Art District shows off Rome's jewels

Sponsored by the Italian Trade Commission, foreign trade promotion body of the European nation, "Roma, the Jewel: the Dream Factory" is currently presenting in the Beijing 798 Art District.

The exhibition displays jewelry and silver craftsmanship of Italy's Lazio Region, which covers Rome and four other districts and is known for the development of the jewelry system appreciated around the world. All the jewelry showed is handmade and involves famous brands, including Ghiberti, Donatello, Brunelleschi and Botticelli. Sales and auctions are to be held simultaneously.

Financial and local resources support the exhibition to promote the traditional industry of Lazio globally, according to Chairman of the Italian Trade Commission Umberto Vattani.

Amid the global financial turmoil and slowdown of the fashion sector, it is hoped that the show will help revitalize the handicraft sector, create business opportunities for thousands of small and medium-sized jewelry companies in the region, and provide jobs for designers, handicraftsmen and other skilled workers.

With over 10,000 businesses and 40,000 people in the field, Italy's jewelry industry is one of its major sectors for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The commission sponsors "Roma, the Jewel: the Dream Factory" under cooperation with Lazio Region, the Ministry of Economic Development and Roman Jewelry Association.

It chose China as one of the stations, given the huge business potential of the emerging market. Opened on April 5, the Beijing tour is scheduled to end on April 19.

(China Daily 04/13/2009 page10)