Each September and January, Vicenzaoro—translating to “Vicenza Gold” in English—showcases the finest in Italian and international jewelry and watches. This premier event, which highlights the pinnacle of design, materials, and craftsmanship, will take place from September 6th to 10th, 2024. Organized by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), a publicly traded company on the Milan Stock Exchange, the September Vicenzaoro (VO S) parallels the autumn editions of Milan, Paris, or New York Fashion Week in its significance to the jewelry industry. Through email and a Zoom interview, I spoke with Matteo Farsura, IEG’s Global Exhibition Manager for Jewelry & Fashion, about the event’s role in shaping industry trends and showcasing cutting-edge designs.
Kyle Roderick: The September Vicenzaoro event invigorates and propels the global jewelry and watch sectors while honoring the rich traditions of Made in Italy jewelry. Can you elaborate on how Vicenzaoro influences jewelry design trends, introduces new materials, and presents advanced equipment to designers, retailers, manufacturers, media, and consumers?
Matteo Farsura: Vicenzaoro’s comprehensive representation of the supply chain is highly esteemed for its extensive scope. The show unites every facet of the industry, from raw materials to finished products, under one roof. This all-encompassing approach not only streamlines sourcing and networking but also offers attendees, especially retailers, a complete perspective on current market trends, design innovations, and technological advancements.
Picchiotti’s diamond and sapphire ring reinterprets Art Deco style.
Picchiotti’s diamond and sapphire ring brings a modern twist to the Art Deco style for today’s fashion.
Kyle Roderick: Made in Italy jewelry is a central focus at Vicenzaoro in September and January. For those unfamiliar with Italy’s jewelry heritage, could you provide a brief overview?
Matteo Farsura: Italian jewelry is celebrated for its unparalleled quality, a result of a centuries-old tradition of “bello e ben fatto” (beautiful and well-made). This tradition is upheld by a sector dominated by medium and small family-run enterprises that have fostered exceptional design creativity and master craftsmanship over generations.
Vendorafa’s 18-karat gold and white ceramic earrings debut.
Vendorafa’s 18-karat gold and white ceramic earrings make their first appearance at September’s event. Vendorafa
Kyle Roderick: What is Vicenzaoro’s curatorial philosophy?
Matteo Farsura: Vicenzaoro is distinguished by its meticulously curated selection of top industry talent, earning the title of “The Boutique Show.” This selective approach ensures that only the highest quality exhibitors and products are presented, offering attendees access to premier choices. This emphasis on quality over quantity enriches the overall experience, positioning the event as a premium fixture in the global trade show calendar.
Kyle Roderick: Can you highlight some notable Made in Italy exhibitors at Vicenzaoro?
Matteo Farsura: Alessi Domenico, a fourth-generation family business from Vicenza, is renowned for its innovative chain designs, including transformable jewels. The company is well-known in the U.S. for its unique “Alessi chain.”
Gismondi 1754’s Vela collection 18-karat gold and diamond necklace.
Heritage jeweler Gismondi 1754 presents a chic classic with its Vela collection necklace. Gismondi 1754
FOPE, established in 1929 in Vicenza, initially showcased an expandable watch strap at the first Fiera dell’Oro (Gold Trade Fair). The company is known for its patented innovations like the Flex’it system. UNOAERRE, founded in 1926, is the pioneering jewelry manufacturer in Arezzo, with a name that stands for “1 AR.”
Damiani Group is celebrated for its high-end luxury jewelry, characterized by exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. The use of advanced technology allows Damiani to create pieces with intricate details and unique forms, embodying the essence of Made in Italy jewelry.
CRIVELLI gioielli, founded in the 1970s in Valenza, emphasizes professional training for young talents and creates limited edition jewels that reinterpret classical styles using multi-colored precious stones, gold, and diamonds.
The Morellato Group, Italy’s largest jewelry and watch company, was founded in 1930. It features a multibrand strategy with 15 proprietary brands and seven licenses, focusing on increased use of recycled gold and silver. Look for them in the ICON district.
Kyle Roderick: IEG is investing 60 million euros in expanding Vicenzaoro’s exhibition halls. When will the new facilities be operational?
Matteo Farsura: The new Hall 2, set to open in 2026, will provide additional space for exhibitors and improve navigation for attendees. For the upcoming four editions of Vicenzaoro (September 2024, January and September 2025, and January 2026), three temporary halls will accommodate exhibitors. Attendees can find new access routes and connections between the halls on the Vicenzaoro website.
Kyle Roderick: Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Vicenzaoro stands as a testament to the city’s rich jewelry-making heritage dating back to 600 B.C. How does Vicenzaoro contribute to the industry’s heritage and relevance?
Matteo Farsura: Vicenzaoro, rooted in Italy’s esteemed gold manufacturing center, continues to evolve as a symbol of tradition and excellence. With over 70 years of history, the show upholds a legacy of prestige and credibility, making it an essential event for global industry professionals. It highlights the widest array of Made in Italy goldsmithing and jewelry available anywhere in the world.
Picchiotti’s expandable bracelet in ceramic, diamonds, and sapphires.
Picchiotti’s expandable bracelet in ceramic, diamonds, and sapphires showcases ultra-fine craftsmanship. Picchiotti
Kyle Roderick: As detailed in the book The Master’s Touch: Essential Elements of Artisanal Excellence by Alberto Cavalli, Giuditta Comerci, and Giovanna Marchello, Italian jewelry companies maintain their commitment to master artisanship despite expanding their industrial output. How does Vicenzaoro and its exhibiting brands embody this commitment?
Matteo Farsura: Italian jewelry companies excel in innovating and adapting their creations to modern trends while preserving the essence of traditional goldsmithing. Balancing relevance with a deep respect for heritage, they continue to set the global standard for artisanal excellence.
Kyle Roderick: What technological innovations can we expect at Vicenzaoro and the T.GOLD segment, the specialized show within the January event?
Matteo Farsura: Vicenzaoro showcases innovation across the entire supply chain, from new technologies to the manufacturers who apply them. This results in unique, stylish pieces that blend historical and contemporary influences. T.GOLD, running concurrently with Vicenzaoro in January, is dedicated to advancements in goldsmithing machinery and technology.
Kyle Roderick: Can you share any exciting plans for September 2025?
Matteo Farsura: In September 2025, the inaugural Vicenza Symposium will launch, continuing the tradition of the Santa Fe Symposium. This event will focus on educational and technological advancements for jewelry makers, aiming to extend this valuable tradition into the future.
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