Vicenzaoro 2026: Navigating the New Era of Gold, Tech, and Human Connection

There is a specific vibration in the air when the jewelry world gathers in Vicenza for the January show. It’s the first significant meeting of the year, a moment where the "first-quarter jitters" meet the "Made in Italy" elegance. This year, from January 16th to 20th, that vibration feels more intense than usual.

 

With gold prices hitting the roof and the world feeling more than a little tense right now, Vicenzaoro feels different this year. It’s more than just a place to buy and sell; it’s where we’re all going to figure out how to actually navigate what's coming next. Toss in the debut of the VO Awards, and you’ve got a show that’s as much about survival and strategy as it is about sparkle.

 

Summary: Why Vicenzaoro 2026 Matters

As the first major event on the global jewelry calendar, Vicenzaoro January 2026 (Jan 16–20) acts as a critical barometer for the industry. Under the theme "People · Product · Places," the show unites over 1,300 exhibitors to navigate a landscape defined by record-high precious metal prices and shifting geopolitical realities. From the historic debut of the VO Awards to the technical powerhouse of T-Gold, this edition is where traditional Italian craftsmanship meets the urgent need for technological innovation and creative resilience.

Key Takeaways for Your Visit

• The VO Awards Debut: A new industry benchmark. On January 18th, winners across eight categories will be crowned based on a blend of expert jury analysis and visitor votes.

• T-Gold is Essential: With gold and silver prices at record highs, T-Gold’s 100+ exhibitors provide the machinery and software needed to maintain margins and production efficiency.

• Supply Chain Synergy: The unique "Jewellery Boutique" model allows you to move seamlessly from gemstone dealers and technical suppliers to high-end brands like Damiani, Fope, and Roberto Coin.

• The "Makers" Response: Witness firsthand how designers are pivoting their collections to address high metal costs through innovative textures, hollow components, and creative stone settings.

• Market Intel: Attend the Trendvision "Coded Couture" forecast and CIBJO’s sustainability seminars to understand the evolving values of the next generation of jewelry buyers.

This year’s theme, People · Product · Places, isn't just marketing fluff. It’s a manifesto for an industry that relies on human touch.

The buzz surrounding the first VO Awards (Sunday, Jan 18th) is palpable. For the first time in its 70-year history, Vicenzaoro is formalizing its role as a judge of excellence.

 

What I appreciate most is the democratic nature of these awards. While a 12-person "Super Jury"—including voices from Bulgari, Trendvision, and CIBJO—provides the expertise, the final outcome is influenced by the "Wow Effect" of visitors and buyers who cast their votes during the opening days. It’s a rare moment where the technical elite and market reality meet on the same stage. It’s not just about who has the biggest diamond; it’s about who is pushing the sector forward in terms of sustainability and vision.

 

If you’ve ever sat at a jeweler's bench, you know that the "sparkle" is only 10% of the story. The other 90% is sweat, tools, and technology. T-Gold, in my opinion, is the most vital part of the January edition.

With 100+ exhibitors in Hall 9, it’s a candy store for the makers. Whether you are a small boutique brand or a large-scale manufacturer, the tools found here—from 3D printers and laser welders to innovative casting software—are the only way to remain competitive. In an industry where efficiency is becoming as important as artistry, T-Gold provides the "Makers" with the creative solutions they need to survive.

Having lived in Valenza, I have a soft spot for the "city of gold." Seeing New Italian Art join the Design Room is a personal highlight. They embody that perfect Valenza blend: deep family heritage dating back to the early 1900s, yet with no fear of contemporary design.

In the Design Room, you aren't just looking at products; you're looking at a dialogue. From the Ukrainian mastery of Lobortas (the Guinness World Record holders for diamond settings) to German designers and Asian collectives, it is a reminder that jewelry is a universal language, even when the world feels divided.

 

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We have to talk about the prices. As we enter 2026, gold and silver aren't just "expensive"—they are entering a "new normal" territory. Forecasts suggest gold could hover between $4,000 and $5,000 per ounce through the year.

How does a maker react to this? I expect to see two things at this show:

The "Makers and Shakers" aren't just complaining about prices; they are engineering their way around them. This is where the Retail Talks (Monday, Jan 19th) will be crucial. Retailers need to learn how to communicate this value to consumers who are feeling the pinch as well.

 

The experience doesn't end at the Expo gates. This year’s VIOFF (Off Show) event carries the theme "Golden Key," featuring a stunning visual identity by artist Nazario Graziano. It’s an invitation to explore the city of Vicenza as a living museum, where the "key" symbolizes our curiosity and our access to the heritage of this territory. Whether you are attending a workshop in a historic palace or visiting the new exhibition at the Jewelry Museum in the Basilica Palladiana, it’s a reminder that jewelry is woven into the very fabric of Italian life.

 

The amount of content at this show is overwhelming. Between Trendvision’s "Coded Couture" talk (Saturday, Jan 17th) and CIBJO’s seminars on AI in gem labs, you can’t be everywhere at once. Use The Jewellery Connect app to stay organized, but don't be afraid to revisit the YouTube sessions afterward. They are like blueprints for the upcoming year.

Yes, the geopolitical situation is tense. Yes, the price of gold is daunting. But walking the halls of Vicenzaoro, you don't feel a sense of retreat. You feel a sense of activation. The jewelry industry does what it does best: takes something raw, complex, and challenging and turns it into something beautiful.

 

For more information: https://www.vicenzaoro.com/en