Jewelry Documentary "Masters of Dreams" Has West Coast Premiere at GIA

GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) headquarters in seaside Carlsbad, CA set the scene for the West Coast premiere of the jewelry documentary Masters of Dreams yesterday evening, Wednesday, Sept. 18. A group of nearly 200 industry leaders, local officials and jewelry connoisseurs gathered at the Institute for an exclusive sunset reception and film screening. 

Ken McGrath, GIA graduate and filmmaker; Alberto Milani, CEO of the Americas for jewelry house Buccellati; and Guy Bedarida, creative director and head designer for jewelry house John Hardy, participated in a lively panel discussion following a showing of “The Italian Jewellers” segment.

“Not only does the film beautifully capture the diverse aesthetic of the different jewelry houses, it gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the truly global process of making jewelry. Having the West Coast premiere of this documentary series at GIA fits so well with the Institute’s mission to educate the public on gems and jewelry,” said Susan Jacques, chair of the GIA Board of Governors, who also served as panel moderator for the event.   

Earlier in the day, GIA students and staff in Carlsbad had the exclusive opportunity to preview the “Jewellers of the Americas” segment and speak with McGrath, Milani and Bedarida.

“It was great coming back to my alma mater to show my peers – and current students – how I’ve been able to turn my passion for gems into a creative career. Combining my love of jewelry and filmmaking has been a journey, which all started in GIA’s halls back in 1980,” said McGrath.  

Masters of Dreams is a four-part documentary series that goes behind-the-scenes with 13 of the world's most legendary jewelry houses: Boucheron, Buccellati, Bulgari, Chaumet, Chopard, Damiani, De Beers Jewellery, Forevermark, Graff Diamonds, H. Stern, John Hardy, Stephen Webster and Verdura. From Paris to New York, London to Bali, and Milan to Rio, the series offers a breathtaking journey into the world of fine jewelry, filled with famous families, gemstone hunters and some of the world’s most innovative designers.

The series is produced by French Connection Films in partnership with Quasar Multimedia and Current Affairs Hambrook Communications.

About French Connection Films

French Connection Films produces and distributes documentaries, corporate videos, short films and feature-length films. Work has been broadcasted on Arte, France 3, France 5, PBS (USA), CBC/Radio Canada, TVE (Spain), SVT (Sweden), SBS (Australia), RAI (Italy), YLE (Finland), AVRO (Netherlands), M-Net (South Africa), TV5 Monde.  Documentaries explore a wide spectrum of peoples and issues. Art, history, health, science, social progress, the environment and human rights are among the key subjects currently inspiringwork. Upon request, the company organizes shoots and produce videos both in France and abroad for companies and institutions in HD and other professional standards.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.