AIFM - SURFACE TREATMENTS FOR JEWELRY, GOLDSMITHERY AND FASHION ACCESSORIES BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION

The current economic scenario is forcing a deep reflection on the production dynamics of the luxury sector. With precious metal prices now consistently sky-high, the gold-jewelry industry and fashion accessories sector are facing unprecedented challenges: combining aesthetic excellence with cost optimization and process sustainability.

In this context, finishing is no longer just the final step of production, but a strategic lever to add value to the product.

Industry experts will present the most recent advances in the field of surface treatment and finishing, exploring the delicate balance between traditional know-how and cutting-edge technologies, with particular reference to: Advanced Coating Technologies - Sustainability and Green Chemistry - Surface Optimization - Thickness and Quality Control.

Speakers:

INNOVATION AND NEW SURFACE TREATMENTS TO COMBAT RISING PRECIOUS METAL COSTS

Massimo Innocenti, Associate Professor, 'Ugo Schiff' Chemistry Department; University of Florence

The rising costs of precious metals forces everyone to continuously research and innovate to minimize metal waste and maximize recovery. If Italian goldsmiths' technical abilities could finally unite with innovation in electrodeposition and surface treatments, it would be possible to transform this difficult moment into an opportunity for growth. The presentation will introduce some new solutions for depositing, treating, and recovering precious metals for the jewelry and fashion accessory world, as well as new research directions in the sector to maximize yield and corrosion resistance.

PVD FINISHES FOR THE FASHION INDUSTRY: INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVENESS

Luca Magagnin, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering 'G. Natta'; Polytechnic of Milan & President of A.I.F.M.

PVD finishes represent a strategic lever for the fashion industry today, combining technological innovation, aesthetic quality, and competitiveness. Thanks to physical vapor deposition, it's possible to obtain resistant, durable surfaces with high performance in terms of color, brilliance, and wear protection. Some results on the use of PVD processes for creating gold-colored coatings with high aesthetic and functional value will be discussed.

GOLD ANALYSIS WITH X-RAY SPECTROMETER (XRF): HOW TO OBTAIN RELIABLE MEASUREMENTS AND AVOID COMMON MISTAKES

Mario Savona, Helmut Fischer Italia

During the presentation, we will illustrate how to perform precise XRF analyses on gold, avoiding the most common mistakes. We'll discuss how proper sample preparation affects results, how essential it is to calibrate the instrument, and how to obtain reliable measurements by repeating analyses. Practical examples specifically designed for the jewelry sector will also be shared.

Event in Italian - no simultaneous translation provided