By David Brough
AREZZO, Italy – The ongoing recovery of the Chinese market after the lockdowns is creating fresh opportunities for Italian gold jewellery manufacturers to sell their precision-made products to so-called “Place Vendome” jewellery retailers and other top brands.
Industry sources attending the May 13-16 Oroarezzo gold jewellery fair said high-end Italian gold jewellery manufacturers were now focusing strongly on sales growth to the upscale Chinese market.
Image courtesy of Oroarezzo
At the low end of the market, a shift into silver and gold plating was continuing in response to lofty gold prices, while the middle segment was squeezed by the high cost of gold, which recently nudged close to record highs in dollar terms before edging lower.
However, gold remained well-supported above USD $2,000 per ounce this week.
Arezzo is a historic goldsmithing hub and origin of “Made in Italy” jewellery exports to key markets such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and China.
Oroarezzo offers predominantly “Made in Italy” gold jewellery production, and is distinct from the twice-yearly Vicenzaoro trade events staged in Vicenza, also owned by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), which have developed into a platform for the global supply and export of jewellery, watches and accessories and will celebrate their 70th anniversary next year.
Key goldsmithing hubs in Italy include Arezzo, Vicenza and Valenza.
Goldsmithing entails precision manufacturing in 18-carat gold to meet the highest standards of the “Place Vendome” retailers, i.e. the high French jewellery brands, and other leading jewellery retailers.
