What I love about Vicenzaoro is exactly that mix. You can move from discovering a spectacular natural diamond or colored gemstone, to meeting an Italian designer, trying on a completely unexpected piece, then learning something new about how jewellery is actually made. There is always another detail, another story, another jewel waiting around the corner. And no matter how much jewellery we see online, seeing it in person is completely different. The color of a gemstone, the fire of a diamond, the movement of a necklace, the proportions of a ring. Some things simply need to be experienced on the body.

But just as important as the jewellery are the people behind it. Jewellery is such a relationship-driven world, and exhibitions like Vicenzaoro remind you of that very quickly. Some meetings are carefully planned weeks in advance, others happen because you spot a familiar face across a hall, get introduced to someone new over coffee, or stop at a booth because one gemstone catches your eye. A ten-minute conversation can turn into a new discovery, a future collaboration or simply a better understanding of the person and the work behind a piece.

For me, this is one of the most valuable parts of attending in person. Over the years, many of the relationships I have built within the jewellery world have grown through exactly these encounters. You reconnect with houses you have known for years, meet the next generation of a family business, finally put a face to someone you have been speaking with online, and inevitably get introduced to someone you were not expecting to meet at all. There is a warmth to that which cannot really be replicated through emails, calls or social media.

And those conversations often change the way I see the jewellery itself. A designer may explain why they chose a particular stone. A gemstone dealer may tell you where a gem was sourced, what made it exceptional, or why they waited years to find the right one. A jeweller may show you the construction behind a necklace or the craftsmanship hidden on the reverse of a piece. Suddenly, you are no longer only looking at something beautiful. You understand more of what went into creating it.

That exchange of knowledge is also what gives Vicenzaoro its particular energy. Buyers, designers, manufacturers, gemstone specialists, retailers, press and institutions are all moving through the same halls. Business is happening, of course, but so is conversation. People are comparing ideas, sharing perspectives, discussing what they are seeing in the market and, importantly, building relationships that continue long after the show closes.

This September also brought the CIBJO Centenary Congress to Vicenza, gathering more than 600 members of the international jewellery industry. Discussions around provenance, responsible sourcing, standards and the way we communicate jewellery today added another dimension to the week. For me, the more we understand about where a gemstone comes from, how a natural diamond formed, who cut it, who set it and what went into creating the finished piece, the more meaningful jewellery becomes.

But of course, I was still there for the jewellery. Natural diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, Italian craftsmanship, strong design and quite a few pieces that made me stop immediately and reach for my camera. That, together with the people behind them, is still the magic of Vicenzaoro. You arrive thinking you know what you are looking for and inevitably leave having discovered something, or someone, completely different.

Vicenzaoro returns from January 15 to 19, 2027. Until then, arrivederci Vicenza.

The scale of the gathering was immediately palpable. Visitors arrived from 130 countries, with international attendance holding at 60 percent. The United States led foreign participation, followed by the United Kingdom, India, and Germany, reinforcing how global the Vicenza stage has become. Walking the halls felt like moving through a living map of the industry. Conversations unfolded in multiple languages, introductions turned into reunions, and every meeting seemed to hint at a future collaboration. Networking here is never incidental. The scale was impressive, but what stayed with me most was the atmosphere. There was momentum, but also intention. This year’s message, People, Products, Places, was not simply a theme. It was evident in how the fair unfolded.

The Products spoke first. Despite a market navigating fluctuating precious metal prices and global trade tensions, high jewellery did not retreat into caution. It leaned into clarity. Collections felt deliberate and composed. There was an emphasis on exceptional gemstones, refined proportions, and craftsmanship that did not seek attention but commanded it. Many maisons presented pieces that balanced grandeur with wearability, understanding that today’s collector wants both presence and purpose.

With more than 560 high profile buyers brought to the show through collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, these unveilings carried real commercial significance. Buyers were not browsing casually. They were previewing the design language of the year ahead, identifying pieces that would resonate across diverse markets. VICENZAORO remains one of the rare environments where the entire supply chain is visible, but what distinguishes it is the level of curation and discernment within that scale.

The debut of the VO Awards added an emotional and symbolic dimension to this edition. By recognizing manual artisan tradition alongside contemporary design and innovative materials, the awards underscored a truth we often discuss but rarely formalize. Our industry survives because it evolves without abandoning its roots. Seeing artisans celebrated for technical mastery, for the patience and discipline that sit behind every setting and every polished surface, was quietly powerful. It affirmed that excellence is not accidental. It is cultivated.

For me, one of the most meaningful moments unfolded within the educational program led by CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion focused on educating the next generation of jewellery buyers. It is a subject I feel deeply connected to.

During the conversation, I shared that Gen Z approaches jewellery differently. They use social media not only for aspiration but as a research platform. Before stepping into a boutique, they have already explored origin narratives, compared stones and cuts, assessed ethical sourcing, and absorbed brand storytelling. Their purchases are rarely impulsive. Jewellery, for them,Their purchases are rarely impulsive. Jewellery, for them, is a form of self-expression — intentional, emotional, and personal.

This shift reshapes how we communicate. Education therefore cannot remain internal. Transparency, storytelling, and accessible expertise must meet them where they are. When a young buyer chooses a jewel, they are aligning with a narrative as much as with a gemstone. Sitting on that panel, I felt both responsibility and optimism. A generation that seeks understanding is a generation that will build lasting relationships with fine jewellery.

Another highlight came from Trendvision Jewellery + Forecasting, the independent observatory directed by Paola De Luca. In the session titled “Coded Couture”, she explored how jewellery is increasingly read as a cultural code in the age of data, identity and evolving aesthetics. Her trend forecasting reminded us that the future of jewellery is not only about beautiful objects but about decoding the signals of cultural transformation — movements that guide creative direction, design language, and consumer connection.

And then there were the evenings.

After long days immersed in products and panels, the nights were charged with good food and even better company. From visiting the newly renovated Museo del Gioiello to intimate private dinners where conversations continued well past dessert, the experience extended far beyond the show floor. Returning each night to my wonderful room at Premiere hotel in Abano, there was always a quiet anticipation for the next day. Beyond the exceptional jewels and strategic meetings, it was the rhythm of connection that made the week memorable.

VICENZAORO remains more than a marketplace. It is where People gather with purpose, where Products set the tone for the year ahead, and where Places frame the experience with culture and warmth. This January edition reaffirmed that our industry is not only about extraordinary stones. It is about the community that gives them meaning.

And that is what ensures its continuity.

Held from January 17 to 21, 2025, in Vicenza, Italy, the exhibition welcomed 1,300 brands and buyers from 145 countries, setting a new benchmark for international participation. With a strong presence from Turkey, the United States, Germany, Spain, and Greece, and growing interest from regions like North Korea and Australia, the show reaffirmed its status as a truly global business and networking platform.

Beyond its role as a trade hub, Vicenzaoro embraced contemporary themes, including sustainability, technology, and the next generation of jewellery professionals. The event also ran concurrently with T.Gold, the leading international show for machinery and technological innovations in jewellery manufacturing, reinforcing Vicenzaoro’s comprehensive industry presence.

This year’s show emphasised on loose gemstones and diamonds (Hall 3.1) as well as fine to high jewellery, with a strong focus on large gemstones, pearls, and convertible designs—a trend shaping both haute joaillerie and commercial collections. The demand for versatility and innovation in design was evident across exhibitor showcases, reflecting the evolving tastes of modern collectors.

The continued rise of Made in Italy jewellery was also a key theme. In the first ten months of 2024, the Italian jewellery industry saw a 5.8% increase in revenue, with exports growing at 7.2%, surpassing domestic market growth. This solidifies Italy’s position as a driving force in global jewellery design and craftsmanship.

Key Industry Discussions: Sustainability & Traceability

Vicenzaoro is not just about showcasing fine jewellery—it’s also a space for industry leaders to shape the future. Among the most anticipated discussions were two high-impact CIBJO-sponsored panels, addressing the most pressing topics in the diamond sector:

1. De Beers’ New Paradigm for the Diamond Market
   Led by Mahiar Borhanjoo, Chief Commercial Officer at De Beers, this session highlighted the enduring value of natural diamonds and their vital role in sustainable communities. The discussion reinforced the importance of preserving the legacy of natural diamonds while ensuring their positive economic and social impact.
2. The Technology of Traceability
   Moderated by Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President, Provenance, Ethics & Industry Relations, De Beers Group and President of the World Diamond Council.
   This panel gathered eight industry pioneers specialising in diamond provenance and traceability. The discussion revolved around the need for a unified global protocol to ensure transparency and accountability in diamond traceability.
   The panel featured:

• Wesley Tucker, CEO, Tracr™ – world’s leading digital platform for tracing natural diamonds from source at scale.
• Andrew Rimmer, CEO, Opsydia – known for laser inscription technology that provides a secure, tamper-proof identity for diamonds.
• Jennifer Moriconi, Chief Sales Officer, iTraceiT – offering a robust traceability tool for all worldwide supply chain.
• Leanne Kemp, Founder & CEO, Everledger – a leading advocate for blockchain’s role in ensuring ethical sourcing.
• Bruno Scarselli, Founder, Authentia – offering the industry’s first legally recognized protocol on public blockchains, providing the most comprehensive solution for diamond origin and authenticity.
• Nicholas Molkte, Founder & CEO, Botswanamark – focusing on provenance and ethical sourcing of diamonds from Botswana. Each Botswanamark diamond carries with it a guaranteed chain of custody – from the mines in Botswana to the consumer. 
• Tai Wong, Director, Innovation and Product Development, Platinum Guild International (PGI) – a marketing organisation created in 1975 with the vision to develop the global platinum jewellery market as a new demand source for platinum.
• Pritesh Patel, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Gemological Institute of America (GIA) – ensuring GIA’s role in accurate certification and provenance tracking.

The conclusion was clear: for traceability to be truly effective worldwide, these platforms must collaborate to create a standardized and interoperable protocol that works across the entire industry.

Trendvision Jewellery + Forecasting: PORTRAITS

Led by Paola de Luca–an Italian luxury trends forecaster known for developing a trend book on global jewellery design.

“The Anthropology of Body and Ornament”, exploring jewellery as a cultural expression and tool for self-expression, innovation, and identity. The discussion  examined how body adornment has influenced collections and transformed the way jewellery is worn, bridging past, present, and future perspectives.

In addition to The Portraits, this  year’s The Jewellery Trendbook 2026 was also introduced. This year’s focus is on  the evolution of consumption in the luxury market and takes a careful look at the emerging phenomena that condition the evolution of society, reflecting on purchasing behavior.

Expansion & The Future of Vicenzaoro

While hosting an event of this scale, the Vicenza Expo Centre is also undergoing significant expansion, with work progressing seamlessly alongside the show’s schedule—ensuring no disruption to exhibitors or buyers. This investment reinforces Vicenzaoro’s role as a long-term hub for global jewelry trade and innovation.

Beyond Vicenzaoro January, the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has unveiled an ambitious calendar of eight international events in 2025, bringing the spirit of Vicenzaoro to key global markets. Upcoming highlights include:

• OROAREZZO (May)
• SIJE Singapore (July)
• Vicenzaoro September, including the return of VO’Clock Privé
• The inaugural Vicenza Symposium (September)—a groundbreaking scientific event exploring the intersection of technology, metals, and sustainability in jewelry and fashion
• Valenza Jem Forum (October)
• JGTD Dubai (November)
• Italian Jewellery Summit in Arezzo (December)

A Global Pulse for the Jewelry Industry

Vicenzaoro’s success is a testament to the strength and resilience of the jewelry and goldsmithing industry. The event’s unique blend of business, innovation, and cultural exchange makes it the beating heart of the global jewelry sector. With a clear vision for the future—driven by sustainability, technology, and craftsmanship—Vicenzaoro continues to shape the trajectory of high jewelry and diamond markets worldwide.

As the industry looks ahead to a year filled with innovation and opportunity, Vicenzaoro remains the essential starting point for 2025’s jewelry calendar—where tradition meets the future.

As members of press we had a very packed schedule to visit and experience as much as possible during our stay. Our schedule included 2 factory visits to Nanis & Peruffo for understanding the process of creating each piece, getting a feel of the atelier, production line, design studios and experience Italian jewelry to the best. Followed by a festive dinner, of course authentic Italian feast from handmade gnocchi, hand rolled cigars and Amarone wine!

Our nights were followed by attending events around the city and my favourite was an evening walk through the old town to enjoy Salvador Dalí sculptures all around the Basilica toward Museo del Gioiello Vicenza! Currently there is a temporary exhibition of ‘Precious Art: the jewellery sculptures of Salvador Dalí’ at Museo del Gioiello Vicenza that conveys his passion to express himself in space and three dimensions. The jeweled sculptures pay tribute to Dalí’s most important iconographic images, like the ballerinas, the angels and the watch. They are made from 18-carat gold and encrusted with precious stones, diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Each work of art is mounted on a translucent rock crystal base and signed in gold by Dalí. There are various rooms at the museum each dedicated to different aspects of jewelry such as symbol, fashion, beauty, magic, future and more.

Special thanks to Italian Trade Agency in Houston and Vicenzaoro team for inviting me to attend 2019 edition. To learh more about Italian Jewelry please visit: The Extraordinary Italian Jewelry www.teijewelry.com!