Space aims to inspire, impart knowledge and promote a deeper understanding of the craft, innovation and heritage of watchmaking,” says Aurélie Streit, Vice President of FHH.
The INHORGENTA AWARD 2025 was once again a glittering highlight of the trade fair and a sign of the industry’s innovative strength and creativity. With a unique blend of tradition, design and forward-looking ideas from the jewellery, watch and gemstone industry.
The 3.5-kilogram trophy, which was designed by Munich jewellery designer and jury member (since 2019) Patrik Muff, was awarded for the first time in 2017 and has been considered the most important award in the industry ever since. The media attention is correspondingly high. International experts, designers, influencers and impressive personalities came together at the festive gala in the small Olympic Hall in Munich.
THE INHORGENTA AWRAD – THE HIGH-CALIBRE JURY DID NOT HAVE IT EASY
“With the INHORGENTA AWARD, we put the spotlight on the most innovative and creative works in the jewellery, watch and gemstone industry – be it the masterpiece of an up-and-coming talent or an iconic design from an established brand,” enthuses Stefanie Mändlein, Exhibition Director INHORGENTA.
It was not easy for the jury to make a selection from the large number of pieces submitted – which speaks for the diversity and excellence of the Brache. But in the end, only one can win. Or one.
The jury is made up of renowned names from the industry and is a highlight in itself. Gisbert L. Brunner (watch expert and author), Leo Eberlin (jewellery designer “Leo Mathild”), Sarah Fabergé (Director of Special Projects Fabergé), Anja Heiden (Member of the Executive Board WEMPE), Martin Julier (Head of Gemlab Bucherer), Joern Kengelbach (Editor at large Swisswatches & Editoral Adviser Wirtschaftswoche), Patrik Muff (designer), Katerina Perez (founder and editor-in-chief), Christoph Stelzer (retail specialist Dfrost) and Stephen Webster (British jewellery designer), who each presented the coveted trophy to the winners with a celebratory speech.
THE WINNERS – 28 NOMINATIONS, 9 WINNERS
The “Luxury Watch of the Year” category honours luxury watches with a retail price of 5,000 euros or more that impress with their outstanding watchmaking skills, innovative design and lasting value. This year’s prize went to Gerald Charles.
“Gemstone Design of the Year” honours unique coloured gemstones, gemstone sets, diamonds and gemstone objects that fascinate through creative design and a special cut from the point of view of “Something Special”. The winner of this category is Arnoldi International.
The “High Jewellery of the Year” category brings together top-class pieces of jewellery with a retail price of 30,000 euros or more that stand out thanks to their exceptional workmanship and special designs. Serafino Consoli was convincing here.
ABSOLUTE NOVOM: EQUAL POINTS IN THE “FINE JEWELLERY OF THE YEAR” CATEGORY
“Fine Jewelry of the Year” awards special pieces of jewellery with a retail price of 2,000 euros or more that impress with excellent craftsmanship and high-quality materials and radiate timeless elegance. Due to a tie in points, there are four nominations in this category. Gellner came out on top in the final.
The “Fashion Jewelry of the Year” category honours pieces of jewellery that pick up on current fashion trends, showcase innovative ideas and do not exceed a value of €2,000. The award winner Fossil won with a symbiosis of ring and watch, which also impressed presenter Rebecca Mir.
The “Designer of the Year” title honours creative visions and exceptional designs that inspire with their innovative strength and outstanding craftsmanship. The winner of this category is Kathrine Lindman Norwegian Jewellery.
The “Design Newcomer of the Year” category is aimed at young talents who impress with their self-made jewellery or watches. Newcomer Jony Jewels was overwhelmed.
The “Watch Design of the Year” category requires an innovative concept and an independent design with a high recognition value. Uhrenfabrik Junghans won with its interpretation in this category.
The “Next Generation Retail” category highlights innovative and individually thought-out retail concepts in the jewellery and watch industry. The finalists impress with creative and forward-looking approaches in the retail sector. Jeweller Kutter x Patek Philippe Boutique by Karolina Ćurić Architekten was visibly delighted with the award.
A glamorous evening came to an end with a brilliant performance by Icelandic singer Ásdís. At the after-show party, the award winners celebrated late into the night – presumably their eyes were correspondingly small today on the third and penultimate day of INHORGENTA, but certainly full of joy. And this is no less valuable than the outstanding pieces of jewellery. At least.
