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The curtains have closed on another monumental edition of Vicenzaoro September, Italian Exhibition Group’s (IEG) premier international trade show. Held from 4 to 9 September at the Vicenza Expo Centre, the event once again transformed the historic city into the undisputed global capital of jewellery, goldsmithing, and watchmaking, proving that the industry is not just thriving but actively shaping its future through technology, sustainability, and a return to profound cultural value.
This September’s edition was more than a marketplace, it was a dynamic ecosystem of business, inspiration, and knowledge. With over 1,200 exhibiting brands from 30 countries and a targeted influx of over 600 international buyers from 62 nations, facilitated by incoming programmes from the Italian Trade Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event buzzed with great energy and optimism.
The week’s festivities were strategically preceded by the inaugural Vicenza Symposium (Sept. 2-4), a hi-tech innovation summit that set the intellectual tone. This groundbreaking technical-scientific event, organized by IEG in partnership with Legor Group and Progold, assembled over 170 experts from 15 countries. They delved into the future of precious materials, automation, and sustainability, sending a clear message, innovation is the powerful ally of artisanal talent, not its replacement.
This seamless transition from theoretical innovation at the Symposium to tangible application on the Vicenzaoro show floor underscored a key industry trend, the fusion of heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology is no longer optional; it is essential for growth and relevance.
Several powerful themes emerged throughout the event, providing a clear roadmap for the industry’s direction:
From Ornament to Identity: A keynote talk by Trendvision Jewellery + Forecasting unveiled the concept of jewellery entering a “quantum age”. The consensus was that jewellery is evolving beyond mere adornment into a “technology-interface” and an identity prosthesis. As Lebanese artist Samar Younes articulated, it is becoming a medium to communicate personal and cultural narratives, a trend amplified by digitalisation and AI.
The Strategic China Equation: The focus on China remained intense. Experts like Heidi Cheung of East Media outlined a market driven by authenticity, digital savviness, and the powerful ‘She Economy’, educated, independent women leading high-end consumption. While gold retains its cultural centrality, pearls are surging with a 60% year-on-year increase. The message to Italian brands was clear: success requires a tailored approach blending storytelling, digital engagement (via platforms like WeChat and Xiaohongshu), and an authentic brand identity.
Navigating the High-Gold Price Environment: With gold prices stubbornly above $3,000 per ounce, a session organized by CIBJO and the IPMI tackled the challenge head-on. The solution? Innovation in design and technique. Industry leaders argued that creativity in volume usage and processing techniques is essential to managing costs without compromising on value or design ambition.
Sustainability and Provenance as Standard: Traceability, from DNA tagging to blockchain, and responsible sourcing were central discussions. The industry is moving decisively towards transparent supply chains and ethical production, with advancements in cyanide-free electroplating and recycled materials taking centre stage as commercial imperatives, rather than just ethical choices.
Running concurrently, VO Vintage provided a vibrant counterpoint, throwing open its doors to the public. This free-admission marketplace became a hub for collectors and enthusiasts, featuring over 40 specialist exhibitors of vintage watches and jewellery. A curated two-day talk programme with experts like Michele Mengoli and Andrea Foffi provided deep dives into collecting, maintenance, and the stories behind iconic timepieces, highlighting the enduring appeal of heritage and history.
Despite a challenging global economic backdrop, the mood was decisively optimistic. The ninth joint survey by Club degli Orafi Italia and Intesa Sanpaolo, presented at the show, noted that while exports saw a dip, there was a significant rise in the number of companies planning to invest (from 21% to 30%). Italy confidently retains its crown as Europe’s top jewellery exporter, accounting for over 50% of total exports to EU27 countries.
As the industry packed away its glittering wares, the message from Vicenza was one of resilient confidence. The event successfully wove together the threads of past, present, and future, honouring the artistry of generations past at VO Vintage, facilitating crucial business in the present, and boldly defining the future of the sector through technology and sustainability.
Vicenzaoro September 2025 didn’t just host the industry, rather provided the vision, tools, and connections to propel it forward. The global jewellery community now looks ahead to 2026, anticipating the next chapter in this iconic city’s golden legacy.
