Damiano Zito Talks About the Latest News from The Vicenza Symposium
>From New Mexico to Vicenza: September 2-4, 2025, the Basilica Palladiana will host the first symposium on technologies for jewelry and fashion accessories. Damiano Zito, Ceo of Progold, shares more
What did the Santa Fe Symposium represent for the jewelry sector?
The Santa Fe Symposium was, for over three decades, the global benchmark for innovation in the jewelry sector, unique in its kind. Established in 1987 in Santa Fe and later moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, it hosted 34 editions and welcomed an average of 150 to 200 participants each year, with approximately 25 scientific papers per edition. Sponsored and supported by Eddie Bell, the symposium was founded on an extraordinary vision: to create a collaborative and non-commercial community to promote the sharing of experiences, research, and ideas. Bell, then Technical Director of Rio Grande Jewelers Supply, firmly believed that the jewelry industry could greatly benefit from a space dedicated to dialogue and innovation. The Bell family, owners of Rio Grande, supported the event for decades, acting as a catalyst for the technological and scientific advancement of the sector.
Why did the Santa Fe Symposium end its activity?
The Santa Fe Symposium was closely tied to Eddie Bell. After the sale of Rio Grande to Berkshire Hathaway, Bell decided to retire, and with him, the symposium came to an end. However, during a meeting with Marco Carniello, Chief Business Officer of Italian Exhibition Group, we reflected on the importance of keeping this tradition alive. Our goal is to attract young talent to the sector, stimulate networking, and provide a platform to discuss innovation and research.
What was Progold's contribution, and how did the partnership with IEG come about?
Progold participated as an official speaker at the Santa Fe Symposium for 20 editions, contributing a significant number of research projects and scientific papers. This experience also shaped our approach to The Vicenza Symposium, which will be a purely technical event without commercial influences. The partnership with IEG represents the natural completion of a path that already includes T.Gold and Vicenzaoro, consolidating Vicenza as the global hub for technology applied to jewelry. Furthermore, the collaboration with Massimo Poliero, CEO of Legor, ensures authority and credibility, making the symposium a socially significant event for the entire community.
What is still relevant among the studies presented in the past?
Many papers presented at the Santa Fe Symposium remain extraordinarily relevant. Some topics discussed years ago, such as alloy metallurgy, additive manufacturing processes, and traceability technologies, are still fundamental pillars of the sector today. However, much of this work has not been fully capitalized upon. Our goal is to turn these studies into practical tools for companies, whether small or large.
What are the new features planned for The Vicenza Symposium?
The symposium will focus on key topics such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing. The latter, in particular, represents a true revolution: it allows for optimization of weight and consumption of precious materials, regardless of the shape or design of the jewelry. The conference will explore two main sectors: fine jewelry and fashion accessories in non-precious metals. About 25% of the papers will be dedicated to fashion jewelry, while precious metals will be examined from a production techniques perspective, ensuring a balanced and innovative focus.
What can small businesses expect from the Symposium?
Networking, above all. Today’s small businesses could become tomorrow’s major players. The symposium will provide the opportunity to meet the most authoritative figures in the sector and discover new technologies and production processes that can help them scale the market. For small producers, the chance to collaborate with major brands or become the “tailors” of the industry represents a significant opportunity.
What kind of audience do you expect?
For this first edition, we expect a predominantly Italian audience, with representatives from other European countries. The long-term goal is to transform The Vicenza Symposium into a global event, expanding its reach and prestige to establish it as an international benchmark for the jewelry and fashion accessories industry.
The Santa Fe Symposium was, for over three decades, the global benchmark for innovation in the jewelry sector, unique in its kind. Established in 1987 in Santa Fe and later moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, it hosted 34 editions and welcomed an average of 150 to 200 participants each year, with approximately 25 scientific papers per edition. Sponsored and supported by Eddie Bell, the symposium was founded on an extraordinary vision: to create a collaborative and non-commercial community to promote the sharing of experiences, research, and ideas. Bell, then Technical Director of Rio Grande Jewelers Supply, firmly believed that the jewelry industry could greatly benefit from a space dedicated to dialogue and innovation. The Bell family, owners of Rio Grande, supported the event for decades, acting as a catalyst for the technological and scientific advancement of the sector.
Why did the Santa Fe Symposium end its activity?
The Santa Fe Symposium was closely tied to Eddie Bell. After the sale of Rio Grande to Berkshire Hathaway, Bell decided to retire, and with him, the symposium came to an end. However, during a meeting with Marco Carniello, Chief Business Officer of Italian Exhibition Group, we reflected on the importance of keeping this tradition alive. Our goal is to attract young talent to the sector, stimulate networking, and provide a platform to discuss innovation and research.
What was Progold's contribution, and how did the partnership with IEG come about?
Progold participated as an official speaker at the Santa Fe Symposium for 20 editions, contributing a significant number of research projects and scientific papers. This experience also shaped our approach to The Vicenza Symposium, which will be a purely technical event without commercial influences. The partnership with IEG represents the natural completion of a path that already includes T.Gold and Vicenzaoro, consolidating Vicenza as the global hub for technology applied to jewelry. Furthermore, the collaboration with Massimo Poliero, CEO of Legor, ensures authority and credibility, making the symposium a socially significant event for the entire community.
What is still relevant among the studies presented in the past?
Many papers presented at the Santa Fe Symposium remain extraordinarily relevant. Some topics discussed years ago, such as alloy metallurgy, additive manufacturing processes, and traceability technologies, are still fundamental pillars of the sector today. However, much of this work has not been fully capitalized upon. Our goal is to turn these studies into practical tools for companies, whether small or large.
What are the new features planned for The Vicenza Symposium?
The symposium will focus on key topics such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing. The latter, in particular, represents a true revolution: it allows for optimization of weight and consumption of precious materials, regardless of the shape or design of the jewelry. The conference will explore two main sectors: fine jewelry and fashion accessories in non-precious metals. About 25% of the papers will be dedicated to fashion jewelry, while precious metals will be examined from a production techniques perspective, ensuring a balanced and innovative focus.
What can small businesses expect from the Symposium?
Networking, above all. Today’s small businesses could become tomorrow’s major players. The symposium will provide the opportunity to meet the most authoritative figures in the sector and discover new technologies and production processes that can help them scale the market. For small producers, the chance to collaborate with major brands or become the “tailors” of the industry represents a significant opportunity.
What kind of audience do you expect?
For this first edition, we expect a predominantly Italian audience, with representatives from other European countries. The long-term goal is to transform The Vicenza Symposium into a global event, expanding its reach and prestige to establish it as an international benchmark for the jewelry and fashion accessories industry.
