Insights from CIBJO at Vicenzaoro 2025: The Next Generation’s Role in Jewellery Supply Chains
Gold and jewellery supply chains have a future that speaks the language of the sustainability and inclusiveness generation. CIBJO, the international jewellery confederation, outlined the state of the art on the third day of Vicenzaoro, ongoing at Italian Exhibition Group’s Expo Centre in Vicenza – Italy (in the heart of the Land of Venice) until Tuesday 21st.
Key Factors Shaping the Future of Jewellery Supply Chains
There are two aspects to this issue. Tomorrow’s consumer, who will have a new sensitivity assimilated through the speed of digital tools, and generational transition in companies, which must, instead, take place “not as a traumatic process, but rather as a continuation of the company’s story,” argues Alessia Crivelli, founder of Mani Intelligenti, the Valenza-based foundation that connects companies and education to make young people’s talent blossom in the district’s professions and companies.
Training and Business Model Adaptation for the New Generation
“The development of our training activities shows us that we need to be as fast in changing business models as the tools that youngsters have at their disposal. Consumer trust is crucial because it translates into informed purchasing choices” says Gaetano Cavalieri, president of CIBJO, the international jewellery confederation.
Changing Business Language for Sustainability and Inclusivity
Along with the speed with which the curiosity of new generations of upcoming jewellery buyers is being fuelled, the language of businesses is also changing. “Climate, nature, weather are the words that need to enter the language and strategies of corporate boards. A useful tool, for example, is the “BIA,” the B-Corp Impact Assessment. Or the project we have developed in the company specifically for issues such as climate and inclusiveness that we have called “Chain of Information.” Companies risk losing talent if they do not pay attention to these issues” says Alice Vanni, CSR director at Italpreziosi SpA.
The Link Between Business and Education in the Jewellery Industry
A goal that requires a strong link between business and education, as for example, in Valenza: “All the schools in Valenza and Assogemme joined the Foundation at the end of last year, and this allows us to work on all the know-how of our city, up to the world of stones” adds Crivelli.
The Role of Technology in the Jewellery Industry’s Stone Sector
“And it is precisely the world of stones that is the key to understanding the sector: here new technology processes must be integrated, not replaced” concludes Azzurra Cesari, project manager at Cesari & Renaldi Gemmai.
The New Frontiers of the Jewellery Industry’s 3D Printing: Innovation KM0
The Jewellery Technology Forum, the Made in Italy machinery sector for the jewellery industry, is preparing for the technological breakthrough of 3D printing directly with precious metals.
The Integration of Metal Powders in 3D Printing Technology
Bronze, platinum, steel and gold powders will be used to create both jewellery for the precious metal sector and fashion accessories in the near future. The new machines will use metal powders instead of resins within five to 10 years. Thus, yet another technological step forward is being prepared for a sector that is certainly niche, but which exports more than 80% of its production. High technology, which maintains a deep connection with Italian manufacturing districts.
Technological Progress Driving the Jewellery Industry Forward
“Our technologies not only give their best in the traditional mechanical processing of chains, the technological impetus of our companies is also propelling us into segments where we did not yet have leadership” says Massimo Poliero, president of AFEMO, the Italian jewellery industry’s association of reference.
The Impact of U.S. Policies on Italian Exports of Gold Processing Machinery
Italian exports of gold processing machinery will be able to benefit from a favourable environment in the U.S. if policies encourage technological investment and the dollar remains strong. However, tariff barriers, protectionism or stringent regulations could pose obstacles. Italian companies will need to closely monitor the evolution of U.S. policies to adapt to new market dynamics.
The JTF and Innovation at Vicenzaoro 2025
The JTF continued during the third day of Vicenzaoro 2025, ongoing at Italian Exhibition Group’s Expo Centre until Tuesday 21st. The talks ranged from the technical aspects of metalworking with the expertise of Chris Corti, precious metal resistance with Fabrice Barbeau, and Fulvio Sinisi from Legor Group, to the most innovative techniques for processing 316L stainless steel.
