“The young and the goldsmith’s art” panel

“The young and the goldsmith’s art” was the title of the innovative panel organized and moderated by Laura Inghirami, opinion leader and Founder Donna Jewel, in collaboration with GemGenève, held on November 5 at GemGenève November 2023.
 
Laura Inghirami interviewed young students and alumni from schools CFP Arts Genève (Centre de Formation Professionnelle Arts Genève), ETVJ (Ecole Technique de la Vallee de Joux), and Galdus Milano about their passion and experience as professionals, and the challenges and opportunities that a young person faces today when approaching the world of work. 
 
The aim of the panel was to give voice to young people, understanding their experience as young goldsmiths students, and listen to the alumni’s point of view about the professional opportunities offered by a course of study to become a specialized professional in the goldsmith’s art. The aim was also to create an exchange of ideas among models in Switzerland and Italy, as in both countries professionals in this sector are missing. The discussion attracted numerous young visitors, goldsmiths, and students, interested in this inspirational debate aimed in particular at the new generations who intend to pursue a career in the jewelry field.

“The young and the goldsmith’s art” panel, organized and moderated by Laura Inghirami, opinion leader and Founder Donna Jewel, in collaboration with GemGenève, was held on November 5 at GemGenève November 2023.
 
The panel was absolutely innovative, since for the very first time, the young were the protagonists on the stage. Laura Inghirami interviewed young students and alumni from schools CFP Arts Genève (Centre de Formation Professionnelle Arts Genève), ETVJ (Ecole Technique de la Vallee de Joux), and Galdus Milano about their passion and experience as professionals, and the challenges and opportunities that a young person faces today when approaching the world of work. 

 
Students gave their testimonies about their studies and dreams for the future of the sector, while alumni provided concrete testimony of their post-study experience. 
 
The aim of the panel was to give voice to young people and show that a course of study to become a specialized professional in the goldsmith’s art offers many job opportunities and fulfillment. An interesting conversation was created to inspire young people who wish to embark on this path, following their passion with confidence and hope for a bright future.
Moreover, the panel was aimed at creating an exchange of ideas between the Swiss and Italian systems, as Switzerland and Italy are two countries where the jewelry industry is experiencing a lack of young specialized professionals.
 
Numerous ideas emerged from the conversation, such as the fact that craftsmanship is increasingly at the center as a fundamental value in jewelry. In a world where artificial intelligence is increasingly developing, human creativity can never be replaced, but only enhanced and supported. Students and alumni have expressed their passion for this art and the fact that it allows them to bring their creativity to life, experimenting and telling their stories like no other art could.
 
Furthermore, a positive view of the sector has emerged, which offers young people great opportunities and the chance to dream and aspire to fulfillment and success, even if there are difficulties, like in every path.
 
Tess Sikias (student of CFP Arts Genève) talked about her experience as a goldsmith student and her passion for creative self-expression through jewelry.
 
Lucas Hage (former student of CFP Arts Genève) expressed his point of view on the importance of finding one’s true authentic identity as an artist, as a fundamental value in the professional world. 
 
Blue Arnold (student of ETVJ) said that one of the greatest satisfactions of her academic path in goldsmithing is to be able to see and touch the concrete final result of her projects. 
 

Lucie De Boer (former student of ETVJ) explained that one of the most important skills that a person who wants to work in this field should develop is the capability of building good relationships with people, understanding the desires of the clients, and combining it with one’s artistic vision. 
 
Maria Vittoria Villa (student of Galdus Milano) said that she is glad that the passion for jewelry of her family has been handed down to her, giving her the opportunity to discover such a beautiful and full-of-opportunity industry. 
  
Sofia Mantegazza (former student of Galdus Milano) is convinced that every profession finds its space and satisfaction in the jewelry industry and that it’s very important not to lose old professions such as engraving or wax modeling which are highly sought after for high jewelry.
 
For the future of the industry, the young dream about keeping alive history and tradition and combining them with technological innovation, which will always be a more important support for artists. Also, social channels, and the visibility they can offer to artists nowadays, are perceived as a great opportunity. 
 
In addition, they dream about a future characterized by sustainability and ethics, as they perceive the urgency to respect and protect our planet. They also believe that human interaction and the closeness between customers and craftsmen will be always more important and determining while creating jewelry and successful businesses.
 
The discussion attracted numerous young visitors, goldsmiths, and students, interested in this inspirational debate aimed in particular at the new generations who intend to pursue a career in the jewelry field.
 
Participated in the panel:
 
Tess Sikias (student of CFP Arts Genève)
Lucas Hage (former student of CFP Arts Genève)
Blue Arnold (student of ETVJ)
Lucie De Boer (former student of ETVJ)
Maria Vittoria Villa (student of Galdus Milano)
Sofia Mantegazza (former student of Galdus Milano)