The VFS brand joins as a partner for the contest promoted by Progold, which highlights jewelry created using 3D printing.
The Progold Design for Additive Manufacturing Contest—an international competition for jewelry design students—is back. The contest is conceived and promoted by Progold, a company based in Trissino (Vicenza) that is a key player in the production of semi-finished jewelry via direct additive manufacturing (3D printing) in precious metals, as well as a manufacturer of alloys and master alloys.
Now in its eleventh edition, the contest aims to show the designers of tomorrow the possibilities offered by direct additive manufacturing in precious metals. This year’s creative partner is VFS, a jewelry brand founded by Valentina Ferragni. The contest’s significant global appeal is underscored by a record number of participating schools: 25—an 80% increase over last year—representing 12 countries from around the world.
The Schools
Seven Italian institutions have responded (IED Rome, IED Turin, IED Milan, LAO – Le Arti Orafe in Florence, Galdus in Milan, For.Al in Valenza, and CPV Gold Academy in Vicenza). Seven European schools are also participating: Hochschule Trier (Germany), the Haute École de Joaillerie in Paris (France), the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (Poland), the Birmingham City School of Jewellery (United Kingdom), JORGC Escola de Joieria in Barcelona (Spain), Escuela Atlántico in Vigo (Spain), and HEAD Genève (Switzerland). Another 11 schools join from the rest of the world: the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) – State University of New York, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design represent the United States. From Asia and the Middle East, there are three schools from China (GIC Gemmological Institute in Wuhan, Guangzhou Polytechnic University, and Shenzhen Polytechnic University), three from Thailand (Srinakharinwirot University, Burapha University, and the Faculty of Decorative Arts at Silpakorn University), one from Hong Kong (Hong Kong Design Institute), and one from Dubai (Dubai Design Academy).
The 2026–2027 Contest
Designed to be worn individually or as an asymmetrical pair, and capable of being taken apart and reassembled—the earring takes center stage in the new edition of the Progold DFAM Contest. Students are invited to respond to the call “Wear It Your Way: Reinvent the Earring with VFS,” which challenges them to reinterpret the brand identity of Valentina Ferragni—a brand for which the earring is the most iconic piece. The jewelry must be crafted from 9-karat yellow gold, 950 platinum, or a combination of both metals. The choice of 9-karat gold, the organizers explain, is a strategic one; it is a material that ensures… …fidelity to the brand’s target audience and consistency with its style, positioning the jewelry within the VFS consumer segment. The projects will be brought to life using L-PBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) technology—a form of additive manufacturing (3D printing) directly in precious metal—which represents Progold’s distinctive expertise.
The Stages
Each institution may submit up to 30 individual projects (one per student) in the form of sketches. A technical jury, composed of representatives from Progold and the partner brand VFS, will evaluate them based on four criteria: alignment with the brand identity (30%), intelligent use of the capabilities offered by additive manufacturing (30%), ergonomics and wearability (20%), and the ability to articulate the concept behind the project (20%). Up to three projects per institution will advance to the second stage, which focuses on 3D (digital) models. These will undergo a technical review based on measurable parameters, including minimum thickness, growth angles, and the specific design considerations required for additive manufacturing.
From this selection, one finalist will be chosen for each school. The finalist projects will be announced in early December, after which their respective presentation videos will be published on the Progold website, marking the start of an online voting period.
Presentation and Awards
Progold will manufacture all the finalist projects, which will then be finished by Fratelli Bovo—a technical partner for this edition. Based in Trissino (Vicenza) and founded in 1977, Fratelli Bovo is a jewelry firm specializing in the creation and production of gold jewelry. In January, Progold will invite the young finalist designers to Italy to attend Vicenzaoro (January 15–19, 2027). During this trade fair—organized by the Italian Exhibition Group and held annually for key players in the gold and jewelry sector— The pieces of jewelry will be exhibited and presented. The awards ceremony will take place during the same period—scheduled for Sunday, January 17, at 2:00 PM—within the magnificent setting of the Teatro Palladio at Vicenzaoro (Fiera di Vicenza).
In addition to the technical jury’s award, three other honors will be presented during the event: one from the online jury, one from the live audience in the hall—who will be invited to vote for their own winning project—and the Platinum Special Prize, awarded by the sponsor, Platinum Guild International.
