First Vicenza Symposium spotlights innovation in jewellery and fashion
The inaugural edition of The Vicenza Symposium took place September 2 – 4, 2025, within the setting of the Palladian Basilica in Vicenza, Italy. Organised by the Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A., Progold S.p.A., and Legor Group S.p.A., with the support of IEG’s leading international shows, Vicenzaoro and T.Gold, the three-day international technical-scientific platform featured over 170 participants from fifteen countries and over 80 companies, brands, academic institutions, and research centres.
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The scientific programme was curated by an international committee composed of leading figures from academia and industry. A total of eleven experts from five countries led the project, delivering three days of panels on digital transformation, environmental sustainability, new materials, and production quality. A key message emerged across all sessions: Innovation in the sector is, and will increasingly be, a powerful ally to artisanal talent.
“With the conclusion of the first edition of The Vicenza Symposium, a new era begins for technical-scientific dialogue in the world of jewellery and fashion accessories,” stated Damiano Zito, Chairman and CEO, Progold S.p.A., President of The Vicenza Symposium and its Scientific Committee. “The presentations touched on crucial topics such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, new manufacturing technologies, and traceability – demonstrating how interconnected and strategic these themes are for the future of our industry. This isn’t just about technical innovation, but a true ‘art of technology’: putting human creativity at the centre and using the most advanced tools to elevate talent and tradition. Vicenza has reaffirmed itself as a global reference point, enhancing artisanal heritage with cutting-edge tools and visions. The value generated here forms the foundation for future editions. This is just the beginning of a journey we aim to grow and strengthen in the years ahead.”
In addition to Zito, the Scientific Committee included Massimo Poliero, President and CEO Legor Group; Giorgio Bodei, Industrial Director, Pomellato; Florian Bulling, Head of Physical Metallurgy Department, FEM Institute; Ezio Dadone, Jewellery Industrialisation; Manufacturing Senior Director, Bvlgari – LVMH Group; Frédéric Diologent, R&I Materials Director, Richemont; Valerio Doppio, R&D Manager, Progold S.p.A.; Andrea Friso, R&D Manager for Master Alloy, Legor Group; Ulrich Klotz, Professor of Materials Science at the Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences, Germany, Joyce Lam, Vice President, Innovation & Product Development – Pandora Innovation Center.
Eddie Bell, founder of the Santa Fe Symposium (1987–2022, USA), served as Honorary President, stating, “It was an honour to be part of the first edition of The Vicenza Symposium, held in one of the world’s jewellery capitals. This event represents much more than a conference: it is a statement of intent. Collaboration between professionals and companies — even among competitors — is the key to growing an entire industry. This is exemplified by Massimo Poliero and Damiano Zito, whom I’ve known for thirty years: once business rivals, they are now partners in the promotion of knowledge and technical education. In an era where technology changes rapidly, sharing knowledge is not a threat, but a resource. When the industry collaborates, everyone benefits. And this Symposium is the most concrete proof of that. I hope that more and more professionals, both young and experienced, will choose to contribute their expertise, publish what they know, and leave a technical legacy for future generations — thanks also to The Vicenza Symposium.”
Twenty-one original contributions were selected and presented across seven thematic sessions, giving voice to those who are shaping the future of jewellery by merging artisanal intuition with scientific knowledge. Highlights included advanced research on precious metal materials, focusing on alternative alloys and improved mechanical properties; Additive Manufacturing breakthroughs, especially Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) and Binder Jetting, reshaping precious component production; Hybrid solutions (e.g. PBF-LB + CNC) enabling sustainable, customised, and highly precise designs.
On the surface treatment front, experts shared innovations in electropolishing and micro-finishing technologies for complex jewellery, enhancing performance and gold recovery. Research into cyanide-free electroplating marked a crucial step toward safer, more sustainable production, also relevant for the fashion sector.
Sessions on AI and quality control showcased how artificial intelligence can reduce waste and improve communication between brands and suppliers. Other contributions explored metal traceability systems, from DNA tagging to blockchain, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance across the entire supply chain. A recurring theme was the lack of international standards specific to the jewellery industry.
Looking ahead, contributors examined smart automation as a way to enhance, not replace, craftsmanship: from digital twins for stone-setting, to generative algorithms for predictive alloy development, to AI-powered production flow management.
The first Best Presentation Award was also presented, recognising the talk that received the highest number of votes from the audience. The winner was Baptiste Rouxel, Materials Scientist at Richemont International SA, who, with his paper “An 18-Carat Green Gold with Improved Mechanical Properties,” earned the opportunity to participate in the next edition of the event.
Matteo Farsura, Global Exhibition Manager of the Jewellery & Fashion division at Italian Exhibition Group, said, “We experienced something of extraordinary value, shared with speakers, participants, and everyone who contributed to the success of the Symposium.”
“It was a full-immersion that sparked new ideas and opened up concrete perspectives for imagining the future of jewellery and fashion accessories—together — with technology playing an increasingly integral role throughout the supply chain. This is a vision fully embraced by IEG, which, through The Vicenza Symposium, renews its commitment to stand alongside the industry by investing in projects that support its growth. The upcoming expansion of the Vicenza Expo Center — starting from September 2026 — will further enhance the synergy between T.GOLD and Vicenzaoro, the leading international trade shows for jewellery manufacturing technologies and fine jewellery. This goes precisely in the direction of strengthening Vicenza’s role as a global platform where business, innovation, and jewellery culture meet,” Farsura added.
Massimo Poliero, President and CEO of Legor Group, stated, “Three years ago, together with Damiano Zito and Marco Carniello of IEG, we began envisioning The Vicenza Symposium with the idea of creating something new and concrete for our industry. We believed in the possibility of launching a technical-scientific event here in Vicenza, inspired by the Santa Fe Symposium model, but with a European style and aligned with the current challenges facing our sector. The spirit of collaboration that fuelled this journey is the same one that today allows us to share the success of this first edition. It has been a moment of total immersion, exchange, and vision — one that confirmed just how important it is to create opportunities for dialogue and knowledge sharing, also to attract new generations to a sector that still has so much to offer. I want to thank the Scientific Committee and everyone who worked with passion on this project. A special thanks goes to Eddie Bell, founder of the Santa Fe Symposium and a global benchmark for technical innovation. Having him here with us as Honorary President is confirmation that we are on the right path.”
Giacomo Possamai, Mayor of Vicenza, commented, “When global innovation chooses a city as a point of reference, it’s never by chance. It’s the result of a strong identity, a shared vision, and a productive fabric capable of looking ahead. The first edition of The Vicenza Symposium marks an important milestone—not only for the goldsmith and fashion-tech sectors, but also for the future of our city itself. Vicenza confirms its role as an international crossroads for research, experimentation, and dialogue, reinforcing a position that grows stronger year after year. This event sets in motion a path that continues with Vicenzaoro and VIOFF, within a strategic vision that places Vicenza at the centre of the technological and cultural transformations shaping the creative industries. Today more than ever, Vicenza is a global reference point for those working on innovation in jewellery, precious materials, and sustainability. On behalf of the city, thank you to everyone who believed in this project. The value created here does not end—it will continue to build the future of a Vicenza increasingly at centre stage.”
The Vicenza Symposium will return in September 2027.
