The third edition of the World Gold Council�s Gold Expressions programme was launched at VicenzaOro on January 17, 2006. The current collection comprises 400 pieces from 65 Italian manufacturers who constitute over 50% of Italian gold jewellery production. The programme is conducted in partnership with Vicenza Fair and, for the first time, with AngloGold Ashanti. It will be presented and marketed in key gold jewellery markets such as the US, India, China, Japan and the Middle East.

�The Gold Expressions initiative, being the strongest campaign for Italian gold jewellery is important in promoting and sustaining the �Made in Italy� label. The 2004 collection generated sales of approximately US$ 100 mn, and in 2005 the figure would be considerably higher. WGC will spend US$ 5 mn to promote the 2006 collection,� said Philip Olden, marketing director, WGC.

The jewellery is based on consumer research and concepts that stand out in the new collection are naturalism (flowers, textures and movement) and spiritualism. Yellow gold is making a come back and pink gold is also popular. Another new collection on display is a range of rings by the Platinum Guild. While rings in various widths were the main theme, the new direction was flowing shapes that offer broader surfaces for personalising the pieces by engraving words and symbols.