Vicenza, 23 January 2023 - It has been a youthful Sunday with the "Progol3D® Design Contest 2023" award ceremony, the international competition organized by Progold S.p.A. an early adopter in the production of semi-finished jewelry through direct 3D printing in precious metals.
For the 2023 edition, Progold was privileged to partner with Chaumet, a Parisian company that has been producing high-end jewelry since 1780, and Platinum Guild International, an organization that promotes the development of the worldwide platinum market, to reinterpret an icon of the Chaumet Maison through the use of innovative and sustainable technology. The technical jury, composed of experts from Progold, Chaumet, and Platinum Guild International, selected the first winner; then, voting was open online to the public, who had the opportunity to choose their favorite piece of jewelry.
Taking their places at the top of the podium on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the Palladio Theater of Vicenzaoro – the Italian Exhibition Group show organized in Vicenza (January 20-24, 2023) among the most important international events dedicated to the gold and jewelry sector – were, respectively, Naomi Cappabianca of the IED - Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin (technical jury) and Erardo Ruy Herrera García of Escuela Joyerìa de Córdoba (public jury).
Students from Escuela Técnica de Joyerìa del Atlantico, Centro de Estudios Joyeros de Madrid (Spain), and GIC - Gemmological Institute China University of Geosciences (China) also participated in the contest.
DECLARATIONS
Damiano Zito, Chief Executive Officer of Progold S.p.A.
"An innovative piece of jewelry is made with more sustainable production processes, with significantly lower environmental impact than traditional casting. The collaboration with Chaumet allowed students to measure themselves with the design of jewels printed by Progol3D, with direct platinum 3D printing. Platinum Guild International chose to promote the competition, believing in the value of the younger generation and students who will become the designers of tomorrow."
Huw Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Guild International
"I think it is very important for the industry to come together and collaborate on initiatives like this. It’s a way to give future generations opportunities on the international stage as well. Using 3D printing is a very exciting technology for the industry, which lends itself well to platinum work. This event was an important opportunity to work with Chaumet, one of the most famous jewelry brands in the world, which has platinum in its DNA."
Daniela Bulgarelli, coodinator Jewelry and Accessory Design Course at IED – Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin
"Students wear jewelry as an expression of self, an affirmation of their identity. As future designers, they are curious and love digital paths. They start with pencil and paper but continue with graphic tablets, learn traditional goldsmithing techniques, and happily mix them with digital approaches. They prefer to design sustainable jewelry, made with innovative techniques (3D printing directly in metal). They love traditional materials such as platinum and gold from certified supply chains even when combined with contemporary materials like titanium. They dream of diamonds, tanzanites, emeralds, and strictly certified gemstones and then recognize themselves in the overlapping shades of opal. Always different. Always magnificent. Just like them."