Vicenza (Italy), 8th September 2024 – Vicenzaoro September 2024, Italy’s premier international trade fair for gold and jewellery, has offered an impressive showcase of how tradition, innovation, and sustainability converge. As the event unfolded at the Vicenza Expo Centre, it has proven to be more than just a commercial meeting point, serving as a key forum for discussions on the future of jewellery, encompassing its relationship with nature, emerging technologies, and evolving design philosophies.
Annual gathering at #VICENZAORO2024 with the Press Team
The Birth of D.OR. Campania: A New Jewellery Network:
One of the key highlights of the day was the presentation of D.OR. Campania is a newly formed network aimed at uniting the jewellery supply chain across the Campania region. This network brings together over 600 production companies and 1,400 retailers in cities like Naples, Marcianise, and Torre del Greco, all backed by a workforce of more than 6,000. The initiative, which was launched with the support of local trade associations such as Confindustria Caserta and Assoc Oral, aims to strengthen Campania’s jewellery sector by combining age-old craftsmanship with innovative business strategies.
The president of D.OR. Campania, Vincenzo Giannotti, emphasized the importance of merging tradition with technological advancements to give the region’s goldsmithing tradition a strong international presence. The network, supported by the Campania Region’s Councillor for Production Activities, Antonio Marchiello, aims to push forward internationalization and embrace green and digital transitions.
“Campania's gold and jewellery sector is a historic and economic powerhouse. With this new network, we are preparing to drive innovation while honoring the region's rich tradition,” said Giannotti. The goal is to propel the region’s jewellery craftsmanship onto the global stage, reinforcing its status as a leader in design and production.
Photo from Vicenzaoro Gismondi Jewels
Biodiversity: A Pillar for the Future of Jewellery:
Sustainability was a major theme during today’s events, with a particular focus on how the jewellery industry can play a vital role in preserving biodiversity. In partnership with CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation and the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, industry leaders discussed how protecting nature is not just an ethical responsibility but a competitive advantage.
Iris Van der Veken, Director of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, presented the Nature Roadmap, a platform guiding businesses to focus on interconnected themes such as climate, biodiversity, and inclusiveness. This groundbreaking initiative is in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda, founded by Cartier and Kering to promote sustainable practices across the jewellery and watch industries. As Van der Veken remarked, “The emotional connection consumers have with jewellery is essential. Being sustainable means creating business value and long-term trust with consumers.”
Leaders from Kering, the World Gold Council, and Italpreziosi echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the future of jewellery lies not only in aesthetics but in the story each piece tells—a story of respect for the planet and its people.
Photo from Vicenzaoro
Preview of Jewellery Trends for 2026:
One of the most anticipated events of the day was the presentation of the Trend book 2026, led by Paola De Luca, founder of Trendvision Jewellery & Forecasting. The presentation revealed five key trends that will shape the jewellery market in the coming years, influenced by a desire for happiness, ethical responsibility, and inclusivity.
The trends of Sleek Elegance, Opulent Extravaganza, Street Coolness, Digital Nouveau, and Wonderland each reflect different consumer demands and cultural shifts. De Luca emphasized that modern consumers are increasingly looking for jewellery that brings them joy while aligning with their values, whether through gender-neutral designs or pieces that tell personal stories. “Consumers want their purchases to reflect their ethics, and jewellery, as a deeply personal form of self-expression, is adapting to meet these evolving desires,” she said. The packed audience was not only treated to stunning visual representations of these future trends but also gained valuable insights into how the global socio-political climate is influencing consumer behaviour and, consequently, jewellery design.
Photos from Vicenzaoro
Building Stronger Ties Between Manufacturers and Retailers:
In another key discussion, representatives from Federpreziosi Confcommercio and the Club degli Orafi Italia highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between jewellery manufacturers and retailers. The focus was on addressing the generational transition in the workforce and promoting continuous training to ensure the sector remains competitive.
Federpreziosi’s President, Stefano Andrei's, and Club degli Orafi Italia’s Cristina Squarcialupi stressed the importance of equipping young talent with the skills necessary to navigate the modern jewellery landscape. “Today’s jeweller must be an entrepreneur, a marketer, and a craftsman all at once,” said Andrei's. “And events like Vicenzaoro are crucial for staying updated on the latest trends and innovations.”
Photo from Vicenzaoro #JewelleryPursuer #Davidbroughjewels
Creativity: The Bridge Between Heritage and the Future:
Heritage has always been at the heart of Vicenzaoro, but creativity is the driving force that keeps it relevant. A “Future Heritage: The Suspended Time of the Creative Act” session explored how the creative process links the past with the future. Speakers like Luca Iacomucci, a high jewellery designer for Louis Vuitton, and luxury consultant Raffaele Ciardulli highlighted the importance of courage, humility, and innovation in design.
“Creativity is the force that allows us to transform fleeting moments into timeless pieces,” said Iacomucci, summarizing the essence of jewellery design. This art form must respect its roots while embracing the future.
Looking Ahead: Artificial Intelligence and Ethics in Jewellery:
As Vicenzaoro September 2024 continues, the focus will shift toward even more cutting-edge topics. On 9th September, a special session will be dedicated to how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the jewellery industry, with discussions tailored to retailers and industry professionals. The day will also feature a vital conversation on combating illegality in the gold and jewellery sector, in collaboration with the Financial Police and the Customs and Monopolies Agency.
Vicenzaoro September 2024 is not just a jewellery exhibition; it’s a window into the future of the industry. From sustainability and AI to heritage and inclusivity, the event brings together the best minds in jewellery to chart a path forward. As these conversations unfold, one thing is clear: the future of jewellery is as bright and innovative as the precious materials from which it is crafted. With its strategic focus on high-quality attendees and exhibitors, and its ability to adapt and grow in a complex market, Vicenzaoro continues to be a key player in the global jewellery industry, offering both a platform for business and a showcase for innovation.
AUTHOR: Shohista Turdiyeva
Comments