ShowBuzz
VICENZAORO JANUARY 2026: A programme of events centred on jewellery as a system of people, product and places
From 16th to 20th January 2026, Vicenzaoro will be back as the international gold and jewellery world’s reference platform, a business, training and information hub for the global community. An indispensable event for market players and the industry’s thought leaders, Italian Exhibition Group’s (IEG) b2b trade show will open the global calendar of sector events with a programme of talks, seminars and meetings that will develop the jewellery story through the claim People · Product · Places : an ecosystem that centres on people, the value of the product and the places – both physical and cultural – where the jewel is born, transformed and marketed.
The big new entry will be the debut of the VO Awards to celebrate the sector’s excellence: creativity, vision and the ability to interpret the present and future of jewellery. The award ceremony, to be held on Sunday 18th January, at 6.30 pm in the Expo Centre’s Palladio Theatre, will see a jury of experts awarding the best expressions of the jewellery system, chosen from the finalist products nominated by the exhibitors. Companies, buyers and visitors to the show will also participate in the vote.
PEOPLE: EXCELLENCE THAT INSPIRES TALENT
The Vicenzaoro January story starts from people and the sector invests in the talents of tomorrow. On Friday 16th January, at 8.30 am, students will begin the IEG event’s proceedings which will open the doors of its Palladio Theatre to the Golden Talk, organized in collaboration with Skuola.net. The official opening ceremony to formalize the start of the event will follow at 12 noon. Young goldsmith talents will also be at the fore in the PROGOLD Design Contest (Friday) and at the meeting with Assocoral (Sunday) on the power of artisan know-how in which skills, craftsmanship and creativity are essential levers for the future. CIBJO , on the other hand, will focus on future generations of consumers in one of the eight seminars of the Jewellery Industry Voices series, a joint CSR and sustainability educational programme for the jewellery industry presented by CIBJO and IEG, which has been recognized by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
Another new entry will be the 27th Symposium for the thirtieth anniversary of FEEG – Federation for European Education in Gemmology, which, with an eye towards young European talents, will feature some of the most authoritative voices on the global gemmological scene.
PRODUCT: JEWELLERY BETWEEN TRENDS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Products are the core of Vicenzaoro, the trend show which, with Trendvision Jewellery + Forecasting, its permanent observatory on luxury trends, provides previews of the languages, shapes and directions of contemporary design. Entitled “Coded Couture”, Saturday’s event will offer companies a concrete tool for planning new collections and strategies.
Between Saturday and Sunday, great attention will be paid to gems, the protagonists of a complex cultural and professional journey. IGI’s Gem Talk entitled “Red Ruby. From the mine to the jewel” will turn the spotlight on the queen of precious gems and analyse its value along the supply chain, from origin to the final consumer. The Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association will analyse the history, quality and sustainability of the Akoya pearl, while CIBJO will delve into the effects of AI on gemmological laboratories and certificates, the potential of coloured gems, and the diamond industry’s current state and prospects.
The story will be further enriched by witness accounts of the profession and the vision of jewellery that Assogemme offers at every edition, involving authoritative voices from the most popular jewellery companies.
The industry snapshot will be completed by a series of technical insights that CIBJO will dedicate to sustainability, traceability, regulatory compliance and innovation, suggesting tools and best practices that companies operating in global contexts will find useful. In addition to introducing the Gold Principles Group, which promotes collaboration across the value chain in order to achieve common sustainability goals, risk management, promoting change within the supply chain, and the use of DNA-based physical tracers and blockchain technology for tracking and tracing gems, diamonds and jewellery will also be discussed.
PLACES: MARKETS, SCENARIOS, RETAIL
Support for interpreting market trends will come from Club degli Orafi and Intesa Sanpaolo’s customary analysis of the economic scenario, sector sentiment and prospects for internationalization (Friday). The topic of places of consumption will be central in Confcommercio Federpreziosi’s Retail Talks (Monday) which will spotlight points of sale and consumer behaviour, exploring the narrative and emotional levers that influence jewellery purchases.
THE “GOLDEN KEY” TO THE BUYER EXPERIENCE
The entire Vicenzaoro experience is designed to favour business matching and create concrete opportunities for relationships and exchange: from the offer of hospitality in luxury hubs to tailor-made physical and digital services. The Jewellery Connect platform, also available as an app and already active, allows operators to consult the exhibitor catalogue, plan their itinerary at the show, manage appointments and receive personalized suggestions.
Hospitality will be completed with VIOFF – Vicenzaoro’s Off Show event, developed around the “Golden Key” theme, the key that opens the door to future opportunities. Thanks to a calendar of multiple events set up with the city of Vicenza, international visitors will be able to experience Italian lifestyle and discover the city’s historic centre between shopping, art, culture and food and wine, as well as events involving the local area. The Jewellery Museum, housed in the Basilica Palladiana, a UNESCO heritage site, will add further enrichment with a new exhibition that traces over two centuries of Italian goldsmith tradition.
With the claim People · Product · Places, Vicenzaoro January 2026 confirms its status as a cultural and professional ecosystem in which jewellery takes shape through people, expresses itself in the product, and finds meaning in the places of the market and relationships.
ShowBuzz
India International Bullion Summit 2026: A Defining Platform Shaping India’s Bullion & Jewellery Ecosystem
#JbExclusive
IIBS 2026 commenced on a high note in Mumbai, bringing together policymakers, global thought leaders, and key stakeholders from the bullion, jewellery, banking and finance sectors to chart the future of India’s precious metals ecosystem. Held at The Westin, Mumbai on 27th– 28th Feb 2026, the summit was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, who highlighted India’s expanding role in the global bullion and gold landscape.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished industry leaders including David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council; Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer at the National Stock Exchange of India; Shivanshu Mehta, Head – Bullion at the Multi Commodity Exchange of India; Prithviraj Kothari, National President of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association; and Aksha Mohit Kamboj, National Vice-President, IBJA, Chetan Kumar Mehta, President – Jewellery Division, IBJA; President – JAB; and CMD, Laxmi Diamonds, Bengaluru and among others.
High-impact panel discussions further enriched the summit, addressing critical themes such as silver’s evolving role alongside gold, digital gold regulations, wealth creation amid rising bullion prices, the growth of the organised jewellery sector, the fiat versus bullion versus crypto debate, hedging strategies in volatile markets, and the Gold Outlook 2026. Here’s below a brief of the outlay of the coverage by JewelBuzz at IIBS 2026.
Panel Discussion: Is Silver a Substitute for Gold?
Industry leaders debated silver’s rising prominence. The consensus was clear: Silver is poised for significant price appreciation and increasing retail adoption, especially among Gen Z due to affordability and design flexibility.
However, gold’s cultural significance and safe-haven status ensure it retains its premier position. As one panelist aptly summarized:
“Silver is a sprinter; gold is a marathon runner.”
Panel Discussion: Digital Gold Regulations – Building Trust in a Growing Market
Experts emphasized the urgent need for balanced regulation in digital gold. While the segment attracts younger investors due to ease of access, the absence of structured regulatory mechanisms compared to gold ETFs raises concerns.
The panel recommended the formation of an industry-led Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) to establish uniform standards, improve transparency, and enhance consumer trust.
Panel Discussion: Wealth Creation & Rising Gold Prices – Impact on Developing Nations
Rising gold and silver prices have strengthened jewellers’ balance sheets and enhanced household wealth through asset appreciation. Gold continues to function as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.
However, panelists noted that India’s estimated 35,000 tonnes of household gold remains largely idle. Accelerating monetization and financialization of personal gold holdings was identified as critical to unlocking liquidity, reducing import dependence, and contributing meaningfully to GDP growth.
Panel Discussion: Growth of the Organised Jewellery Sector in Challenging Times
Retail leaders stressed that volatility must be viewed as an opportunity for transformation.
Key takeaways included:
- Transparency and ethics are non-negotiable.
- Robust systems, compliance frameworks, and financial discipline are essential.
- Legacy is both an advantage and a responsibility.
- Smaller jewellers must leverage trust and build structured growth strategies.
The underlying message: sustainable growth requires integrity, strong teams, and long-term vision.
IBJA–IGM Benchmark Price Initiative
In a landmark announcement, the India Bullion and Jewellers Association and India Gold Metaverse formed a joint venture — IBJA-IGM Benchmark Price Pvt. Ltd. — to establish a transparent, tradable gold benchmark price for India.
This initiative aims to provide a realistic reference spot price and strengthen pricing integrity across the bullion ecosystem.
Keynote: Digital Vision – Gold: Beat the Bitcoin 2026
Jignesh Shah outlined IGM’s vision of merging gold with programmable technology.
Built on four pillars — Elanzia (virtual marketplace), BullionX (next-gen bullion platform), RamMudra (gold-backed digital coin), and the Digital Al Karatometer — the initiative aims to bring transmissibility, transparency, and fractionalization to gold ownership.
Panel Discussion: Fiat Currency vs Bullion vs Crypto
The panel agreed the debate is not about choosing one asset class over another. A diversified allocation strategy aligned with investor objectives is prudent.
While fiat currencies remain foundational to global finance, tokenized gold is gaining traction for its accessibility and liquidity. Digital assets were recognized for cross-border efficiency, but bullion continues to anchor long-term stability.
Panel Discussion: Is Hedging an Effective Tool in the Current Scenario?
Hedging is no longer optional — it is a necessity.
Jewellery companies adopting structured hedging strategies are viewed as stronger, more resilient brands, while unhedged entities remain vulnerable to volatility.
However, effective hedging depends on reliable benchmark prices — reinforcing the importance of the IBJA-IGM initiative.
Panel Discussion: Gold Outlook 2026
Geopolitical tensions, central bank buying, speculative flows, and global political uncertainty are driving gold’s bullish trajectory.
Forecasts for 2026 ranged widely, with some experts projecting significant upside potential. The consensus: volatility will remain high, and businesses must build structures that factor in risk mitigation.
Interestingly, the recent correction in crypto markets has redirected capital flows into bullion — reaffirming gold’s enduring appeal in uncertain times.
IIBS 2026 Key Note Indian Market Initiative
Sachin Jain encapsulated India’s strength through the concept of the 5 Ds — Democracy, Diversity, Demography, Diaspora, and Digital natives. As India navigates a period of significant demographic transition, the World Gold Council (WGC) is spearheading a strategic transformation of the gold industry to align with modern consumer expectations and national economic goals, with a critical focus on how the next generation intends to acquire and utilize gold.
Adding glamour and recognition to the summit was the 4th Edition of the Golden Girls Award, which celebrated exceptional women redefining excellence across the gems and jewellery (GJ) industry. The awards were presented by Chief Guest Amruta Fadnavis — social activist, singer, former banker and spouse of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Golden Girls Award honours women who exemplify leadership, innovation and impact — true “Shining Stars” dazzling from boardrooms to showrooms and shop floors.
Under its Key WGC Initiatives and Roadmap 2047, the strategy aims to deepen gold financialization through higher Gold ETF adoption, boost domestic mining to meet 20–30% of demand, establish a Global Gold Innovation Centre near Mumbai, and prioritize the welfare and upskilling of traditional karigars.
Adding glamour and recognition to the summit was the 4th Edition of the Golden Girls Award, celebrating exceptional women redefining excellence across the gems and jewellery (GJ) industry. The awards honoured women who exemplify leadership, innovation, and industry impact — true “Shining Stars” illuminating progress from boardrooms to showrooms and shop floors.
The awards were presented by Chief Guest Amruta Fadnavis — social activist, singer, former banker, and spouse of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis — in the presence of industry leaders Aksha Mohit Kamboj, National Vice-President of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), Chetan Kumar Mehta, President – Jewellery Division, IBJA; President – JAB; and CMD, Laxmi Diamonds, Bengaluru, further elevating the prestige of the ceremony.
Congratulations TO ALL WINNERS
- Vaishali Banerjee
- Toranj Mehta
- Richa Singh
- Dolly Choudhary
- Poonam Jha
- Manju M. Lodha
- Yuriko Menon
- Nirupa Bhatt
- Ranjvi Hiren Kotak
- Nishi Seth
- Kejal Tejas Mehta
- Krupa Shah
- Priyanka Gopi
The Golden Girls Award continues to recognise and celebrate women driving transformation, excellence, and sustainable growth across the Indian gems and jewellery ecosystem.
IIBS 2026 reinforced its position as India’s most strategic bullion dialogue platform. By combining policy discourse, innovation, risk management strategies, and industry leadership, the summit underscored one clear reality:
In an era of volatility and digital disruption, gold remains the anchor — but its ecosystem is evolving faster than ever before.
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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.