The groundbreaking event will merge digital innovation with an exclusive in-person gathering at Milan’s iconic Garden Senato. The second edition of the Digital Jewelry Week (DJW) will come back from October 7th to 13th, 2024 and will blend both digital and physical spaces. This evolution signals a major milestone for the jewelry sector as it ventures into new territories of engagement.

Dario Rjeili, Founder of Digital Jewelry Week

On October 12th, DJW will host a one-day, in-person event at Milan’s prestigious Garden Senato. Renowned for its legacy of hosting distinguished events and world-class brands like Cartier, the venue will serve as the perfect setting for a unique opportunity to connect with the global jewelry community, both online and offline.

Following the success of its inaugural year, which attracted over 10,000 participants, DJW 2024 is set to revolutionize the jewelry world by combining cutting-edge digital experiences with the appeal of an exclusive physical gathering. The addition of a live event at Garden Senato means a pivotal moment for DJW, offering a sophisticated space for attendees to engage face-to-face, share ideas, and draw inspiration at one of Milan’s premier locations. This new hybrid approach not only elevates the event’s inclusivity but also establishes a new industry standard.

Launched with the mission of breaking down traditional barriers and fostering greater accessibility within the jewelry industry, Digital Jewelry Week will once again utilize the DJW24 website and the advanced immersive platform, Spatial, known for its top-tier 3D architectural capabilities. Participants can now engage from mobile devices, desktops, or VR headsets, requiring only a stable internet connection, and can also join the in-person gathering for a single day. Dario Rjeili, Founder of Digital Jewelry Week, stated: “This is a landmark moment for DJW, not only because we will bring our digital platform into a physical space for the first time, but because we are creating history within the jewelry industry. Our mission to break down economic barriers and promote diversity in the sector remains at the forefront of everything we do. By hosting an event at Garden Senato, we’re providing participants with an extraordinary venue to connect, collaborate, and inspire, while continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital space”.

With over 60 students and brands confirmed to attend from all over the world, including Singapore, Mexico, several European nations, the Middle East, and South Africa, DJW offers an unmatched platform for showcasing designs and nurturing international connections. This year’s event will bring together renowned brands, aspiring designers, and emerging talents for the first time, connecting the jewelry world like never before. Last year’s student competition winner remarked: “ Digital Jewelry Week came into my life as the perfect opportunity I had been waiting for. The timing was impeccable, aligning with the development of my first collection. Participating in DJW allowed me to share my vision and connect with a global audience without the economic barriers of traditional fairs. The digital format is a game-changer, providing an inclusive platform for emerging designers to showcase their art to the world. This event gives up-and-coming artists the chance to make a mark and bring their creations to life in a way that reaches far beyond geographical boundaries“.

Mathieu Dekeukelaire, Director of GemGenève, commented: “Even though we are deeply convinced of the necessity of physical events for human connections and the appreciation of pieces, especially in the high jewelry and high-end gemstone markets, GemGenève is proud to support DJW in its innovative digital approach to showcasing young designers and new brands, combined with an in-person event in Milan. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering inclusivity in the industry, providing new opportunities for both established and emerging talents, and encouraging the dynamic development of new concepts for the market”.

About Digital Jewelry Week: Digital Jewelry Week is a pioneering event by Digital Exhibition Group SRL, supported by CTE COBO and the Cohesion Development Fund. The event aims to provide established brands, designers, and aspiring talents a platform to strengthen community ties, enhance their skills, and access new opportunities.

About the Founder: Dario Rjeili, a young entrepreneur of Italo-Lebanese descent, founded DJW to modernize the jewelry industry and break down financial barriers for emerging talents. With a background in marketing and finance, he’s committed to leveraging digital innovation to reshape the traditional jewelry landscape.

Supporters of Digital Jewelry Week:

  1. GemGenève:Sponsors the production of the winner’s piece and offers a stand at GemGenève 2025.
  2. EY:Supports the creation of  the immersive experience.
  3. Cozzari Jewelry:Will manufacture the winner’s piece and offer an internship.
  4. DWS Systems:Provides a 3D printer to the winner’s university or college.

Judges of the competition – DJW Contest Jury is composed by:

  • Laura Astrologo Porché – Senior Jewelry journalist
  • Lucrezia Buccellati – Co-creative designer at Buccellati
  • Julia Chafe – Jewelry content creator and social media manager at Intercolorusa
  • Dalia Greppi – Jewelry Design Director at Prada
  • Nadége Totah – co-organizer at GemGenève
  • Mathieu Dekeukelaire – Director at GemGenève

For further information, visit Digital Jewelry Week

Article edited by  Laura Astrologo Porché

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