International News
THE VICENZA SYMPOSIUM: the new biennial event for innovation in the high jewellery and fashion accessories sector
The Vicenza Symposium is the new international platform aimed at professionals, academics, and industry leaders, entirely dedicated to technologies and manufacturing trends for jewellery companies
The first edition will be held from September 2nd to 4th, 2025, in Vicenza, at the prestigious Basilica Palladiana, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
This international event is designed to attract young talent, stimulate networking, and provide a periodic opportunity for professional development.
Introduced to the global industry community on the occasion of January’s edition of Vicenzaoro (17 – 21 January 2025), Europe’s leading International jewellery, goldsmithing, and watchmaking exhibition organized by Italian Exhibition Group together with T.Gold – International exhibition for goldsmithing machinery and technology, The Vicenza Symposium will take place every two years.
The Vicenza Symposium aims to carry forward the legacy of the Santa Fe Symposium, a historic event created and supported by Eddie Bell, the former technical director of Rio Grande Jewelers Supply, who, for over thirty years, from 1987 onwards, fostered a collaborative community in the jewelry industry.
Eddie Bell will serve as Honorary President of the Scientific Committee of The Vicenza Symposium, which will consist of prominent industry figures, including: Damiano Zito (Chairman and CEO Progold S.p.A.) President; Massimo Poliero (President and CEO Legor Group) Vice President; Giorgio Bodei (Industrial Director Pomellato); Florian Bulling (Materials Engineer at FEM Forschungsinstitut); Ezio Dadone (Jewellery Industrialization & Manufacturing Director at Bvlgari, LVMH Group); Frédéric Diologent (R&I Materials Director at Richemont); Valerio Doppio (R&D Manager Progold); Andrea Friso (R&D Manager for Master Alloy Legor Group); Ulrich Klotz (Head of the Department of Physical Metallurgy at the Research Institute for Precious Metals & Metals Chemistry [fem], Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany).
“The Vicenza Symposium not only celebrates technological innovations but also serves as a key platform for dialogue among professionals, academics, and industry leaders – as Damiano Zito declared ̶. Our mission is clear: to foster continuous learning, encourage networking, and share advancements that can have a tangible impact on the industry at a global level, always keeping a close eye on the evolving needs of the sector. I am confident that, over time, The VicenzaSymposium will become an unmissable event for all professionals who aspire to shape the future of jewelry”.
The program of The Vicenza Symposium will feature a rich schedule of professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on key topics for the industry, including the integration and use of artificial intelligence (AI), regulatory updates, quality control, 3D printing, and additive manufacturing. The latter, a true revolution for the optimization of precious materials, will play a central role in the symposium discussions. The most innovative technologies in the field of jewelry and fashion accessories production will also be presented.
The Vicenza Symposium will be structured around two main sectors: fine jewelry and fashion accessories made from non-precious metals. It will be a non-commercial, highly technical event, featuring 21 international speakers addressing an audience of around 100 participants across 7 daily sessions. Each session will last about 45 minutes and focus on sharing advancements and innovations in the industry. The symposium will also include daily Q&A sessions (each lasting 20- 25 minutes), during which participants can interact with the speakers.
A significant part of the event will be dedicated to the presentation of numerous papers that will explore the most relevant topics for professionals in the goldsmithing and jewelry industry. Approximately 25% of the papers will delve into the world of fashion jewelry, with particular attention given to precious metals and production techniques, with an innovative and balanced approach that reflects the symposium’s mission: to foster the exchange of knowledge and technological advancements among experts and researchers, thus contributing to the growth of the sector.
- Gold stabilizes in a range as a court decision overturns Trump’s tariffs, increasing risk appetite and depressing the greenback. After the U.S. Court of International Trade determined on Wednesday that Trump had overreached himself by using emergency powers to impose high tariffs on the majority of the nation’s trading partners, gold prices rose.
- On Thursday, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released its initial update on the country’s first-quarter economic growth. According to the agency, the US GDP decreased by 0.2% over that time, which was less than the 0.4% decline that was anticipated and less than the 0.3% decline that the bureau had initially projected.
- While acknowledging certain stagflation concerns, policymakers pointed out that the Committee may have to make tough trade-offs if inflation turns out to be more persistent and growth and employment prospects deteriorate.
Technical Triggers
- Gold prices are expected to trade in the range of $3270 (~Rs 95000) and $3370 (~Rs 96400) in the near term. Either side breakout or breakdown will give 2-3% movement.
- Silver prices are expected to trade in the range of $32.5(~Rs 96000) and $34(~Rs 99000) in the near term.
International News
Swarovski Names Kolja Kiofsky as Chief Commercial Officer, Effective January 2026
Swarovski has announced the promotion of Kolja Kiofsky to Chief Commercial Officer, effective January 2026. Currently serving as General Manager of North America, Kiofsky will take over from Michele Molon, who is set to depart in July 2025 for a new opportunity.
In his new role, Kiofsky will lead Swarovski’s global commercial operations, overseeing omni-channel strategy, global sales, commercial architecture, and real estate. He will relocate from New York to the company’s corporate headquarters in Männedorf, Switzerland, and report directly to CEO Alexis Nasard.
“Kolja Kiofsky’s promotion to chief commercial officer marks an exciting new chapter for Swarovski. Kolja’s leadership and strategic vision have been pivotal in driving growth and transformation in North America,” said Nasard.
“At the same time, Swarovski extends its heartfelt gratitude to Michele Molon for his outstanding contributions and dedication to our company and brand. Michele leaves with a strong business and organizational legacy.”
Until Kiofsky assumes the role in January, Ilse Roeffen, Head of Emerging Markets and Businesses, will serve as interim Chief Commercial Officer.
Reacting to the announcement, Kiofsky said, “I’m incredibly honored and excited to step into the role of chief commercial officer after 15 amazing years with Swarovski. This company has been a huge part of my professional journey, and I’m proud to have the opportunity to contribute to its legacy of innovation, craftsmanship and excellence. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Michele Molon who has been not only a brilliant leader but also a true partner and mentor throughout the years. I look forward to building on the strong foundation he laid and driving our commercial strategy into its next phase.”
The promotion comes as Swarovski reported a 6% increase in revenue in 2024, reaching €1.906 billion—signaling strong momentum for the heritage crystal brand.
Anglo American Platinum Limited has officially rebranded as Valterra Platinum Limited, with trading under the new name commencing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on 28 May 2025.
The change marks a fresh chapter for one of South Africa’s leading platinum producers. Approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 8 May, the rebrand was finalised following regulatory clearance from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.
Valterra Platinum now trades under the JSE share code “VAL”, with the short name “Valterra” and ISIN ZAE000013181. The final day to trade under the Anglo American Platinum name was 27 May.
The record date for shareholders is 30 May, while account updates reflecting the new name will be completed by 2 June.The JSE debut under the Valterra name symbolises both continuity and a bold repositioning in the market, as the company looks to build on its legacy with a renewed brand identity.
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