Vicenzaoro Winter Opens to Great Expectations

Following what was perceived as a mediocre year for the jewelry industry, the Vicenzaoro Winter 2007 Show opened today with the hope that this year will be a stronger one. With over 1,600 exhibitors, of them 372 non-Italian, the first jewelry show of the year is showcasing the latest jewelry designs.

One important change from last year is that organizers of the show have moved the diamond exhibitors from the more remote parts of the fairground to the central G pavilion, creating the Diamond Avenue. It hosts the DTC, the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) and Antwerp's HRD. According to Eli Avidar, IDI's managing director, this is significant as “This shows that [the industry] understands that diamonds are a central part of the jewelry industry.”

During a morning seminar, Valentino Ziche, President of the Vicenza Fair, noted that jewelry exports for Italy were stagnant during the first nine months of 2006. “Technology and innovation are needed for competitiveness on the global level,” he said, adding that production quality is a necessity, giving Italy its edge.

At the opening ceremony, HRD’s managing director Freddy J. Hanard said “globalization is our framework ... We need the support of the EU to prosper.” He echoed concerns that the shift to cheaper manufacturing centers might harm European businesses who seek to enjoy local advantages, but fear the loss of competitive costs.

Over the next five days, exhibitors will try to prove that the jewelry industry can adapt to the changing global climate and still offer high end fashion and luxury manufactured locally.