The World Gold Council in association with Vicenza Fair launches the 'Gold Expressions 2005' in the Middle East

The launch was held for 2-days and started with a press conference held on 25th June at Madinat Jumeirah where the key officers headed by Mr. Moaz Barakat, Managing Director of World Gold Council spoke about the latest innovative jewellery collections by 69 renowned Italian designers. A trade fair which was tagged as "Buyer-Seller Meetings" followed from 1pm till 10pm on the same day for traders who were keenly interested in starting a relationship between themselves and the Italian traders. On the next day, a Gala Night at Murjan Ballroom was held where over 500 VIP guests attended and watched the showcase of the amazing gold jewellery pieces via a fashion show.

The "Gold Expressions 2005" brought to the Middle East by the World Gold Council, is a commercially inspired product development which aims to reinvigorate demand for Italian gold jewellery by highlighting its strengths in design and manufacture to the global market. It encourages the creation of pieces that are not only stunning and innovative but are also versatile, wearable and accessibly priced with strong consumer appeal.

Now on its second year, the "Gold Expressions 2005" comprise 430 magnificent pieces from 69 renowned Italian goldsmiths. A tribute to 'Made in Italy' design and product excellence, the Gold Expressions 2005 was first launched in VicenzaOro, Italy in the early part of January and reviled itself in China with shows in Shanghai, Beijing & Hong Kong followed by a jewellery exhibit at Las Vegas. From Dubai, it will be launched next in India.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Moaz Barakat, Managing Director for Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan for the World Gold Council, said that the launch of Gold Expressions 2005 marks the World Gold Council's continued commitment to the important priority of research-based gold jewellery design and product development. Gold Expressions aims to confirm Italian goldsmiths as industry innovators by helping to refocus buyer and market attention on the excellence of Italian gold jewellery design.

"The Middle East region is the 2nd largest market for Italian jewellery products with Dubai being the 2nd import destination in the world of Italian jewellery. With Italy's pivotal role as the centre of innovation and excellence in the design and manufacture of gold jewellery, we regard a robust Italian gold jewellery business as critical to the growth of global gold consumption. The World Gold Council is very fortunate to have a strong and enduring relationship with Vicenza Fair. This valuable strategic alliance has enabled us to promote gold for many years. In addition, the on-going support of Vicenza Fair through their sponsorship of the Gold Expressions project is both helping to revitalize the Italian industry and revive the desirability of gold jewellery worldwide."

Representing the Vicenza Fair, Mr. Andrea Turcato, CEO said: "Gold Expressions has helped to open new markets for Italian manufacturers. This year's participation has grown from 54 companies in 2004 to 69 companies in 2005, and this is a testimony of the project's success. World Gold Council and Vicenza Fair have been partners since 1984 and we will continue to increase our efforts in the future to promote Italian gold jewellery in key markets."

Dr. Ferdinando Fiore, Italian Trade Commissioner, a guest of honor, commented: "Italian jewellers and craftsmen have had long outstanding relations with the regional market and their products have touched the life of many people from this community. The Italian Trade Commission and the World Gold Council complement each other in promoting Italian gold jewellery in this region and Dubai has always proven to be the ideal location to promote and introduce the best Italy has to offer in terms of gold jewellery designs. Therefore, I am proud to take part in this prestigious event that will further enhance Italy-UAE trade relations."

The Gold Expressions 2005 collection features gold jewellery pieces which were categorized in two distinct motivational names. The categories were named based on research which appeared that the prime reason for buying the jewellery was emotion. The first one, Gold as a gift of love, affection and friendship and the second one, Gold to express a woman's individuality and uniqueness. The pieces are all innovative yet versatile, and accessibly priced for strong consumer appeal.