The second edition of Digital Jewelry Week (DJW), the world’s pioneering hybrid jewelry event founded by Dario Rjeili, concluded with a remarkable showcase of innovation, creativity, and jewelry design.
Dario Rjeili and Carlo Carone, Art Director
Held from October 7th to 13th, 2024, DJW surpassed expectations by drawing over 12,000 attendees globally, exceeding its successful debut last year. The event’s innovative format, blending a digital platform with an exclusive physical gathering in Milan, provided a stage for both established brands and emerging designers to showcase their collections to a worldwide audience. Highlighted by a prestigious physical event at Milan’s Garden Senato on October 12th, DJW facilitated networking and collaboration among renowned guests, designers, and brands in a creatively charged atmosphere. Attendees included leading figures from the jewelry and luxury industries alongside rising stars, many making their global debut. Noteworthy participants like Aloisia, Cozzari, Faidra Hanna, Ryptique, Andrea Carbone, Tommaso Artioli, Federica Vecchi, and WILL unveiled their latest creations, capturing the audience’s attention with fresh perspectives in jewelry design. A pivotal moment occurred with the announcement of the DJW Student Winner. The Award was given to Lal Dal Monte, a young jewelry designer who graduated from IED Rome, acclaimed for his innovative design chosen by public vote and a distinguished panel of judges.
Lal Dal Monte
Lal Dal Monte‘s artwork, titled ‘Present Now’, belonging to Moth3rs
Project, is a transformable jewel that changes into a tiara once its lenses are detached. The central emerald symbolizes the journey of the psyche, while the lenses signify obstacles. Upon their removal, clarity dawns, and the jewel assumes its tiara form. Lal Dal Monte expressed, “This success fills me with pride and satisfaction because this piece is the culmination of all the effort and dedication I’ve poured into its conception and creation. As a perfectionist, I’m rarely content, always believing there’s room for improvement. However, this creation holds a special significance: its profound, personal meaning imbues each detail with significance. Beyond its design, I hope that even a fraction of its viewers grasps the story and inspiration that brought it to life and are moved by its essence. This jewel symbolizes my journey, both personal and professional; it pays homage to my adoptive mother and represents the current phase of my journey. It also exemplifies how cultures and styles can blend harmoniously, not as a political statement, but as a gentle reflection of a broader vision: one where the unity of diversity yields something extraordinary.”
Lal‘s generosity in sharing his prize with runner-up, Federica Marchitelli, a young designer from Accademia Italiana, underscored the community spirit nurtured by DJW, supported by partners such as Cozzari Jewelry and GemGenève.
Federica Marchitelli
Vital Bloom ear-cuff
The jury, a prestigious panel of judges, included Lucrezia Buccellati (Co-Creative Designer at Buccellati), Julia Chafe (Jewelry Influencer), Dalia Greppi (Jewelry Director at Prada), Laura Astrologo Porché (Senior Jewelry Journalist), Nadege Totah (Co-organiser of GemGenève), and Mathieu Dekeukelaire (Director of GemGenève). The winners were selected through a combination of votes from the public via the website and votes of the judges.
Digital Jewelry Week, GemGenève and Cozzari Jewelry will sponsor and support the production of both Lal Dal Monte and Federica Marchitelli’s jewels to be showcased at GemGenève 2025. DJW’s success is a testament to the bold vision of its founder, Dario Rjeili – a 27-year-old Italo-Lebanese entrepreneur and early-stage VC (venture capital) investor. Reflecting on this year’s event, Rjeili said, “Digital Jewelry Week is more than just an event – it’s a movement to open access to the jewelry industry and inspire the next wave of talent. We’ve seen incredible enthusiasm from participants, and it’s clear that the future of jewelry is deeply intertwined with digital innovation. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved DJW’s innovative hybrid approach, well-positioned for significant growth, offering a new blueprint for industry events across multiple sectors. My vision is to create spaces where everyone, from the next big talent to industry leaders, in some of the biggest industries can thrive. Watch this space!”. Major partners such as GemGenève and EY reinforced DJW’s status as a crucial platform for innovation.
Mathieu Dekeukelaire, Director of GemGenève, said, “The success of this year’s DJW highlights the importance of blending digital and physical experiences in today’s jewelry industry. We are proud to have supported an event that not only elevates new talent but also fosters collaboration and inclusivity across the sector.” DJW is looking ahead to an even bigger event next year, with plans already underway to further expand its global reach and reshape how other industries can adapt to hybrid events.
For more information, please visit: digitaljewelryweek.com
Article edited by Laura Astrologo Porché
Instagram @journaldesbijoux
By mb@admin
