Article edited by Laura Astrologo Porché
Instagram @journaldesbijoux
ROMA JEWELRY WEEK 2024: ALL THE AWARDEES
The 2024 edition of Roma Jewelry Week (RJW) was held from September 27 to October 6, and was a resounding success, celebrating the rich culture of contemporary and historical jewelry in the Eternal City. The event brought together over 170 artists and designers from across the world, providing a platform to showcase cutting-edge innovations in jewelry design, while honoring the timeless traditions of goldsmith craftsmanship.
The Mercati di Traiano – Museo dei Fori Imperiali, served as the centerpiece venue, where exhibitions highlighted the works of renowned jewelers, artists, and emerging talents as part of the prestigious Incinque Jewels Award. A defining feature of RJW 2024 was its seamless fusion of jewelry with other art forms, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations. This year’s exhibitions also partnered with international schools and academies, advancing the event’s educational mission by supporting emerging talents in the jewelry industry. The schools present were Accademia Italiana, IED-Roma, Minoss Jewelry Academy, HTF-Hard to Find, and Assamblage School. Other important collective exhibitors included OTP, resident of the Incinque Open Art Monti Gallery, Nobil Collegio degli Orefici, Roman Experience and Preziosa Young (Florence Jewellery Week). The latter showcased the three jewelry artists awarded their Prize. RJW 2024 offered a culturally enriching experience, featuring guided tours, gallery showcases, and educational talks, providing a deeper understanding of both Rome’s goldsmithing heritage and contemporary innovations in the world of jewelry.
Laura Astrologo Porché and Massimo Basile
Main Media Partners of the RJW
Monica Cecchini, founder and curator of the Roma Jewelry Week, declared: “I am very happy about the success of the fourth edition of Roma Jewelry Week, which this year saw significant participation from artists and designers from around the world. Our goal of bridging the artistic and historical heritage with the intangible one has been widely achieved. Organizing a cultural event in an archaeological site like the Mercati di Traiano is a unique opportunity for the entire contemporary jewelry sector, and we thank the institutions that made this project possible. We are also very pleased with the collaborations, such as the one with Milano Fashion&Jewels, which has renewed its participation with the MFJ Award for 2024 as well.” The “Infinite Baroque” theme of the Award inspired a captivating array of interpretations by jewelry designers, who drew from the richness of Roman art.
On October 4th, the exhibition opened with notable displays such as Percossi Papi‘s “The Precious Arcana: The Renaissance roots of Baroque,” featuring a blend of art objects, jewelry, and paintings by Emiliano Alfonsi.
From left: Diego Percossi Papi, Giuliano Percossi Papi, Maria Teresa Percossi Papi, Simona Baldassarre, Councilor for Culture, Latium region, Emiliano Alfonsi, Valeria Percossi Papi, Laura Astrologo Porché, Monica Cecchini, Giorgia Zoppolato
Emiliano Alfonsi
These works engaged in a harmonious dialogue across diverse artistic disciplines, inspired by the iconic Sforza-Visconti tarot cards of the 15th century, which are incomplete in various museum collections. Alessio Boschi took us on a fascinating journey, starting with the fountains of Rome, a source of inspiration for artists and musicians. From there, the tour led us to Versailles and its splendid palace, and then to St. Petersburg.
Roman Fountains by Alessio Boschi
This mystical journey prompted reflection on classical and neoclassical myths, which were so cherished during the Grand Tour era. It all connects to the Persian world and the rich decorations of the Safavid era in the ancient capital of Isfahan. A great traveler embarked on an epic odyssey starting from Venice to explore the mysterious Orient: Marco Polo. The Million Ring is dedicated to him.
The Million ring by Alessio Boschi
The Mughals then transported. us to India and its rich culture, which is harmoniously linked to the Venetian, Persian, and Western worlds. This is a fascination that Western and French maisons, such as Cartier have held and continue to hold for this world. Passing through the gourmette, the chain that represents the indissoluble bond of love, Alessio concluded his journey with Metamorphosis, illustrating the transformation of silk cocoons into magnificent butterflies, symbols of peace, rebirth, and freedom. Other solo exhibitions were held by Crivelli, Mike Joseph, François Santo, and Elena Donati, each contributing uniquely to the event’s artistic tapestry.
Mike Joseph Jewellery, bangle
The inaugural evening also hosted the world premiere of Wolf 1069, an intriguing musical performance by two outstanding musicians, Christian Lavernier and Jacopo Baboni Schilingi. The performance resonated with an evocative blend of tradition and artificial intelligence, captivating the audience with its unique fusion of artistic expression and cutting-edge technology. Let’s now turn our attention to the award winners from October 5 evening, which was filled with honors and prizes.
The Incinque Award (the Main Prize) in the Fine Jewelry category was given to:
1) Matteo Vitali (also awarded by Lefevre)
Matteo Vitali, Fidia
2) Luigina Rech (also awarded By Alessio Boschi)
Luigina Rech Aeternitas
3) François Santo
François Santo, The Rebirth of Bacchus
The Incinque Award in the Experimental Jewelry category was granted to:
1) Arata Fuchi
Arata Fuchi, Dignity
2) Livia D’Agostino
3) Anna Paparella
The Milano Fashion & Jewels Award was conferred to Francesca Luciani, who will exhibit in this prestigious tradeshow in February 2025.
Milano Fashion & Jewels Award
Main Media Partner Award
From left: Monica Cecchini – Laura Astrologo Porché – Anna Pinzari – Massimo Basile
The Main Media Partner Award (Celebre Magazine World and Journal des Bijoux) was given to Anna Pinzari for her Daphne pendant necklace.
Anna Pinzari Daphne
The Mani Intelligenti Award was granted to Lal Dal Monte who was also awarded by Bedetti 1882.
The Mike Joseph Jewelry Award was presented to Ivan Barbato.
As for the Elena Donati Award, it was given to:
1) César Eugenio Alvarez López
César Eugenio Alvarez López, Perpetual motion choker
2) Ashley Youngsun Nam
Ashley Youngsun Nam, Enchanted
3) Marco Antonio Madriz
The Dettaglidattimi Award for young jewelry designers was conferred to Raul di Tomu.
The Miss Giò Award was given to Atelier Jen.
Rossella Ugolini Award was granted to Ikchan Lee.
Renowned jewelry designer Alessio Boschi also personally awarded the following:
1) Ivan Barbato
Ivan Barbato, Elements
2) Francesco Ridolfi
Francesco Ridolfi, Vestigia neo-barocca
3) Mariana Gorga
Mariana Gorga, Infinite Mercy
The Venice Design Week Award was given to Laura di Leo.
Mention for Romana Mateias by Gioiello Sperimental.
Being a media partner for Roma Jewelry Week fills us with immense pride and gratitude. We are honored to support an event that celebrates the timeless artistry, creativity, and elegance of the jewelry world. It’s a privilege to be part of a journey that shines a spotlight on craftsmanship and passion, bringing beauty and inspiration to life.