Afemo’s Strategic Bet on 2026
Markets, gold, and technology: how to read complexity and turn it into opportunity. President Massimo Poliero speaks
What does the future hold for the jewelry industry in 2026?
2026 will be a complicated year for the sector. The price of gold, which is expected to remain very high, will continue to urge many consumers to see it as a safe haven rather than an ornamental material. This will make some segments of traditional jewelry less accessible, especially in markets more sensitive to price per gram. International surveys already show a decline in demand for pure gold jewelry and, at the same time, an increase in investment purchases—bullion, coins, financial assets—a sign of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. This “gold fatigue” is steering markets towards greater transparency regarding the intrinsic value of the metal, with a focus on traceability and carat weight, and diversification of supply. There is growing interest in “hybrid” jewelry featuring a combination of lighter metals, as well as in alternatives such as platinum and silver, in line with a new concept of “accessible luxury”.
Does AFEMO have any special projects planned for individual markets?
Certainly. The recent renewal of the board of directors and the association’s structure has led to defining a roadmap that focuses on internationalization and on strengthening Italy’s technological identity. We are especially interested in the emerging markets of the Middle East, South-East Asia and the United States, after the tariff phase. Our presence at Jewel of Saudi 2025 will be a concrete sign of our focus on regions where the demand for jewelry and luxury accessories is undergoing considerable growth. These markets offer significant potential: a new class of consumers, investments in luxury and a strong focus on Made in Italy as a guarantee of quality and prestige. At the same time, we intend to consolidate our presence in traditional markets, where sustainability awareness and quality are increasingly high.
Which strategies can make Made in Italy more attractive?
Our aim is to strengthen cooperation with national and international institutions—ministries, foreign trade agencies, embassies—to promote the quality, ethics and transparency of Made in Italy. AFEMO has already established contacts with the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ITA – the Italian Trade Agency, to make it easier for companies to enter selected markets. At the same time, we want to create partnerships with companies in the fashion and luxury sector, enhancing synergies between goldsmithing, electroplating, additive manufacturing and design technologies. Sustainability—metal traceability, recycling and “green” production processes—will be our hallmark, together with innovation and transparency.
What are the hot topics and essential technologies?
Training, technology transfer and digitization are top priorities. On the technology front, three mainstays deserve attention: additive metal manufacturing, which enables production flexibility, customization and rapid prototyping; advanced galvanic solutions and surface treatments, which are essential for aesthetics and durability; and the world of CAD/CNC software and automation, now integrated into digital flows to ensure precision and efficiency. Added to these is artificial intelligence, already a key player in generative design, production parameter optimization, predictive maintenance and supply chain management.