Show organizer Fiera di Vicenza released final figures this week for VicenzaOro First, the first international fine jewelry fair of the year, which took place Jan. 15–Jan. 20, 2011. Data revealed that the show housed some 1,488 exhibitors—down 3 percent from last year—with 70 percent, or 1,047 exhibitors, coming from 54 Italian provinces (four fewer than last year). The remaining 441 firms came from 30 foreign countries, marking a loss of one nation compared to 2010. In two years time, VicenzaOro First has shed 276 exhibitors total.
Highlights of this year’s venue included a roundtable discussion about Italy’s future in the design world with industry leaders like Mehul Choksi, chairman of Gitanjali, who urged Italy to better promote its homegrown design talent. Trend seminars helped buyers better plan purchases for spring, and a seminar on corporate social responsibility included representatives from the United Nations and CIBJO, an international group of jewelers that aim to promote cooperation by protecting consumer confidence and addressing issues like global fair working conditions.
During the latter, Fiera di Vicenza president, Roberto Ditri, told the audience that “consumers were asking for corporate responsibility,” and called for sanctions against firms that do not observe fair labor or environmental conditions in places of manufacture. Added Pilar Coin of Roberto Coin and president of the Italian Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association: "The benefits of transparency and following ethical laws always overcome.”
Said Jocelyn Fenard from the United Nations: “If 99 percent of your industry is doing good things and only 1 percent isn’t, the whole industry can suffer.”
More coverage of the show can be found in the following links:
Live from VicenzaOro 2011: Gold Expressions 2011
Live from VicenzaOro First: Vendors Dish on What’s New, Selling
Live from VicenzaOro 2011: Pasquale Bruni
From VicenzaOro: Pink + Brown = Perfect For Each Other
Live from VicenzaOro First: A Ruby Set to Celebrate 50 Years