By Cynthia Unninayar
The prestigious resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the heart of the magnificent Dolomite Mountains, was a fitting venue for Italy’s prestigious jewellery event, About J, held just before the opening of Vicenzaoro Fall.
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- Buccellati pieces from a private collection, on display especially for About J., Deco collection by Di.Go.
The luxurious Grand Hotel Savoia in the village of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites, was the setting for the exclusive About J event, which brought together select retailers from around the world to see the products of 23 luxury brands (Armas, Bonato Milano, Borriello, Brumani, Di.Go, Casato Roma, Charade, Coscia, Fraleoni Gioielli, Garavelli, Hellmuth, Lenti Villasco, Mattia Cielo, Mattioli, Miiori NY, Mimì, Moraglione 1922, Roberto Coin, Rodney Rayner, Sicis Jewels, Stefan Hafner, Vendorafa, and Vianna Brasil).
For a relaxed and amicable two days, buyers and brands were able to combine work with pleasure in the beautiful surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage site, including a special dinner at 2123 meters at the Rifugio Faloria, and its breathtaking scenery. Held from September 5 to 7, one of the highlights of the event was a special exhibition entitled “A century of creativity and excellence” dedicated to the jewellery and objets d’art by the venerable Italian brand, Buccellati, from the private collection of the Fondazione Gianmaria Buccellati.
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- Roberto Ditri, Chairman and CEO of Fiera di Vicenza, organizer of About J
“We chose this unique location in the Dolomites for the About J event since the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cortina d’Ampezzo is a fitting venue for the exclusive and unique business meeting of the international jewellery community,” explained Roberto Ditri, Chairman and CEO of Fiera di Vicenza, organizer of About J, as well as of the trilogy of Italian jewellery trade fairs, Vicenzaora Winter, Spring, and Fall. Ditri also presented a preview of the Vicenzaoro fair’s current and near-future projects. “We are proceeding with the four pillars of our strategy: new infrastructures, new organization of the events, new organization and development of the network.”
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- Micro-mosaic, gold, and pearl necklace by Sicis Jewels, Puzzle bracelet by Vianna Brasil.
Many brands indicated that About J was a successful event, explaining that business was good, new contacts were made, and that they were happy with the show. Rodney Rayner, president of the eponymous British brand, stated, “The show has been very good, and we have had several orders from buyers from around the world, including North America, Dubai, and Azerbaijan. The first day was amazingly busy."
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- Rugiada collection by Mattia Cielo, Colourful gemstone and 18K gold pendants by Rodney Rayner.
These sentiments were echoed by Italian Mattia Cielo, president of his eponymous brand. “We have been exhibiting at About J for four years, since it started, and this year was the best ever. Strong orders and interest came from North America and the Middle East.” Strong interest and contacts were also reported by Ricardo Vianna, president of Vianna Brasil, one of two Brazilian brands at the event. “We are happy with the show, and made a lot of good contacts to follow up at the Vicenzaoro show.”
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- Daphne collection by Casato Roma, Ruby, sapphire, and diamond rings by Garavelli, Yin Yang ring by Mattioli
As the About J came to a successful conclusion, the Vicenzaoro Fall show began in the historic city of Vicenza. The location of the About J show for 2013 will be announced at a later date.
