International News
THE VICENZA SYMPOSIUM :Technology, innovation, and the future of the industry
The goldsmith and jewellery industry is ready to take a decisive step into the future with the debut of The Vicenza Symposium, taking place from September 2 to 4, 2025, in the exclusive setting of the Palladian Basilica, in the heart of Vicenza.
This international platform, designed for professionals, academics, and industry leaders, will focus on technological evolution and the new production paradigms transforming the jewellery and goldsmith sectors. From its very first edition, it positions itself as a driving force for innovation. The symposium will serve as a key moment for discussing the changes and innovations reshaping the world of jewellery and fashion accessories, effectively acting as a prelude to the September edition of Vicenzaoro (September 5–9). The event will revolve around three main thematic areas: “Innovation and Advanced Processes,” “Quality and Finishing Processes,” and “Sustainability and Regulations”.
One of the key topics of the 2025 edition is Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technological pillar underpinning the entire sector’s transformation. The uses of AI in jewellery are many and rapidly evolving: from automated design and predictive defect management to production flow optimization and data-driven quality control. A particularly innovative case study will focus on a new generation of intelligent machines for gemstone setting, capable of learning and replicating artisans’ gestures with extreme precision. Rather than replacing the human touch, this technology is meant to complement it, automating repetitive tasks to free up time for creativity and the uniqueness of manual craftsmanship.
Another major highlight will be 3D printing, which is increasingly central in production processes due to its ability to combine customization, sustainability, and waste reduction. The benefits of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Binder Jetting technologies, when applied to precious metals like gold and 950 platinum, will be analyzed in detail and compared with traditional techniques such as investment casting.
These advanced methods now make it possible to produce semi-finished products with complex geometries and top-quality finishes, reducing production time and enhancing final product quality. Research presented
at the Symposium will also highlight 3D printing’s role in lowering environmental impact, a key concern for both consumers and global markets.
Beyond the main themes, significant advancements will also be presented in the field of advanced optical solutions for 3D printing of reflective alloys, with new laser technologies that improve surface finish and reduce the need for post-processing.
In terms of quality control, the integration of data-driven and AI-based tools now allows even small businesses to predict production issues and take targeted actions—optimizing resources and improving product reliability. The outcome: greater operational efficiency, lower costs, and improved competitiveness.
Three Days Dedicated to an International Community of Experts and Innovators The Vicenza Symposium is a technical and cultural knowledge-sharing network spread over three days, featuring 21 international speakers presenting the latest research and innovations across 7 daily sessions, tailored to a highly qualified audience.
Each session will be followed by interactive Q&A opportunities, enabling direct engagement with speakers and the exchange of practical experiences and solutions.
With a content-rich program and a strong future-oriented vision, The Vicenza Symposium aims to position itself as a global platform where technical culture meets strategic foresight—and where craftsmanship finds a powerful ally in technology.
International News
World Silver Survey 2026: A Transformative Era For The Silver Market, Characterized By Extreme Price Volatility
Landmark Year Where Supply-Demand Imbalances Finally Triggered Explosive Price Action
The World Silver Survey 2026 details a transformative era for the silver market, characterized by extreme price volatility, a shifting industrial landscape, and a definitive end to the era of “unlimited liquidity.” After years of structural deficits, 2025 emerged as a landmark year where supply-demand imbalances finally triggered explosive price action.
Price Performance and Market Dynamics
Silver witnessed a spectacular ascent in 2025, surging from under $29/oz to a December peak of $84/oz. This momentum culminated in an all-time record of $121.60/oz in January 2026, before a hawkish Federal Reserve pivot and geopolitical conflict in Iran induced a sharp correction. Despite this volatility, the gold-to-silver ratio compressed significantly, reaching a decade-low of 55:1 by late 2025, signaling silver’s outperformance relative to gold.
Supply: Record Margins and Recycling
Global mine production rose 3% to 846.6 Moz in 2025. Growth was fueled by high-grade ramp-ups in Chile, Peru, and Russia, offsetting a 5% decline in Mexico caused by regulatory shifts and falling grades. Notably, primary silver mines now account for only 26% of global supply, leaving the market increasingly dependent on by-product output from copper and gold operations.
While production rose, the real story lay in profitability. Record gold prices boosted by-product credits, driving silver miners’ All-In Sustaining Costs (AISC) down to $12.21/oz. This created a staggering 75% increase in profit margins, with nearly the entire primary silver sector remaining profitable. Additionally, recycling hit a 13-year high of 197.6 Moz, though refinery bottlenecks limited its full impact.
Demand: A Tale of Two Sectors
For the first time since the pandemic, total silver demand contracted by 2% to 1,130.6 Moz. This was driven by two main factors:
- Industrial Thrifting: Industrial demand fell 3%, primarily due to the solar industry. As silver costs spiked to 20% of cell manufacturing costs, manufacturers accelerated “thrifting” technologies, reducing silver loading in photovoltaic (PV) cells.
- Price Sensitivity: High prices crushed jewelry and silverware demand, particularly in India, where fabrication dropped 20%.
Conversely, physical investment remained robust. Demand for coins and bars rose 14%, led by a massive 33% surge in India and a doubling of investment demand in China.
The Liquidity Squeeze and 2026 Outlook
A critical theme of the report is the structural fragility of inventories. In October 2025, a convergence of ETP inflows and physical demand led to a liquidity squeeze in London, sending overnight lease rates to 200%. With London’s non-ETP stocks hitting record lows, the market proved it no longer has a “buffer” for sudden demand spikes.
Looking ahead to 2026, Metals Focus projects a sixth consecutive deficit of 46.3 Moz. While industrial and jewelry demand may continue to soften under price pressure, silver’s new status as a U.S. Critical Mineral and its growing role in AI data centers provide a strong floor. The market remains in a state of “permanent deficit,” where cumulative shortfalls (totaling 716 Moz over five years) ensure that silver remains a high-stakes, strategically vital asset.
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