A few highlights
Among the many activities, discussions, and seminars offered by the fair were four Trend Forums that provided visitors a look at consumer profiles, style, product directions, and trend forecasts for contemporary jewellery. The fair also showcased its Trendbook 2016+, incorporating trend forecasts, as well as an energetic and informative presentation by Paola DeLuca on upcoming trends in the jewellery, watch, and diamond sectors.
Promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards has long been a goal of VicenzaOro, and the practical implementation of these standards was the subject of a seminar called “Social Responsibility as the New Reality: Best Practice Initiatives, Tools and Business Success.” Organized by the fair and the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), the seminar was held within the framework of their association with the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which is dedicated to the development of educational programs promoting CSR and sustainability in the international gemstone and jewellery sectors.
Among the speakers, British jeweller Greg Valerio discussed the new ethical realities for jewellers and suppliers, including some of the key responsible sourcing initiatives, such as fairtrade gold, conflict-free sourcing, transparency, and traceability. He also outlined steps businesses can take to become leading best practice companies. “Over the last 10 years, the mining and jewellery trades have come under increasing ethical scrutiny from campaign organizations, governments, and voluntary civil society movements,” he noted. “Business as usual for jewellers is now a thing of the past.”
Legal expert Donald Feaver spoke about the new breed of industry leaders and tools to accelerate their businesses in terms of CSR. “Traditional paper-based ‘certification’ approaches are fast becoming tools of the old era,” he explained.
