The Journey of Alex Leueberger in the world of Gemstones started more than 20 years ago with an unscheduled trip to Madagascar.
Today, having earned the trust of jewellery maisons and collectors around the world, he continues his journey to the discovery of beautiful gemstones.
Gemforest stemmed from a seed of adventure in Madagascar by Alex Leuenberger, before growing around the world. Fueled by passion for the finest facets, he discovered the beautiful world of gemstones and has not stopped since. 20 years later, Alex has led Gemforest to be the highest expression of the art and heart of gemstones.
– ALEX LEUENBERGER
“The starting point of my journey was passion. I was always innately attracted to the idea of finding the rarest and finest facets, which drove me to a study of physics and geography at university.
My passion has shaped who I am today and armed me with a responsibility to bring the best out of the world’s rarest coloured gems. Nature planted the seed for me to grow Gem Forest. This is my story.”
In 1996, Alex found himself in Madagascar armed with nothing but passion and a strong instinct. It led him to make a weighted decision – purchasing a perfectly intact 42 kg rough black skinned tourmaline.
True to its Sinhalese meaning of ‘colour from Mother Earth’, the tourmaline revealed its true self after the cut. Incredible diversity of colours, a trigonal pyramid, and a three-pointed symmetrical star. A unique tourmaline, and a key to the world of coloured gemstones.
Destiny placed the stone in Alex’s path and opened the doors of gemmology to him. It remains the world’s largest “rice field” tourmaline to date, gifting it with infinite richness and magical hues.
Alex’s time in Madagascar managing gemstone mines allowed him to hone his skills in sourcing and gemstone cutting. Following his return to Switzerland in 2001, he went on to weave a strong network in other gem-rich countries such as Burma, Sri Lanka, Mozambique and Tanzania.
With decades of experience, a discerning eye, and a discovery of a lifetime, Alex established himself as a valuable purveyor and trusted counsel in the world of coloured gemstones.
He is globally renowned for his unmatched passion and skills, and for building Gem Forest into a choice collaborator to the world’s leading jewellers.
“The starting point of my journey was passion. I was always innately attracted to the idea of finding the rarest and finest facets, which drove me to a study of physics and geography at university.
My passion has shaped who I am today and armed me with a responsibility to bring the best out of the world’s rarest coloured gems. Nature planted the seed for me to grow Gem Forest. This is my story.”
In 1996, Alex found himself in Madagascar armed with nothing but passion and a strong instinct. It led him to make a weighted decision – purchasing a perfectly intact 42 kg rough black skinned tourmaline.
True to its Sinhalese meaning of ‘colour from Mother Earth’, the tourmaline revealed its true self after the cut. Incredible diversity of colours, a trigonal pyramid, and a three-pointed symmetrical star. A unique tourmaline, and a key to the world of coloured gemstones.
Destiny placed the stone in Alex’s path and opened the doors of gemmology to him. It remains the world’s largest “rice field” tourmaline to date, gifting it with infinite richness and magical hues.
Alex’s time in Madagascar managing gemstone mines allowed him to hone his skills in sourcing and gemstone cutting. Following his return to Switzerland in 2001, he went on to weave a strong network in other gem-rich countries such as Burma, Sri Lanka, Mozambique and Tanzania.
With decades of experience, a discerning eye, and a discovery of a lifetime, Alex established himself as a valuable purveyor and trusted counsel in the world of coloured gemstones.
He is globally renowned for his unmatched passion and skills, and for building Gem Forest into a choice collaborator to the world’s leading jewellers.
