Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** This piece features an exclusive interview with Antonio Forns, a young gemologist and official appraiser who recently opened his own jewelry store in Santa Eulària. We explore his journey from training at the Spanish Gemological Institute to becoming a quality manager for a high-end wholesaler, and now, an independent entrepreneur.
Exclusive Interview with Antonio Forns
Antonio Forns, a gemologist trained at the Spanish Gemological Institute, has had an unstoppable career centered on precious stones. Just over thirty years old, he is an expert in diamonds, gem cutting, faceting, polishing, and an official appraiser. He has worked as an independent professional and as a quality manager for a high-end jewelry wholesaler. A few weeks ago, he opened his own jewelry store in Santa Eulària.
Antonio Forns Tono, as his friends know him, has just taken a new step in his career out of love for an Ibizan woman. From working in Barcelona at a company that manufactured and distributed diamonds for high-end jewelry, he has moved on to set up his own establishment, Joyería Forns, in Santa Eulària.
From Mineral Collections to Gemology
How does a young person decide to study Gemology? Do you come from a family of jewelers?
“No, I have no background in it. As a child, I was fascinated by mineral collectibles, and after finishing my studies, I chose Gemology. A career where I met many professionals already active in the field. That background during my studies was decisive in the decisions I would make later.”
A peculiar career, isn’t it?
“Yes, I studied at the Spanish Gemological Institute and liked it so much that I took all the specialties derived from gemology, such as cutting, faceting, polishing, design, synthetic gems, or appraisal.”
From Official Appraiser to Diamond Wholesaler
Your first steps were as an official jewelry appraiser.
“With the previous crisis, there was a boom in gold buying and selling shops, but there were hardly any appraisal experts. So I dedicated myself to appraising pieces, and since I love stones, I gradually bought gems. If I saw an interesting piece, I would leave the gold and acquire the stone to sell later.”
What was the next step?
“Thanks to buying and selling, I started to become known in Barcelona, where I’m from. This is a very small sector, and we almost all know each other. Although I was very young, I began working with the ‘pedreros,’ as we call diamond wholesalers. I sold them pieces I bought. Little by little, I reached the Antwerp diamond exchange, where I continue to conduct transactions.”
Until a ‘pedrero’ noticed you.
“Exactly, I had relationships with diamond wholesalers, an activity I still maintain, and they offered me a position as quality manager for a company that manufactures and sells high-end jewelry. In this company, I was in charge of selecting diamonds, controlling production and quality throughout the entire process. The most exclusive collections passed through my hands every day.”
Opening Joyería Forns in Ibiza
And now you continue as a jewelry wholesaler and have also launched your own establishment.
“I’m not afraid of change, and honestly, I took this step to be with my family. I had been traveling to Ibiza on weekends for too long, and with a small child, it was getting harder. So I’ve just started this new stage in Santa Eulària, in a sector I’m passionate about and in which I’ve put a lot of enthusiasm.”
What would you like to bring to the jewelry world of the island?
“Because of my work, I have a global perspective of the sector. Additionally, I have privileged information about the market. I know what clients demand and consume.”
What can be found at Joyería Forns?
“Vanguard. Innovative pieces found in the international market and traditional Ibizan jewelry. In addition to novel pieces, we create our own designs, custom designs according to each client’s tastes, and even adapt or transform pieces into the jewelry the client wants, always with a contemporary stamp.”
I almost dare not ask about prices…
“At Forns, we don’t work with silver, only high-quality materials. However, I can say there are diamond and gold pieces for 200, 400 euros… up to whatever the client wants to spend. On average, Forns pieces are around 1,700 euros. My goal is to offer jewelry with high added value. Something that often doesn’t have to be as expensive as it might seem.”
Quality and Innovation in Traditional Jewelry
How do you achieve this quality?
“By controlling production and applying strict criteria, something I learned from the high-end jewelry firms I worked with.”
What is your favorite stone?
“The diamond is the king of gems, but there are many stones I love.”
In a cutting-edge space, is there room for traditional Ibizan jewelry?
“Of course. We are going to give a boost to traditional Ibiza jewelry with cutting-edge techniques and, above all, endow them with high quality from all angles. Something I think has been lost lately.”
What kind of clients do you have?
“All kinds, Ibizans, tourists… I’m happy with the store; everyone who passes by San Vicente Street in Santa Eulària stops to look at the window display. I’ve tried to bring to Forns what I’ve seen in other international jewelry stores, such as privacy and design in all aspects.”
