Swarovski has introduced its latest fine jewelry line, the Octagon Collection, centered around a proprietary, patented diamond cut inspired by the brand’s iconic logo. Conceived by Swarovski’s Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, the octagon-shaped cut is a fresh symbol of the brand’s evolving design legacy.

At the heart of the collection is the Swarovski Octagon Cut, boasting 57 precisely engineered facets—32 on the pavilion, 24 on the crown, and one on the table. This unique structure is designed to offer enhanced brilliance and light performance, outshining traditional emerald and baguette cuts.

The Octagon Collection features ten elegant pieces, including bezel-set laboratory-grown diamonds paired with precious metals. Highlights of the collection include a pendant in white or yellow gold, mini hoop earrings in yellow gold, white gold stud earrings, a yellow gold bracelet, and a variety of ring styles—such as solitaire rings in vertical and horizontal settings and a band ring, all offered in both white and yellow gold.

Swarovski described the new line as “a new chapter in Swarovski savoir-faire,” noting that the Octagon cut and its debut collection “balance the timeless elegance of laboratory-grown diamonds with distinctive designs, created to illuminate life’s most meaningful moments—from personal milestones to lasting commitments.”

Gold prices are experiencing a significant surge, reaching a seven-week high and nearing the $3,450 mark early on Friday. This upward movement is primarily driven by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which is fueling a strong flight to safety among investors.

The precious metal’s appeal as a safe haven asset has been undeniable, with gold extending its winning streak for a third consecutive day. This unabated demand is evident in Asian trading, where gold prices have already gained approximately 1.50% on Friday. The daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) is bullish, further indicating a positive outlook for gold as it maintains its upward trajectory after successfully holding above the $3,377 level.

Gold prices on MCX opened higher on Friday, tracking gains in international bullion prices as rising geopolitical conflict in the Middle East increased safe-haven bets for the yellow metal. Silver prices also extended gains. MCX gold rate opened higher by ₹1,108, or 1.12%, at ₹99,500 per 10 grams as against its previous close of ₹98,392. The price jumped to a high of ₹100,403 level. 

Safe-haven demand was further boosted by growing uncertainty over US trade policy. President Donald Trump threatened to impose unilateral tariffs to pressure trading partners, though Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested the current 90-day tariff pause could be extended.

On the economic front, softer-than-expected US consumer and producer inflation data earlier this week increased expectations for additional Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, providing further support for non-yielding assets like gold.

The new heart of Italian Exhibition Group’s (IEG) Expo Centre in Vicenza is starting to take shape. Six months after laying the foundation stone, the construction site is now displaying the first outer walls of the 22,000-square-metre two-level building, designed by pre-eminent architect Volkwin Marg from Hamburg-based Studio GMP. The timeline set by IEG for the development work at its Vicenza premises is progressing perfectly to schedule in accordance with the announced timetable and is preparing to enter a new phase: by the end of June, assembly work on the impressive prefabricated body, which will be positioned inside the outer walls currently under construction and already partly visible, will begin.

At the September 2025 edition of Vicenzaoro, buyers and exhibitors will see further progress in the architectural work, while construction will continue alongside the event with no interference whatsoever, just as at the last two editions.

In conjunction with Vicenzaoro September 2025, the entire outer shell will be practically complete. The outer walls will have been finished and the prefabricated building will be nearing completion. The latter will be an imposing architectural structure that will significantly change the area’s look. By that time, visitors and stakeholders will be able to see the potential of a fully renovated Expo Centre.»

In the months following the next edition of IEG’s leading international gold and jewellery trade show, work will continue with plant engineering installations and finishing works. In accordance with the announced time schedule, the works are expected to be complete by the end of next spring in time to assemble the fittings and guarantee the full use of the new exhibition areas for Vicenzaoro September 2026.