My adventures at VicenzaOro Winter 2015.

As you know, my dears, I recently had the incredible opportunity to jet off to Italy to attend the magnificent VicenzaOro show.

The six pillars above represent the six communities that made up the “jewelry city” that was the VicenzaOro Boutique Show’s layout.

The show’s vendors were carefully grouped to make the show pleasurable to navigate for prospective buyers (and wide-eyed jewelery bloggers) by “creating homogeneous communities of clearly recognisable companies based on reference values, positioning, organisation systems, types of production and overall image.”

(Image source, quote source.)

It took a little bit of getting used to, but after my first day at the show I had no problem knowing which direction to walk in if I wanted to see jewelry with a particular feel to it. The approach was a success, based on my own experience and the fact that buyer attendance at VicenzaOro was up 13% this year.

The show was enhanced by an ongoing schedule of press conferences and talks given by the organizers, visiting experts, etc.. My favorite was Paola De Luca’s Trendvision presentation on global jewelry trends, which I found to be both insightful and very well delivered.

As if that’s not enough, we visiting press were also treated to a buffet of curated cultural experiences after show hours, from a masterful jazz piano recital to beautiful dinner, frequent glasses of prosecco, and private tours of both Tutankhamon Caravaggio Van Gogh and Vincenza’s brand new Jewelery Museum, both in the historic Basilica Palladiana.

The Jewelry Museum will be getting its own post soon, don’t you worry.

VicenzaOro also thoughtfully provided the above Press Lounge and VIP dining areas, where I was always very grateful to rest for a moment and charge my phone while sipping a cappuccino. All of this in the company of my fabulous press posse, fellow attendees Jen Heebner,  Michelle Graff, Monica Stephenson, Cynthia Unninayar, and PR maven Jen Cullen Williams. Have I mentioned how amazing this trip was? It was amazing.

Want to see the jewels now? Of course you do.

These beauties are from Brumani, which was my very first stop. I’ve admired these earrings – and other pieces from the Brumani Baobab collection – online before, but I’d never seen any of the jewels in person. The way I feel when I see a piece that I’ve admired online is similar to how normal people feel when they see celebrities in real life, I think.

These were magnificent. I have a soft spot for this kind of gemstone-coating over a piece, especially when it uses stones of different cut, color, and texture to such great effect.

Here’s another piece from the Baobab collection. It has such an interesting, organic feel – what do you think of it?

What happens when you take the Brumani style and add Paraiba tourmaline? This. This is what happens. *falls on floor*

This ring centers a magnificent, milky aquamarine cabochon. I’ve never seen my birthstone look exactly like this.

I loved these quartz and diamond rings even before I tried them on, but they they way they come to life when worn is just sublime. This is the Looping Shine collection – Taylor Swift recently stepped out wearing the matching ear climbers.

The best part about VicenzaOro is that it brought me into contact with brands I’ve never encountered before. Micheletto was one of my favorite such discoveries – they’re responsible for the gorgeous ring above. It’s made of interlocking rosewood and gold links.

Here are a couple of bracelets in the same gold and rosewood style. They were so light and smooth – everything about them spoke of expert craftsmanship.

Micheletto also produces some incredibly rich textured gold pieces, like this ribbon bracelet.

VicenzaOro was also my first experience with Italian brand Mattioli, whose suite I came across almost by accident (although one look at their window displays and I marched right inside and asked to see the jewelry).

They have a wide selection of pieces, ranging from elaborate masterpieces to thoughtfully convertible pieces with a wide appeal. The earrings above are a perfect example of their versatile, wearable pieces: the basic hoops, shown above in diamond, can be accentuated with any of the differently colored pieces in the wheel of color options. They come in multiple sizes, too. How genius is that?

Mattioli also had some extremely cool pieces made in this golden mesh-like style. How cool is this ring? I love how the pattern curves in perfect harmony along the side of the shank. My eye could follow those lines all day.

Some rings in a similar vein, but smaller and featuring polished stones in the middle.

This little guy and I really hit it off at Mattioli. Just look at his little feet and how he’s clinging to my finger! I liked wearing him next to his golden shadow.

Another collection of wildlife-inspired pieces at Mattioli featured these incredibly interesting claw rings in gold. I liked the lion (or tiger?) ring on the left – love that contrast between the sharp, straight claws and the gentle curl of the tail.

Mattioli shares my interest in unusual gemstone color combination. How delectable is this collection of rings?

I thought this particular color combination made an amazing pendant, too. Packs a big punch in a small piece. Well done, Mattioli.

I had never heard of Touscé before I wandered by their display at VicenzaOro, but I was glad I found them.

How cool are these stacking rings? Sort of industrial-chic, and extremely versatile, as most of them are only partly embellished with diamonds. Twisting one or two rings around gives the whole stack a different look.

Here’s another interesting find: This brand, Dupuenti, specializes in diamonds set in flexible, brightly colored rubber. A fun idea, and such great colors.

What do you think of this concept? Would you wear a piece like this?

Turns out I saw so many pretties at VicenzaOro that I can’t fit them all in one post! I’m kissing you goodbye for now with the help of this Mattioli lips ring. Stay tuned for a part two!

Thank you again to VicenzaOro and Luxury Brand Group for the opportunity to have this experience, and, of course, to all of the VicenzaOro vendors who took the time to let me admire their beautiful wares in Italy.