PRESS RELEASE--Baselworld 2009: The World Watch And Jewellery Show

From March 26 to April 2, 2009, these versatile new developments, creations and innovations can be experienced in six exhibition halls in Basel, over a total surface area of 160,000 square meters. This rendezvous for the world’s leading brands promises to be the true highlight of the watch and jewellery industry, once again.

Watches - Boundless Creativity

In the watch sector, experts sum up the trends for 2009 as follows: anything that is theoretically feasible from the design angle is being taken up and implemented by the watchmakers. On the masterpieces emerging from the manufactures, materials and techniques alike are being mixed, merged, combined and varied ?with creativity knowing virtually no bounds.  And it is the big watches, in an especially wide variety of materials, that continue to predominate, offering a direct view of their frequently minimalist-design dials. The predominantly round cases, often featuring square components, are both flat and elegant.

Jewellery - The Classics Making A Comeback

There is nothing more personal than a piece of jewellery. Jewellery is something sensual, something to be touched, felt and conquered.  Visitors can experience this unique combination at Baselworld, which, with its jewelry section, will once again be reflecting the world market in all its different facets for a period of eight days. "Ornamental decors reminiscent of art nouveau and art deco are all the rage for 2009", reports a confirmed specialist in the field.  This development will be manifested in watches set with an abundance of precious stones, while boasting highly decorative elements, sculptural forms and surprising materials. "And, at quite the opposite end of the scale, come sober, minimalist styles, which will similarly be making their mark over the year to come," explains the expert, venturing a further look into the near future.

Stones ?Colorful and Big

And finally, a glance at the trends in precious stones and pearls: the red spinel has emerged as trend stone No. 1.  A further trend is evident in the use of mandarin garnet, with these particular stones generally having a classic cut.  Engraving on precious stones is also gaining importance, while cameos and engraved banded agate in signet rings are making a comeback.  Another trend is colored pearls, including ones in shades of gold and brown.  And the bigger the finished pieces of jewellery are, the greater the need for big pearls and stones.

Baselworld 2009
The World Watch and Jewellery Show
Date: Thursday, March 26 to Thursday, April 2, 2009
Place: Exhibition Center Basel
Opening hours: Daily 9 am to 6 pm. From 9 am to 4 pm on the last day
Admission: 1-day pass CHF 60.00; 8-day pass CHF 150.00
Organizer: MCH Swiss Exhibition (Basel) Ltd.
Internet: www.baselworld.com
E-mail: visitor@baselworld.com