Design Art and Photography

By Mary Wisniewski

Milan, Italy—About J, a brand-new by-invitation-only show created and organized by the The Vicenza Fair, debuted this weekend in luxury capital Milan, boasting the best of the worldwide jewelry industry.

The March 2-4 event, held at the trendy Superstudio Piu, drew a select 60 Italian jewelry brands and 20 international brands, along with 150 invited buyers and representatives from 350 high-end Italian retail outlets.

Designers on display included Aaron Basha, Calgaro, Garavelli, Gurhan, Hearts On Fire, Marco Bicego, Mikimoto, Nanis, Orlando Orlandini, Picchiotti and Roberto Coin, to name a few, and designs ran the gamut, with flattened metals, diamond pendants and hoops, dark hues and animal motifs as recurring trends.

Yellow Coronado butterfly necklace by Io Si. One of the standout designers in terms of creativity was Spanish jewelry designer Vicente Gracia Joyas, who revealed such detailed work as a jewelry piece reflecting a bird nesting its eggs. His client base includes the Spanish Royal Family, Spanish institutions and collectors from around the world.

Jewelry designer Gurhan Orhan said he really loved the show because of its high quality.

Typical best sellers for the designer included necklaces, rings and his more delicate pieces because of their versatility.

Gurhan also said the slowing economy hasn’t had a negative effect on his brand thus far.

“We are experiencing a shift in the perception in jewelry,” he said, referring to those who view high-karat gold as an investment.

A necklace from Roberta Porrati’s “Velvet” collection. Claudia Zaramella, spokeswoman for Pianegonda, said sales are good—even in America—and credits this to buyers’ appreciation of the brand’s handmade quality.

Partners of About J include Condé Nast, Studio Attila, TJF and Hangar Design Group.