A Celebration of Imagination – A Report from Milano Jewelry Week 2026
A young show with character and style – Milano Jewelry Week is only in its sixth edition, yet it has already earned considerable recognition within the jewelry industry. From October 20–26, 2026, Milan transformed into a city of sparkle. Exhibitors from all over the world travelled to Italy, filling the interiors of historic palazzos with extraordinary jewelry. At the heart of it all were the artists and designers whose imagination knows no bounds.
Milano Jewelry Week is a relatively young event, but its concept is so distinctive that I already see MJW as a mature and fully realised project. The show brings together a dynamic programme of events and exhibitions across multiple locations. Its atmosphere is a mix of the city’s energy, the festival spirit of Salone del Mobile, the buzz of fashion week, the elegance of gallery openings at the finest art spaces, and the majestic backdrop of historic palazzos hosting the exhibitions. MJW puts jewelry designers firmly in the spotlight. Milan welcomes the most creative talents from Europe, Asia, both Americas, Africa and even Oceania, while industry professionals, media representatives and jewelry enthusiasts come here to discover just how far human imagination and the mastery of jewelry craftsmanship can go.
Jewelry Beyond the Wildest Imagination
The pieces I saw at MJW were dazzling and surprising in equal measure. We often hear that “everything has been done before”, but the diversity of artistic languages, inspirations and techniques on display at MJW is truly mind-blowing. I was delighted to see how beautifully The Jewelry Hub at Palazzo Serbelloni continues to grow, showcasing the latest collections from luxury brands alongside vintage jewelry and watches, as well as diamonds. My personal favourite remains the Artistar Jewels exhibition at Palazzo Bovara – a showcase of contemporary collections, often avant-garde and highly artistic in nature. For me, the beauty of jewelry lies not only in its form and exceptional craftsmanship, but also in the personalities of its creators, their emotions and values. One of the things I love about MJW is the opportunity to talk directly to designers, ask about their inspirations and discover the stories behind their creations. As I explored the exhibitions, I noticed several interesting directions in contemporary design. Teddy bears, hearts, flowers, plenty of colour – I have a soft spot for designers who are unafraid to bring a sense of lightness, fantasy and even humour into sophisticated, luxurious jewelry. A very different mood and aesthetic emerge in collections drawing inspiration from ancient times and cultures. The distant past continues to fuel the imagination of contemporary designers, and the results are extraordinary. On my Instagram, I shared the Artistar Jewels designs that impressed me most – although even a 20-slide carousel is nowhere near enough to capture all the pieces I fell in love with!
Celebrating the Masters of Creativity
The creativity of designers taking part in Milano Jewelry Week is symbolically celebrated through three award competitions and ceremonies. The MJW Awarding Night deserves particular attention. These awards have quickly gained prestige within the industry, with brands and designers proudly showcasing their Milan accolades. The jury selected 11 winners across categories including Visionary (awarded to artist Pegah Novin), Contemporary Design (won by Andreia Gabriela Popescu) and High Jewelry (awarded to Zheng Hong Collective). Two other ceremonies also took place during MJW: the Gallery Network Awards and the Buyer Network Awards.
MJW embodies an approach to jewelry that feels particularly close to my heart – and to the very mission of Blingsis. In Milan, jewelry collections are presented and celebrated as art, and their creators are openly referred to as artists. To me, jewelry is a cultural creation, just like painting, sculpture, music and literature. Through brilliance, form, imagination and craftsmanship, it tells stories and conveys emotions. MJW masterfully creates a space in which we can experience all of this.
