Garavelli
Just a little over a week ago, I had the amazing opportunity- as I do annually – to visit the gold jewelry capitol of the world: Italy. Home to hundreds of brands that work wonders with precious metals and Earth’s gems, Italy is also the host country for the all-important VicenzaOro Fair held in Vicenza, Italy.
Here, more than a thousand exhibitors unveil their newest jewelry and watch collections to visitors from around the world. Fortunately, it is a grand extravaganza that boasts incredible innovation and cutting-edge trends.
Roberto Coin Garden Collection
This year, for example, key jewelry trends included a stunning array of hues of blue gemstone jewelry, a nod toward milky colored gemstones, incredibly large yet creative designs, always stunning diamond pieces, some motorcycle chic looks and – my personal favorite – nature inspired pieces. From wild flowers to gardens flowers, from wild animals to domesticated ones, and from birds to bees and beyond, the halls of the VicenzaOro fair were packed with pieces that emulate the world’s life.
Adami and Martucci Mesh jewelry
Among the more stunning nature inspired pieces were the Secret Garden collection from Roberto Coin – – the beloved brand that this year won Best Italy Jewelry Brand at the show’s third annual Andrea Palladio International Jewellery Awards. His pieces feature bold large center stone rings adorned with creatures of the earth in pave gemstones, and sporting shanks made to look like tree roots and bamboo. Additionally, Coin boasted new animal-inspired rings and bracelets, including an incredible black diamond horse and even a coiled snake bracelet that features a huge amethyst stone that not only forms the snakehead, but also acts as a timepiece, with hands beneath it. Says Coin, “Making jewelry is about showing the beauty of nature in all its glory.”
pasquale Bruni Bon Ton collection
Secretly, and on sworn oath not to reveal my knowledge, I was invited by Roberto Coin, a man I have known for decades, to take a sneak peek at illustrations of what is coming down the road in 2015. I promise you, it is brilliant – but sorry, you have to wait until we have permission to disclose the innovative and breathtaking 2015 designs.
Meanwhile, VicenzaOro was also the platform for a host of important announcements and unveilings. In fact, the exhibition management announced its plans for a show next year that will take place in Dubai for the first time ever. “It is a unique opportunity for Italians to be more visible in a very important market,” says Matteo Marzotto, President of the Fiera di Vicenza S.p.A.
Mattia Cielo Armadillo ring
Additionally, he announced the move on the part of the VicenzaOro fair – and one day, hopefully, on the part of all brands with goods “Made in Italy” – to adopt new slogan: “Well Done in Italy.”
The concept of Well Done in Italy is all about elevating the “made-in” concept to a new level. Italian craftsmanship – of jewelry, leather goods, clothing, shoes and other products – is typically a cut above the craftsmanship in other countries. Workmanship handed down from generation to generation has only adapted new methods and gotten all the stronger over the centuries. Today, Italy boasts some of the finest hand-made products in the world. Throughout the week, we will bring you more. Stay tuned.
