Two countries separated by Language, culture and distance found a common thread in their importance to the jewelry industry. Italy, world-renowned for its craftsmanship and fine jewelers, and south Africa, a leading producer of diamonds, gold and platinum, brought the design talents of their youth together in a recent jewelry competition. The competition, GIOIE NOVELLE, organized for the first time by the embassy of South Africa in Italy and the Italian club and chamber of commerce for southern Africa for students and professional designers under 28, showcased the culture and talents of the two countries. Three award-winning designs were produced in Italy and displayed at vicenzaOro I in January. The only stipulation was that each piece had to incorporate diamond, gold and platinum.

            Franco M Messina, president of the Italian chamber of commerce for south Africa, said he expects to hold a similar competition every year inviting other countries with a long tradition in the gem and jewelry trade to participate. Thailand may just be next.