Beautiful sunny Capri proves to be such a wonderful place to buy jewelry! My recent visit to the Italian island gave me a good insight into the positive and relaxed luxurious vibe of this magnificent island near Naples.

Mogok. The name of this legendary valley of rubies in Burma has become synonymous with the finest rubies in the world.

Over the past decades, the supply of Burmese Mogok rubies has dwindled, and this isn't only because the U.S. government posed sanctions on the military government of Myanmar (Burma).

Unfortunately, the January edition, the first appointment for the jewelry industry of VicenzaOro Jewelry show, was postponed due to the pandemic.
But this also meant that the show could be held in a safer environment and with fewer travel restrictions. With empathy and solidarity for Ukraine, the exhibition showed careful optimism for our beloved jewelry industry.

Yes, I do have a very fond relationship with VicenzaOro. If you need to pick only one show, then pick this one. 

Ok, I am biased. It's the fair that I have visited since the nineties, and I always loved it. There is an excellent mix between ''Italian vibes'' and many diverse exhibitors, from gemstones to half-finished products and famous brands to niche ones. 

Allow me to take you with me and discover the FIVE reasons you too should come! (apart from having a coffee together ;-) )

Have you noticed how local stores are gaining popularity? From fresh local produce to locally made arts and crafts. We are turning our heads and hearts towards our own communities. Even if this trend was visible before the pandemic started, the pandemic and its consequences likely significantly impacted embracing it. Here is what it means for jewelers, jewelry stores, goldsmiths, local jewelry companies, and jewelry designers.

The first big trend is a direct result of ongoing changes in consumer behavior mixed with the absurd reality we have all experienced in the past 2 years living with a pandemic. Jewelry is so meaningful for people. No one needs it, but we long for it, our talisman, our tangible memory of loving moments and people in our lives. I think that we'll long even more for jewelry in the future. But we need to adapt. This is the first of a series about mega trends in jewelry and for the jewelry industry. 

There is magic in the sky. The Universe has always been an inspiration for storytellers and artists. The same goes for jewelry creators and watchmakers. As visual storytelling artists, they create jewelry and watches to remind us of the magic in the sky.

Heleen Hoogenboom and Sanne Bogers are Dutch jewelry designers who have a lovely warm organic style. And to present it to their fans and (future) clients they hired the fabulous Dutch fine art photographer Kaat Stieber. This is visual storytelling at its best!