The Seoul Exhibition review
Introduction
The Damiani 100 Years exhibition, held in Seoul, was a dazzling showcase of haute joaillerie that left visitors in awe. Celebrating a century of exquisite craftsmanship, this exhibition presented a carefully curated selection of Damiani’s most spectacular pieces. Here’s a closer look at what made this event a must-see for jewelry enthusiasts and gem lovers alike.
Positive Points
Stunning Selection of Pieces:
The curation was absolutely outstanding, featuring only the most impressive and “wow factor” pieces and gems. Rather than displaying parts of their current collection, Damiani chose to highlight their most exquisite creations, taking the term “haute joaillerie” to a new level.
Completely Free Admission:
Remarkably, this high-caliber exhibition was free to the public. Visitors were even treated to a few freebies, including a charming tote bag and keyring, adding a delightful touch to the experience.
Incredibly Informative Tabs:
Each piece was accompanied by detailed information tabs that included the name of the piece, the metals used, the stones and their carats, along with provenance and dates. This provided a comprehensive understanding of the artistry and history behind each creation.
Negative Points
Small Collection:
The exhibition featured only about 20 pieces. While this might seem limited, it’s important to note that every piece was a masterpiece of haute joaillerie. Considering the exhibition was free, the small collection wasn’t a major drawback.
No Exhibition Book for Purchase:
As a gemology student, I enjoy collecting exhibition books for personal study. Unfortunately, there was no book available for this exhibition, which was a bit disappointing.
Accessibility Issues:
The exhibition’s setup wasn’t particularly accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Favorite Pieces from the Exhibition
1950s “Dolce Vita” Necklace and Earrings:
This white gold set, adorned with diamonds and Paraiba tourmalines, epitomized the glamour and elegance of the Dolce Vita era. The intricate design and stunning gemstones made this set a true standout.
2024 Margherita “Desert Garden” Necklace:
This breathtaking piece featured yellow gold set with diamonds and emeralds. The centerpiece was a magnificent 20.67 carat deep-brown-yellow diamond in a pear cut. This necklace showcased Damiani’s exceptional craftsmanship and the intricate interplay of gold and gemstones.
Riflessi Tropicali Necklace:
A mesmerizing highlight of the exhibition, this necklace featured a massive 54.33 carat pink tourmaline and an array of stunning sapphires. Each sapphire boasted incredible color and clarity, making this piece truly captivating.
Consapevolezza Ring:
This white gold ring, set with baguette and tapered cut diamonds and a fancy brown-pink diamond (2.00 carat), was part of a collection including three rings and a bracelet: Consapevolezza, Evoluzione, Rinascita, and the bracelet Energia. The intricate design and unique color of the diamond made this ring one of my favorites.
Additional Photos from the Exhibition
Conclusion
Overall, the Damiani 100 Years exhibition in Seoul was a beautiful display of high jewelry craftsmanship and artistry. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the stunning pieces and informative setup made it an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend keeping an eye on where this exhibition travels next and making a point to visit when it comes to a city near you.
