- Ian Art
- Oct 8, 2024
- 4 min read
The immersive event will blend digital innovation with an exclusive in-person gathering in Milan’s iconic Garden Senato
Digital Jewelry Week (DJW), returning for its second year taking place from the 7th to the 13th of October, has today announced that the event will expand into both digital and physical spaces, marking the jewellery industry’s first-ever hybrid event.
On the 12th of October, DJW will host an exclusive one-day gathering in Milan’s prestigious Garden Senato. Known for hosting world-renowned events and brands, including Cartier, this iconic venue will serve as the backdrop for an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the global jewelry community both online and in person.
Building on the success of its debut year, which attracted over 10,000 participants, DJW 2024 is shaking-up the jewelry industry by merging cutting-edge digital experiences with the allure of a physical event. The addition of a physical event at Garden Senato marks a significant milestone for DJW, providing a unique space where participants can connect face-to-face, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration in one of Milan’s most prestigious locations. This hybrid format not only enhances the inclusivity of the event but also sets a new standard for the jewelry industry.
Born with the mission of breaking down traditional barriers in the jewelry industry, making it more inclusive and accessible for all, Digital Jewelry Week will once again leverage the DJW24 website and Spatial – a high-performance immersive platform known for its superior 3D architectural capabilities. Participants will now have the flexibility to engage in the event from mobile, desktop, and VR headsets, requiring only a fast internet connection, and now can also attend in person for one day only.
Dario Rjeili, Founder of Digital Jewelry Week, said: “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 jewellery 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 participate from across the world, including Singapore, Mexico, several European countries, the Middle East, South Africa, and more, DJW offers an unmatched platform for showcasing innovative designs and fostering global connection, and this year’s event will bring together established brands, aspiring designers, and emerging talent from across the globe for the first time.
Last year's student competition winner, said: "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 he 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 said: “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.”
For more information, please visit: https://www.digitaljewelryweek.com.
About Digital Jewelry Week:
Digital jewellery Week is part of Digital Exhibition Group SRL (Italian for a Limited Liability Company, or LLC) – a start-up supported by CTE COBO (the House of Emerging Technologies in Bologna, supporting tech SMEs, start-ups, and students) and the Cohesion Development Fund.
Digital Jewelry Week offers established brands, designers, and aspiring talent significant support to:
1. Strengthen community ties
2. Showcase and enhance their talents
3. Develop contacts with a wide audience
4. Find inspiration through interaction with peers
5. Win access and a free stand to showcase GemGenève 2025
About the Founder:
Dario Rjeili, a twenty-seven-year-old Venetian of Italo-Lebanese origin, is an early-stage VC investor with NextEnergy Group and the founder of Digital Jewelry Week (DJW). Born and raised in Venice, Italy, Dario earned an athletic scholarship to study at Hampton University, an HBCU in Virginia. He graduated in 2020, having gained experience in marketing and finance in New York. The COVID-19 pandemic brought him back to Italy, where a conversation with a jewelry artisan sparked his interest in the industry's challenges. Now on a mission to digitize the jewelry sector and help young individuals overcome economic barriers to starting their careers, Dario founded Digital Jewelry Week in 2023 and is currently developing DJW24 which is poised to be a game-changer in the jewelry landscape. Blending tradition with technology and a committed to supporting the next generation of jewelers, Dario Rjeili is a name to watch as he shapes the future of an age-old industry.
Supporters of Digital Jewelry Week:
1. GemGenève: Will fund the winner's piece production and offer a stand at GemGenève 2025.
2. EY: Supports the creation of the immersive experience.
3. Cozzari Jewelry: Will produce the winner's piece and offer an internship.
4. DWS Systems: Will provide a 3D printer to the winner's university or college.
