This business brought me to Italy for the Vicenza Oro 2 from June 8 to 13. The fair combined design, image, fashion, style, technology and developments in machinery, research and professional updates. It showcased fine and commercial Italian gold, platinum and silver jewelry, wrist and pocket watches together with other international exhibitors. It was a continuation of the January fair with a similar range of goods. It provided an opportunity for participants to make a midyear check of market and fashion trends. At the fair, the gemological pavilion gave special attention to precious, colored, synthetic and ornamental stones, natural and cultivated pearls, corals and cameos in a wide range of cuts with diverse applications. Each year, it also offers opportunities for gaining greater knowledge of the business. During the gemological day, together with Cisgem (Center for Gemological Information and Services, Milan) and Irigem (Gemological Training Organization, Vicenza) the fair organized talks dedicated to the research and marketing of stones with authoritative speakers in the industry. At the same time, Oromacchine, the biggest and most complete exhibition in the world dedicated exclusively to machinery and equipment for gold and silver production, accessories for goldsmiths and silversmiths and gemological instruments took place. The exhibition gave us the chance to see what was new on the market and the latest trends in the industry.
It’s still go for gold. I remember my first ever story for the Philippine Star two years ago. It was about gold, and I wrote that it was back. Now, it is still in fashion. After all, it is the true color of metal. Stylists and manufacturers have carefully designed fresh chains and jewelry. Geometric designs, diamond-cut surfaces, network resembling lace give chains a contemporary look. While yellow gold took the lead, gemstones marked the vivid colors of summer. Natural inspirations were flora and fauna from tropical forests to white sandy beaches and the depths of the ocean. This scenario stimulated new forms of designs. Multi-colored paves of diamonds and natural gemstones, chunky sizes, raw stones and irregular cuts set a strong and fascinating appeal in jewelry. Lively pendants in classical or modern designs, colorful crosses and Asian ideograms enhanced simple chains. Charms in a boundless collection of subjects are another trend. Charms, which reflect a sense of belonging, reminiscent of things past or ethnic designs in natural gemstones, are so hip. Thanks to Louis Vuitton’s version launched last summer, the charm bracelet has again become a cult accessory for fashionistas.
To further establish the yellow gold trend, World Gold Council and Vicenza Fair organized the second edition of Gold Virtuosi. This gold jewelry design competition invites international artists to capture the rich history and allure of gold through original design, quality craftsmanship and innovative technology. It is considered the world’s Oscars for gold jewelry design. Gold has always been revered by many cultures for its inherent beauty, warmth and sensuality. With this as a reference, together with unrestricted creativity, the pieces set the trend in yellow gold jewelry. The number of entries doubled compared to the first competition with a total of 5098 projects from 52 countries. This confirms the renewed interest in yellow gold.
"The big number of participants is proof of the vitality and dynamism of the gold industry," said Giancarlo Montebello, master goldsmith.
Out of these participants, 34 winning designs were chosen at the final judging session held in Venice last April 5. The famous jury included Loulou de la Falaise, inspirational muse of Yves Saint Laurent; Italian designer Alberta Ferretti; Elsa Klensch, presenter of CNN’s past program Style; Penny Proddow of InStyle magazine; and Luca Bartoleschi, director of the Bulgari Design Center.
"A harvest of creativity from many different cultures, a real wealth of talent – I have seen a great profusion of projects inspired by nature, harmonious and sensual in design, almost as if after a season of showiness, it was now time to celebrate a more feminine and interior style," commented Alberta Ferretti on the creative quality of designs.
Winning pieces this year came from 15 nations: UK, Brazil, Japan, Hong Kong, USA, Mexico, Taiwan, Italy, Turkey, Indonesia, Poland, Korea, South Africa, India and Saudi Arabia. These projects will definitely inspire new collections for the world market and define the new trends and styles.
I spent four days at the fair. The first day was overwhelming. I did not know where to start. The directory was as thick as a bible. I would always be one of the last to leave the fair every day. And, would you believe that I did not even get to see everything? It was so enormous! I was so busy looking for suppliers that I only passed through the Philippine pavilion. It was a very productive and exciting experience. Usually, people are not too friendly to small retailers like me. At least that was how I felt when I would ask questions at Hong Kong’s jewelry fair. If you don’t order in volume, they will not entertain you. Vicenza was different. The exhibitors were more open to new business. Or maybe this was so because the economy worldwide is not so good. In any case, it worked well for me. I can’t wait for you to see what I found!