Written by Paula Grineri - Friday, September 6, 2024
From Haute Joaillerie to components, creations in gold or silver, precious stones, diamonds, packaging and accessories: all the players of the jewellery industry come together twice a year at
Under the impetus of its dynamic General Manager,
Now Chief Business Officer in charge of all sectors managed by IEG, Marco Carniello hands over the reins to Matteo Farsura, who takes charge of the Jewelry and Fashion sector.
As the show embarks on profound transformations, we caught up with Matteo Farsura to find out more about the challenges facing the profession and the reasons for its success.
Vicenzaoro’s success can be attributed to several key factors that make it stand out as the premier jewelry event in Europe. Trying to resume the most important: first and foremost, the show is deeply rooted in the historic production district of Vicenza, a region with a rich heritage in jewelry craftsmanship. This long-standing tradition is palpable at Vicenzaoro, making it the longest-running international trade show in the industry (celebrating 70years in 2024!).
Over the years, it has consistently offered something new and exciting, whether it's showcasing the latest trends, creativity, and inspirations, or highlighting advancements in craftsmanship and technology, or as a global think tank for experts and opinion leaders.
Additionally, Vicenzaoro serves as a proud flagbearer of Made in Italy jewelry, which is globally recognized for its exceptional quality, creativity, and style. The show not only celebrates Italian craftsmanship but also brings it to the world stage, attracting visitors and exhibitors from around the globe who aspire to the Made in Italy standard.
Finally, the event’s unique "Jewellery Boutique Show" format is another cornerstone of its success. This format allows Vicenzaoro to cover the entire supply chain on, showcasing excellence on an international level from raw materials to finished pieces, while curating a selection of the very best in the industry. This comprehensive approach ensures that the show remains relevant and valuable to all participants, further solidifying its position as a must-attend event in the global jewelry calendar.
Certainly! Vicenzaoro is carefully curated to cater to every aspect of the jewelry industry, with approximately 1,200 exhibitors from 35 countries, spread across several themed areas:
ICON: This area showcases high jewelry, featuring established luxury brands and prestigious collections. It also includes THE DESIGN ROOM, a space dedicated to innovative and avant-garde designers.
LOOK and THE GLAMROOM: These sections focus on contemporary jewelry, highlighting modern aesthetics and trends.
CREATION: This is where goldsmithing, components, and semi-finished products are displayed, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind fine jewelry.
ESSENCE: Dedicated to diamonds, precious stones, and colored gems, this area is a must-visit for those interested in the raw beauty of these materials.
TIME: This section brings together contemporary watchmaking, showcasing the latest in horological design and innovation.
EXPRESSION: This area focuses on services related to visual merchandising, packaging, and display solutions, crucial for brand presentation.
We have VO’clock privè, B2C event for watch lovers open from Sept 6 to 8, which in January turns into VO Vintage, also B2C but for watches and jewellery collectors.
T.GOLD event in January, which is an international highlight for jewelry manufacturing technology.
The selection process for THE DESIGN ROOM is meticulous, with a focus on creativity, originality, and craftsmanship. We look for designers who push the boundaries of traditional jewelry-making, offering fresh perspectives and innovative designs. The selection considers a range of factors, their contribution to contemporary jewelry design for example, and their ability to create pieces that resonate with the global market. The goal is to curate a diverse mix of talent that showcases the future of jewelry design while honoring its rich heritage. And with the project “The 8”, introduced in January, two tutors such as Alessio Boschi and Alessia Crivelli are scouting and presenting to the international market four young talents, a great opportunity to focus on new designers that we are proud to present.
“French Buyers are highly valued by the 1200 exhibitors”
Vicenzaoro attracts a diverse audience that includes buyers of all kinds - wholesalers, distributors, retailers, designers, and manufacturers from all over the world. We also welcome all the industry associations and major institutions, key opinion leaders and trendsetters, fashion influencers and media professionals who are keen to discover the latest in jewelry and watch design. The event serves as a meeting point for industry professionals, offering opportunities for networking, business development, and staying informed about the latest trends and innovations. In addition, we are committed on involving and training new generations of goldsmithers and jewellers, to assure the future of our industry. So schools are also welcome!
On the buyers' side, I’m pleased to share that French buyers are highly valued by our exhibitors and are consistently included in our incoming programs. For this edition, they are among the most represented groups, ranking second alongside countries like Spain, Canada, and China, just behind the USA and UAE.
Not at all. The pandemic highlighted the essential nature of in-person events, demonstrating how much they are valued.
Vicenzaoro, for instance, was already experiencing strong growth before the pandemic, with a record edition in 2019 in terms of attendance. Since 2021, it has continued to break records. While digital technology has transformed the jewelry industry, we view it as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, physical events. The tactile nature of jewelry and the importance of personal relationships in this industry make events like Vicenzaoro irreplaceable.
We've embraced digital advancements by enhancing our online presence and offering virtual experiences, including The Jewellery Golden Cloud, which boosts business matching before, during, and after the show. However, the value of face-to-face interactions, the ability to see and feel products firsthand, and the opportunity to network in person continue to drive strong attendance.
Recent years have been marked by significant geopolitical upheavals, presenting both challenges and opportunities for our show. In response, IEG is actively aligning our strategies with the evolving global landscape, guided by a robust jewelry agenda that focuses on expanding our international reach and fostering innovation within the industry. Our shows such as JGTD (launched 3 years ago) and SIJE (the most recent acquisition) assure our presence on strategic martkets such as Dubai and Singapore, in order to serve the EMEA and ASEAN markets.
Our industry has always been export-driven, with a long history of navigating geopolitical complexities. Over the decades, our jewelers have developed exceptional skills and resilience, allowing them to thrive even in uncertain times. This deep-rooted experience gives us a unique advantage as we face current challenges.
Since 2017, I’ve seen the jewelry industry face significant challenges, including
Vicenzaoro addresses these challenges by offering a platform where industry leaders can discuss and explore solutions. Thanks to our leading partners, our seminars, panel discussions, and special events keep participants informed about trends and technological advancements. Additionally, by featuring exhibitors committed to sustainability and ethical practices, we aim to set a benchmark for the industry.
The show also fosters a strong community, connecting associations, exhibitors, visitors, and media, helping the entire industry adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
We remain consistent in delivering value to our customers —both exhibitors and visitors— by offering a curated product showcase, highlighting trends, and ensuring a high-quality experience. As the center of a virtual circle, Vicenzaoro acts as a community catalyst, connecting associations, exhibitors, visitors, local communities, schools, and media, thereby strengthening the entire industry.
Vicenzaoro has become an international benchmark thanks to the collaboration of numerous institutional players (Confindustria Federorafi, Confcommercio Federpreziosi, CNA Orafi, A.F.E.M.O. - Association of Jewellery Machinery Manufacturers and Exporters, CIBJO - World Jewellery Confederation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, ITA - Italian Trade Agency).
The collaboration with these institutional players is fundamental to the success and international reputation of Vicenzaoro. These partnerships allow us to access a wealth of expertise, resources, and networks that enhance the quality and reach of the event. For example, the support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the ITA - Italian Trade Agency helps us attract international buyers and exhibitors, boosting the global profile of the show. Meanwhile, our collaboration with organizations like CIBJO ensures that we are aligned with the highest industry standards and can offer relevant and up-to-date content to our attendees on a global scenario.
The support from various players manifests in several key ways. We partner with ITA to develop incoming projects that enhance business matching. This collaboration allows us to stay attuned to market evolution and changing needs. Additionally, ITA provides valuable content, professional training, and technical updates, helping us continuously adapt and refine our offerings.
Very well, thank you. We are so happy they are choosing VO as a business hub for international business. They bring new air, ideas and inspiration, representing a specific part of the world.
Our collaboration with French industry players like HBJOP and Francéclat is integral to fostering strong connections between Italian and French jewelry markets. We work closely with these organizations to facilitate the participation of French exhibitors and visitors, ensuring that they have a prominent presence at Vicenzaoro. This includes joint initiatives to promote the event within France, as well as tailored services that cater to the needs of French companies. By maintaining a strong relationship with these partners, we ensure that the show continues to serve as a vital link between the Italian and French jewelry industries.
Of course, we are thrilled to welcome French Jewelers!
We are particularly focused on fostering the market and believe that French jewelers —retailers and beyond— will find immense value in the Vicenzaoro experience. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with a global audience, showcase creativity, and expand your business.
Vicenzaoro provides a platform to not only display your work but also engage with buyers, retailers, and industry professionals from around the world. We are committed to supporting your growth and positioning your brand for international success. We encourage French jewelers and companies to seize this opportunity, build lasting relationships, and drive your business forward with Vicenzaoro.
Want to learn more about Vicenzaoro?