How VicenzaOro September 2024 Formed the Way forward for Jewellery

I arrived at Venice airport early on Friday morning, recent off a flight from Amsterdam, able to dive headfirst into the magic of VicenzaOro. With 1,200 exhibiting manufacturers from 35 international locations and over 450 consumers in attendance from 60 nations, this was set to be an occasion to recollect. As all the time, I used to be thrilled to reconnect with my wonderful friends within the business—each press and influencers—and all of us had the identical feeling: this 12 months, one thing was completely different. 

This 12 months’s VicenzaOro version noticed record-breaking attendance once more, with guests from 132 international locations. European attendance rose to 63%, up from 52% final 12 months, and guests from Asia and the Center East jumped to 21%, in comparison with 17% in 2023. With ten new international locations, together with Honduras, Tajikistan, and Tanzania, becoming a member of the roster, the occasion’s international attain was simple. These stats weren’t simply numbers—they have been a testomony to the rising worldwide significance of VicenzaOro. But, the present felt like all the pieces was lastly again to regular after COVID-19. 

Furthermore, the occasion fell on the good time, because the Italian jewellery export market continued to thrive. Italian exports surged by +60%, a formidable determine contemplating international financial uncertainties. The Vicenza Expo Centre is present process an enormous 60-million-euro redevelopment to increase and enhance the occasion expertise, and regardless of ongoing development, the format was seamless, making the occasion accessible to navigate.

One of many tendencies that completely stood out at VicenzaOro this 12 months was the transfer towards gender-neutral jewellery. But it surely wasn’t nearly creating items anybody can put on—this 12 months, I noticed an enormous shift within the media with movie star males carrying historically “feminine” jewellery and utterly proudly owning it! Males usually are not simply borrowing from ladies’s wardrobes however confidently embracing rings, necklaces, and even earrings. It’s past cool to see how this development is evolving and shaking up the business in all the most effective methods.

Designers reply with collections that talk to women and men with out labels. Take Alessio Boschi’s Marco Polo Ring, as an illustration—it’s daring, intricate, and utterly gender-fluid, designed to be worn by anybody who appreciates artwork in jewellery type. The Beetlejuice Beetlejuice assortment by Fabergé was one other favourite of mine—playful but timeless; it proves that jewellery is turning into extra about private expression than becoming into gender norms.

As somebody who intently follows synthetic intelligence (AI), I used to be notably focused on what number of organizations at the moment are working to dispel the fears surrounding AI and display its potential. Through the occasion, commerce organizations went all out to point out members how AI can improve creativity, enhance competitiveness, and permit for deeper connections with prospects. There was no speak of AI changing people however somewhat of augmenting creativity and processes.

At a panel hosted by Federpreziosi Confcommercio, business consultants mentioned how AI may help jewellery designers push the boundaries of conventional design and higher meet the wants of right this moment’s shoppers. The problem lies in serving to individuals see AI not as a risk however as a beneficial device for inventive development. Coaching and training are essential, and I used to be impressed by how significantly organizations take this initiative. (by the way in which, on Netflix, there’s a new collection by Invoice Gates; the primary half is all in regards to the ethics and philosophy individuals within the AI improvement world are contemplating. It’s fascinating)

Paola De Luca, founding father of Trendvision Jewelry + Forecasting, now owned by IEG, took this dialog additional by suggesting that AI may very well be pivotal in making the business extra interesting to Gen Z and Gen Alpha—two generations proving difficult to have interaction with the normal jewellery world. These youthful generations are rising up in a tech-driven, digital-first world, and AI may assist us modernize our method and present them how jewellery and the jewellery business match into their lives. De Luca’s insights have been on level—if we don’t evolve in how we talk with youthful audiences, we threat shedding them altogether.

One of the vital inspiring classes at VicenzaOro was “Wonderland: Co-creating Future Tradition for Jewellery & Luxurious,” the place a few of the greatest names within the business mentioned the new frontiers of luxurious creativity. Hosted within the Palladio Theatre, the occasion introduced collectively Paola De Luca, Carlo Pignataro (writer and podcaster of LUX & Good friend), Lorraine West (U.S. jewellery designer), and Gabriele Moschin from I-Clerk – Academy of AI Generative Artwork Professions.

The dialog centered on how actuality, creativeness, and storytelling are converging to create a brand new dimension of luxurious. Carlo Pignataro emphasised that in right this moment’s world, probably the most profitable luxurious manufacturers are people who create experiential consumption. It’s now not sufficient to supply a fantastic product—luxurious manufacturers should develop emotional connections with their viewers. Within the period of the Pleasure Financial system, this implies embracing all the pieces from playfulness to augmented actuality.

Lorraine West shared how her jewellery, worn by stars like Zendaya, Serena Williams, and Alicia Keys, acts as an expressive medium. She defined how particular person storytelling is the muse of her work, drawing from her background in hip-hop and avenue tradition. Her designs usually are not simply equipment; they’re id items, reflecting the wearer’s journey and character. It’s no surprise that her work resonates so deeply with each celebrities and shoppers. She and I had a second after the present to attach, and it was inspiring to speak to her a bit of extra about storytelling and her profession. I completely beloved her!

Closing the session, Gabriele Moschin mentioned the fascinating connection between know-how and creativity. He likened AI’s position in design to pictures’s influence on artwork throughout Nadar’s time. Simply as pictures pushed conventional artwork into new, extra summary instructions, AI is opening up new expressive potentialities in jewellery design. Reasonably than view AI as only a device, Moschin inspired us to consider it as a type of Summary Creativeness—a solution to unlock concepts and designs that have been beforehand unimaginable.

One in all VicenzaOro’s standout moments was the speak in regards to the Paraiba Tourmaline gemstone, which has grow to be more and more common within the business. I completely love Paraiba, so I used to be thrilled to attend the presentation of the guide written by Kevin Ferreira and Katerina Perez. Kevin’s presentation was enjoyable, participating, and full of beneficial details about this uncommon gem. He introduced it to life, sharing his deep data in a means everybody within the room may recognize.

This session was extremely properly attended, leaving me fascinated about how beneficial such centered shows are for the business. We’d like extra academic talks like this that dive deep into particular gems, tendencies, or design methods. Kevin’s presentation gave me many concepts for future discussions or workshops centered across the gems we love. It’s clear that Paraiba Tourmaline is right here to remain, and with consultants like Kevin sharing their insights, the long run seems to be brilliant for this gem.

Saturday night time was all about glamour, as La Prima Gioielli hosted an unforgettable VIP social gathering for purchasers, the press, and influencers. I’ve attended loads of occasions, however this one actually stood out. The environment was electrical—jewellery shows that felt like an artwork exhibit, friends dressed to the nines, and an ideal mix of class and enjoyable. The dinner happened in a magical orangery on a fantastic property with ballerinas, storytelling magic, and dwell music by a violinist and a feminine band that rocked and set the temper into social gathering mode. 

However let me let you know, the temperature was staggering that night time. It was HOT, and to prime it off, I bought an enormous blister from strolling round all day. However did that destroy the enjoyable? Completely not! The occasion was such a blast, even with the warmth and my blistered foot. The shows have been flawless, and La Prima Gioielli actually made us all really feel like a part of their unique household. It was a real celebration of the great thing about nice jewellery, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it.

One matter that stored arising all through VicenzaOro was the business’s future. Whereas we’ve a lot innovation and wonder to have fun, there’s additionally a looming concern—how can we get Gen Z and Gen Alpha focused on jewellery? These youthful generations are the way forward for our business, however they’re notoriously tough to have interaction. They’re rising up in a digital-first world, closely influenced by social media, know-how, and quick trend. How can conventional craftsmanship and the timelessness of bijou enchantment to them?

Paola De Luca urged that AI may play an important position in bridging this hole. Utilizing AI to create immersive and interactive experiences, we will make jewellery extra related and enticing to youthful audiences. She argued that it’s not nearly designing items that talk to their type—it’s about presenting jewellery in a means that matches into their world. There’s a lot potential to attach with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, however it should require a shift in how we method advertising and marketing, storytelling, and the workforce. The business wants new individuals, influences, and vitality to hold it ahead—and the time to start out is now.

It wasn’t nearly jewellery at VicenzaOro. The VO’Clock Privé occasion, devoted to watchmaking, provided an enchanting look into the world of high-end watches. The Experiences space was an actual deal with, that includes all the pieces from Vincent Calabrese’s handcrafted timepieces to detailed demonstrations of watch pictures methods by Leica. One of many highlights was a workshop led by Kristian Dowling, a famend photographer, who shared his experience in capturing the great thing about watches via the lens.

I beloved how the VO’Clock Privé occasion introduced collectively craftsmanship, know-how, and artistry in a means that felt actually particular. Whether or not you’re a watch fanatic or simply somebody who appreciates nice craftsmanship, this occasion was an absolute must-see.

Reflecting on my expertise at VicenzaOro in September 2024, I’m enthusiastic about what’s subsequent. The JGT Dubai occasion is arising from twelfth to 14th November, and I can’t wait to dive into extra discussions on tendencies and know-how. Nearer to house, we’ve the Valenza Gem Discussion board on tenth October and the Italian Jewelry Summit in December, the place the main target will shift to manufacturing districts and innovation. And, in fact, I’m counting down the times till VicenzaOro January 2025, scheduled from seventeenth to twenty first January.

All in all, VicenzaOro September 2024 was an enormous success. It wasn’t simply in regards to the beautiful collections or the worldwide attendance figures—it was in regards to the forward-thinking mindset pushing our business into new and thrilling territories. From AI and sustainability to participating the subsequent era, significant discussions left me feeling optimistic about the way forward for jewellery.

To everybody I met alongside the way in which—what a time we had! Right here’s to quick nights, dazzling jewels, and a brighter neighborhood yearly. Till the subsequent version! Hold glowing, everybody!