TRENDVISION, JEWELLERY AS A CULTURAL SYSTEM IN THE AI ERA

The second day of Vicenzaoro January, IEG’s international jewellery show currently underway at Vicenza Expo Centre, opened with CODED COUTURE – Jewellery as cultural code in the age of Artificial Intelligence. The focus was on the new paradigm of jewellery in which heritage, identity and technology converge. During the event, hosted by Paola De Luca, creative director and co-founder of Trendvision Jewellery + Forecasting, jewellery was redefined: no longer a static ornament, but a coded system, a dynamic archive able to tell stories, rituals and data between physical and digital reality. Design is no longer purely aesthetic, but is “written” through biometric and personal data, transforming the object into a biological and digital extension of the individual. Cultural heritage and emotional memories are encapsulated in complex geometries and blockchain technologies, turning the piece into a talisman of eternal memory. Jewellery lives a double existence: a tactile artifact on the skin and, at the same time, a digital asset that evolves over time, transcending the boundaries of matter. The four style trends for next spring-summer were also presented: Couture Essentials brings refined elegance to everyday gestures, Layered Codes interprets adaptability as a new creative freedom, Natural Allure embraces the strength and serenity of the natural world, and Elevated Core distils design to its purest essence.

VO VINTAGE: CULTURE AND LEADING FIGURES IN ITALIAN WATCHMAKING AT THE CENTRE OF THE EVENT
VO Vintage further enriches its role as a showcase for enthusiasts and collectors by becoming an opportunity for cultural dissemination and discussion among experts. The second day of IEG’s timepiece and fine vintage jewellery event saw some of Italy’s leading figures in the sector take part in a discussion entitled “The States General of Vintage,” held in the Canova Room. The panel, moderated by Michele Mengoli, editor-in-chief of Watch Insanity, editor Jacopo Giudici, and Bruno Bergamaschi, co-founder of Watchouse , featured dealers Marco Cesari, Andrea Foffi, Stefano Mazzariol, Tony Musumeci and Antonio Nocco. The meeting highlighted how interest in rare and niche timepieces is growing steadily in the vintage sector, aided by the dissemination of information by experts and enthusiasts on social media. At the same time, the audience continues to expand and become younger, showing growing attention towards original products and lesser-known brands. Not only that, but product choices also reflect a move away from traditional gender-based distinctions.
The early afternoon of today also saw a presentation of the book “History of Italian Watchmaking. From the 14^th Century to the Rebirth of Made in Italy” by Ugo Pancani. «My work aims at highlighting the Italian excellence that contributed to the birth and development of mechanical watchmaking from the 14^th century to present day. Vicenzaoro was the stage that kicked off this story: the inspiration came exactly from here; from a watch I saw on display at one of the previous editions of VO Vintage.» Moderated by Rai News deputy director Luigi Monfredi, the event explored Italy’s role in the development of global watchmaking, starting from a book that intermingles art, science, literature and craftsmanship through the stories and insights of great scientists, inventors, artists and artisans: from Dante to Leonardo da Vinci via Galileo Galilei. Also speaking alongside the author were Carlo Maria Ceppi and Carlo Fontana, two leading figures in contemporary Italian watchmaking.

THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY: ECONOMIC OVERVIEW, BETWEEN SIGNS OF CONFIDENCE AND PROSPECTS
Yesterday, on the opening day of Vicenzaoro, Club degli Orafi Italia and Intesa Sanpaolo presented an analysis of the jewellery industry’s macroeconomic and sectoral scenarios. The sector is operating in a complex international context that is affecting market dynamics, but still maintains a significant role at European level with exports amounting to €8.1 billion. Expectations for 2026 are cautious with some companies forecasting a growth in turnover. There is still a moderate propensity to invest. With around 76,000 employees, the sector is looking to supply chain integration and developing tourism as medium-term levers.