Traveling to Italy to attend the VicenzaOro jewelry show is always exciting, but this January, it had an added air of anticipation, as we prepared to celebrate the exciting 70 year anniversary of the show. The show organizers, Italian Exhibition Group, under the leadership of Marco Carniello, exceeded all expectations with a dynamic five day event, filled with emerging jewelry brands, engaging presentations, technology, gemstones, timepieces, and more.
At a glance, the exhibition closed with the following record breaking numbers:
Attendance up by +3% compared to 2023
Foreign attendance has been confirmed at 60% of the total, arriving from 141 countries around the world
More than 1,300 exhibiting brands
T.Gold, the leading international innovation showcase featuring the most advanced machinery for goldsmithing and the latest processes applied to gold and jewellery, saw a 4.7% increase in attendance.
In the timepiece segment, VO Vintage consolidated its success with exhibitors up 22% for vintage watches and jewellery open to the B2C public, with collectors, experts and watch lovers from Italy and around the world also up +13%.
More than 490 students at the 20 events in the city’s VIOFF program.
The numbers are great, but lets talk jewelry! This year we saw beautiful combination of established exhibitors, new exhibitors, and emerging talent given an opportunity to showcase their talent. VicenzaOro has 8 Halls, spread over 4 floors. I tend to spend most of my time in Halls 6 and 7, which are filled with so many of the brands I love! I began this January edition with a visit to German jewelry manufacturer, Hans D Krieger. The week before the show, they had posted a spectacular 25.5 carat morganite and diamond ring on their Instagram stories, and I couldn't wait to see it in real life! It did not disappoint- you can see it by clicking here.
From there, headed to Madrid based Carrera y Carrera, who have just launched a beautiful new collection called Bohemia. I had the opportunity to see UK based Yoko London Pearls, Geneva based Fullord, Italian based Roberto Coin, US based Natalie Nissem, Hong Based Karen Suen, and so many more!
Some of the new collections launched at VicenzaOro
Where else but at VicenzaOro can you be in Italy, and have the chance to time with jewelry brands from all over the world? This edition truly had a global feel to it, which I love! If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know I'm no stranger to constant travel, and I love seeing how different countries gravitate towards different designs and manufacturing techniques. At VicenzaOro, I get to enjoy all this... from one location! I don't like comparing jewelry shows, or choosing a favorite, but for many reasons, this particular edition was a show I immensely enjoyed. Apart from the beautiful jewelry, VicenzaOro has a high return rate among exhibitors, so I get to see so many familiar faces, jewellers who have become friends over the years. Second, VicenzaOro do an incredible job of hosting a press delegation. I know how incredibly lucky I am to do what I do, but when a show appreciates and values all your efforts, it makes it all the sweeter!
The People... as important as the jewels!
Trend Highlights:
Customization - add your initials, your birthstone, anything to make it personal!
Colored gems - yummy and beautiful, colored gems remain strong!
Gold - the color of the day, the demand for gold jewelry shows no sign of slowing down.
Pearls - the specialized pearl manufacturers are becoming more and more creative in the designs, while other jewelers who've traditionally worked with gemstones are incorporating pearls into many new pieces.
That's a wrap for VicenzaOro January edition, hope to be back again in September, to see the same friendly faces, and new and exciting jewels! And of course... an Aperol Spritz is always a good idea!