VicenzaOro January 2026 concluded its five-day run on a high note, with strong foreign buyer attendance led by the US, revealed event organiser Italian Exhibition Group (IEG).

Foreigners accounted for 60 per cent of visitor attendance, in line with the 2024 edition, IEG said, adding that the Italian Trade Agency also helped bring over 560 high-profile buyers to the fair.

The show – the first major international trade event of the year – opened on January 16 amid ongoing economic and geopolitical instability, highlighted by US tariffs, soaring gold prices and global trade tensions.

Exhibitors presented an expansive range of fine jewellery, including classic designs and new collections. Colours were a standout: Fancy colour diamonds and coloured gemstones alongside vivid enamel and ceramic interspersed with gems adorned display windows at the fair.

Trending too were innovative combinations of gold with other metals such as titanium and tantalum as well as lightweight gold jewellery pieces considering record-breaking gold prices.

Italian jewellery house Busatti 1947, for instance, offered an eye-catching variety of black titanium pieces with gold and diamonds. Sales Director Luca Busatti said while gold prices played a part in newer titanium collections, the Milan-based high jeweller has been widely recognised for blending traditional goldsmithing with innovative, lightweight materials, particularly black titanium in the last 20 years.

“Buyers are on the lookout for striking pieces and bold forms especially now that supply outweighs demand,” remarked Luca. “Jewellers have to offer ultra unique pieces to stand out in a challenging environment.”

Response to Busatti’s titanium collections at VicenzaOro was extremely positive, with the company receiving a good deal of enquiries from buyers.

Innovative, groundbreaking designs were also front and centre at Italian fine jeweller Picchiotti’s display windows. According to Umberto Pichiotti, its Xpandable™ line turned heads at the show.

Xpandable™ ring by Picchiotti

Launched in 2016, the collection features an invisible technology that allows rings and bracelets to expand up to two sizes. In 2023, Picchiotti debuted its Reversible Xpandable™ Collection, consisting of bracelets, rings and necklaces that can be flipped over to reveal a different design.

“Classic and traditional designs still sell, but there is solid demand for modern, inventive pieces so collections like Xpandable are enjoying steady demand,” shared Umberto.

Patricia Karg, managing director of customised wedding ring specialist Acredo of Germany, connected with potential clients at the show. The company offers bridal rings in 100 per cent recycled gold, silver and platinum.

“We gathered some very interesting contacts, which bodes well for us as we are expanding into several markets and looking for new customers,” noted Karg. Acredo has a huge customer base in German-speaking countries, but it also has a presence in South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the US.

“High gold prices present a real challenge. In response, we must be creative. We change our collections and adjust designs to make lightweight, but not hollow, rings,” she explained.

According to IEG, buyers from 130 countries graced the January 2026 edition. Apart from the US, top attendees were Turkey, India, Spain, France, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Held in conjunction with VicenzaOro was T.Gold, which shone the spotlight on the latest jewellery manufacturing technology and equipment. This technology-focused show will debut in the Expo Centre in September upon completion of the venue’s new hall. VicenzaOro also presented VO Vintage, a marketplace for second-hand watches and vintage jewellery.

Other exciting events included the VO 2026 Awards, which recognised artistry and innovation in jewellery design, alongside seminars held by CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. Winners of the first edition of the VO Awards were: Alessio Boschi (Jubilee Ring) – Best In Icon – One-Of-A-Kind Jewellery; Cammilli Firenze (Hypnose Ring) – Best In Icon – High End Jewellery; Mesh (Lisa Ring) – Best In Look – Fashion Jewellery; Marcela Salvador (Ciuri Necklace) – Best In Look – Fine Jewellery; D’Orica (Ely Torchon 0141 Necklace) – Best In Creation – Gold Manufacturing; Aurum (Argento 960 Ring) – Best In Creation – Silver Manufacturing; Better Silver (Tennis Fine Precision) – Best In Special – Chain; and Plah (Guacamaya Earrings) – Best In Special – Young (Under 30). 

The September edition of VicenzaOro and T.Gold will be held from September 4 to 8, 2026 in a newly renovated Vicenza Expo Centre. Meanwhile, VO Vintage is scheduled for September 4 to 7.