Innovation, craftsmanship in focus as VicenzaOro launches
VICENZA, Italy, September 10, 2011 – Innovation and craftsmanship will be key drivers of the Italian gold and jewellery export sector, said Vicenza Fair President Roberto Ditri as VicenzaOro Choice launched against a backdrop of increasing exports by value linked to the soaring price of precious metals.
“VicenzaOro has chosen the theme, ‘Innovation is in our hands’,” Ditri said in a keynote speech to open the fair.
Underlining the importance of using Italy’s artisanal skills to boost exports, Ditri added, “The value of craftsmanship is not just a great heritage, it is also a concrete opportunity to build our future.”
NEW DIRECTIONS HALL
The New Directions hall at the entrance to the fair showcased the work of 14 young designers, using unusual materials, reinforcing the fair’s message about the importance of innovation in design and craftsmanship.
The stars of the New Directions hall are the creations of Luisa Bruni; Luca Cosseddu; Elviro Di Meo and Antonio Rossetti; Esmeralda Enriquez; Francesca Gabrielli; Manuela Gandini; Stefania Lucchetta; Laura Magro; Luigi Mariani; Michele Paparella; Claudio Ranfagni; Gustavo Renna; Ivana Riggi, and Janos Gabor Varga.
The soaring price of precious metals and diamonds in recent months has contributed to the increase in Italian gold and jewellery exports by value.
The latest figures from Vicenza Fair showed a 17.3 percent increase in Italian gold and jewellery exports by value in the first four months of 2011.
The main markets for exports of Italian gold and jewellery in value terms were Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates which grew by 111.8 percent and 1.9 percent year-on-year respectively, and in third place the United States, up 11.5 percent.
“Significant increases in export are also recorded towards China (+52.5 percent), Romania (+291.7 percent), and Turkey (+25.5 percent),” the Vicenza Fair said in a statement.
Russia is one of the top 15 destinations by value of Italian gold and jewellery exports, accounting for 16.4 million euros.
