CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionMajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse
“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Pomellato’s ninth annual International Women’s Day video stars (clockwise from top left) Amelia Gray, Kerry Washington, Jane Fonda, Benedetta Porcaroli, Isabella Ferrari, Sara Nuru, Mayu Ishikawa, Andy Díaz, Angélique Gérard, Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli, Paco León, and Michelle Monaghan.
Milan—Pomellato has released its ninth annual campaign in honor of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th, focusing this year on economic abuse.
The Kering-owned brand’s “The Price of Freedom” campaign centers on a video starring international figures from many disciplines speaking up about economic abuse as a pervasive yet often invisible form of gender-based violence.
The choral video confronts financial control as a type of abuse that “leaves no bruises, yet can strip women of choice, dignity, and freedom.”
“Economic violence is invisible, but its impact is devastating,” said Sabina Belli, CEO of Pomellato.
“When a woman loses her economic freedom, she loses the power to choose her own life. Financial independence is dignity. It is the foundation of true freedom.”
Economic abuse is seen as a systematic pattern of behavior that restricts a woman’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources.
It often begins gradually and can be disguised as care, protection, or “support” but can evolve into confinement, undermining self-determination and autonomy.
The campaign uses research commissioned by Pomellato and conducted by the SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan to spotlight three recurring ways that economic violence takes shape.
It can be seen as restriction, limiting or monitoring access to money, accounts, and decisions; sabotage, undermining study, work, time, or opportunities to prevent independence; and exploitation, using a woman’s resources, income, or labor to reinforce an unequal balance of power.
Pomellato says these dynamics are rarely isolated incidents and are often sustained patterns that normalize dependence and make leaving increasingly difficult.
Its campaign video advocates for financial autonomy as a social responsibility and a fundamental right in an invitation to speak, listen, and notice behaviors that are often minimized or misunderstood.
It also notes that addressing economic abuse is “not a war between genders, but a necessary path toward shared prosperity, dignity, and a more equal society for everyone,” said Pomellato.
The Kering-owned brand’s “The Price of Freedom” campaign centers on a video starring international figures from many disciplines speaking up about economic abuse as a pervasive yet often invisible form of gender-based violence.
The choral video confronts financial control as a type of abuse that “leaves no bruises, yet can strip women of choice, dignity, and freedom.”
“Economic violence is invisible, but its impact is devastating,” said Sabina Belli, CEO of Pomellato.
“When a woman loses her economic freedom, she loses the power to choose her own life. Financial independence is dignity. It is the foundation of true freedom.”
Economic abuse is seen as a systematic pattern of behavior that restricts a woman’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources.
It often begins gradually and can be disguised as care, protection, or “support” but can evolve into confinement, undermining self-determination and autonomy.
The campaign uses research commissioned by Pomellato and conducted by the SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan to spotlight three recurring ways that economic violence takes shape.
It can be seen as restriction, limiting or monitoring access to money, accounts, and decisions; sabotage, undermining study, work, time, or opportunities to prevent independence; and exploitation, using a woman’s resources, income, or labor to reinforce an unequal balance of power.
Pomellato says these dynamics are rarely isolated incidents and are often sustained patterns that normalize dependence and make leaving increasingly difficult.
Its campaign video advocates for financial autonomy as a social responsibility and a fundamental right in an invitation to speak, listen, and notice behaviors that are often minimized or misunderstood.
It also notes that addressing economic abuse is “not a war between genders, but a necessary path toward shared prosperity, dignity, and a more equal society for everyone,” said Pomellato.
The notable figures from around the world that Pomellato invited to share its message are:
Jane Fonda, an activist and Academy Award-winning actress who has starred in its IWD campaigns previously;
Kerry Washington, an actress, producer, director, author, and activist;
Actress Michelle Monaghan;
Italian actress Benedetta Porcaroli;
Isabella Ferrari, an Italian actress and ambassador for Save the Children;
Amelia Gray, a model and mental health advocate;
Sara Nuru, a German model, entrepreneur, and social advocate;
Angélique Gérard, a French tech leader and author;
Mayu Ishikawa, captain of Japan’s women’s national volleyball team;
Paco León, a Spanish actor, director, producer, and screenwriter;
Andy Díaz, a Cuban-born Italian triple jumper champion; and
Belli.
The Price of Freedom video is a call to action, encouraging people to recognize economic abuse and break the silence.
“Financial independence is not just about money. It is about dignity. It is about choice. It is a fundamental human right. When women step into economic freedom, everyone gains,” said Pomellato.
As part of its commitment to combat domestic violence, Pomellato has also renewed its support for CADMI (Casa di Accoglienza delle Donne Maltrattate), Milan’s first anti-violence center for women, and for the Kering Foundation’s Los Angeles-based partner FreeFrom, an organization that works to provide long-term financial security for survivors of domestic violence.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
