AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
Events & AwardsJan 26, 2017
Vicenzaoro Dubai Moves to November, Launches B2C Event
The newly formed Italian Exhibition Group will launch a business-to-consumer event to complement the Vicenzaoro Dubai trade show this fall.
The Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) is the result of a merger between Fiera di Vicenza, the previous owner of Vicenzaoro, and Rimini Fiera. From left to right: IEG Vice President Matteo Marzotto, IEG President Lorenzo Cagnoni and IEG Director of Marketing Corrado Facco
Vicenza, Italy--Vicenzaoro January 2017 marked the first trade show since its owner, Fiera di Vicenza, merged with Rimini Fiera, creating the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG).
Of completing the deal late last year, IEG President Lorenzo Cagnoni (the former chairman of Rimini Fiera) said while speaking to press at the show, “We are used to much lengthier times, even Biblical times, but we were able to finalize our merger in a reasonably short time.”
“Things are possible in Italy,” said IEG’s Vice Chairman Matteo Marzotto, who previously served as Fiera di Vicenza’s president and CEO. “We have proven that things do happen in Italy when you have a vision and you are sensible enough.”
With new ownership, there comes change.
Of the IEG’s portfolio, which encompasses 216 events held across five locations, Vicenzaoro Dubai is receiving the biggest overhaul.
In 2017, the show is being pushed back from April to Nov. 15-18 to coincide with the Dubai International Motor Show, fostering a luxury buying atmosphere.
As in the past, since its launch in 2015, the show will be organized by the IEG (formerly Fiera di Vicenza) and the Dubai World Trade Centre, which is the site of the show.
In addition to the trade show, IEG and Dubai World Trade Centre will introduce a business-to-consumer fair to run concurrently.
IEG Director of Marketing Corrado Facco said, “It is one event with two souls.”
The direct-to-consumer retail aspect will capitalize on the strength of Gulf-area customers, famous for their high-spending practices.
There is even talk of possibly introducing an eyewear element, to capitalize on the “luxury week.”
Vicenzaoro Dubai is “the shining star of our portfolio,” Facco said.
Cagnoni, Marzotto and Facco went on to talk about the IEG’s “ambitious budget expectations” for all of its shows throughout fiscal 2017.
“We feel positively about meeting our budget for January,” said Cagnoni, “which makes us feel positive for the year ahead, despite being aggressive with budgets.”
Italy’s position as the No. 1 exporter of gold in Europe (in 2016, the country exported approximately $4 billion, IEG said) is a contributor to IEG’s positive outlook in 2017, though global gold demand was down in the first nine months of last year.
Marzotto stressed that independent factors, such as the price of gold, will always be out of the control of a trade show but are not directly correlated to success or failure.
“We
are actors in the market, at the service of the value chain but we can contribute by doing our jobs well,” he said.
In 2017, IEG is continuing its focus on sustainability. The theme of Vicenzaoro January 2017 was “Responsible Gold.”
“The time has come to focus our efforts on corporate social responsibility,” said Marzotto. “Customers ask for traceability. Standards are being developed that will cause a split between people who will comply or won’t with total traceability throughout the entire supply chain.”
Prior to the 2017 January event, Vicenzaoro renewed its accreditation at the United Nations for promoting corporate social responsibility, which is granted in tandem by CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. It’s the only trade show to hold such accreditation.
The IEG executives also spoke of the possibility of going public, saying they would likely launch an IPO in the spring of 2018 at a predicted price of between 125 and 135 million euros (or approximately $133,595,000 to $144,279,000).
While Vicenzaoro’s media relations team wouldn’t confirm 2018 Vicenzaoro dates, the T-Gold, or jewelry technology section of the show, website lists the 2018 Vicenzaoro January show as occurring from Jan. 19-24.
Next up for Vicenzaoro is its March show in Hong Kong, held March 2-6.
On June 5-8, the show will be represented by 150 vendors in Las Vegas. From Aug. 1-30, Vicenzaoro will have a presence in Mumbai.
Sept. 23-27 will mark the Vicenzaoro September show, the dates of which have been realigned to overlap with Milan Fashion Week and Nov. 15 to 18 will be the revamped Vicenzaoro Dubai show.
For more information on the IEG, visit IEGExpo.it.
In 2017, IEG is continuing its focus on sustainability. The theme of Vicenzaoro January 2017 was “Responsible Gold.”
“The time has come to focus our efforts on corporate social responsibility,” said Marzotto. “Customers ask for traceability. Standards are being developed that will cause a split between people who will comply or won’t with total traceability throughout the entire supply chain.”
Prior to the 2017 January event, Vicenzaoro renewed its accreditation at the United Nations for promoting corporate social responsibility, which is granted in tandem by CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. It’s the only trade show to hold such accreditation.
The IEG executives also spoke of the possibility of going public, saying they would likely launch an IPO in the spring of 2018 at a predicted price of between 125 and 135 million euros (or approximately $133,595,000 to $144,279,000).
While Vicenzaoro’s media relations team wouldn’t confirm 2018 Vicenzaoro dates, the T-Gold, or jewelry technology section of the show, website lists the 2018 Vicenzaoro January show as occurring from Jan. 19-24.
Next up for Vicenzaoro is its March show in Hong Kong, held March 2-6.
On June 5-8, the show will be represented by 150 vendors in Las Vegas. From Aug. 1-30, Vicenzaoro will have a presence in Mumbai.
Sept. 23-27 will mark the Vicenzaoro September show, the dates of which have been realigned to overlap with Milan Fashion Week and Nov. 15 to 18 will be the revamped Vicenzaoro Dubai show.
For more information on the IEG, visit IEGExpo.it.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
