By Fashion Editorial Staff
In a landmark moment for the world of high jewelry, Bvlgari has inaugurated the newly expanded Manifattura in Valenza, Italy—a dazzling fusion of heritage craftsmanship and forward-thinking sustainability. Spanning 33,000 square meters of cutting-edge facilities, the Valenza site now ranks as the world’s largest single-brand jewelry manufactory—solidifying Bvlgari’s standing at the pinnacle of haute joaillerie.
The April 16th unveiling was a celebration not only of scale but of vision—attended by luminaries including Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, LVMH Italy President Toni Belloni, and leading Italian government officials. More than an architectural achievement, the expansion reflects a deep investment in cultural preservation, artisanal excellence, and the future of responsible luxury.
“Today marks a historic milestone not only for Bvlgari, but also for the territory of Valenza and the global jewelry industry. The expansion of our Manufacture is far more than a doubling in size and production capacity — it is the realization of a bold, contemporary vision for what the luxury industry must become in the future,” shared Babin during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The expansion marks a bold leap forward: Bvlgari plans to double its production capacity by 2029 and create over 500 new jobs, bringing the number of artisans to 1,600. But growth here is not only measured in output. At its heart, the Manifattura is a living atelier, where human touch meets technological precision, and where sustainability is not a footnote but a foundation.
Powered in part by over 4,100 solar panels and an advanced geothermal system, the site covers nearly 50% of its energy needs on-site, operating with a near carbon-neutral footprint. Every operational detail—from precise air treatment and temperature regulation to plastic-free policies and state-of-the-art water systems—has been orchestrated to harmonize with the planet.
Yet the soul of the expansion lies in its dedication to education. With the launch of Scuola Bvlgari, the Maison introduces its first publicly accessible training institute, created in partnership with the Tarì Design School (TADS). This new center offers professional courses in goldsmithing and gemstone setting, aiming to preserve and evolve Valenza’s celebrated craft tradition.
“Safeguarding and advancing traditional arts and crafts is an integral part of Bvlgari's identity,” said Corinne Le Foll, Managing Director of Bvlgari Jewelry. "At Scuola Bvlgari, students will be trained by master goldsmiths, academic experts, and established professionals in the jewelry industry. This practical and theoretical training, recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education and aligned with European standards, will offer the most talented students the opportunity to further their professional growth within the Bvlgari world."
In a nod to the interplay between design and art, the inauguration also revealed two contemporary installations. "Serpenti," a sinuous sculpture by Zaha Hadid first conceived in 2011, brings architectural elegance to the garden, while "Vista Aeterna" by Sabine Marcelis—a tableau of twelve rotating travertine pillars and mirrored surfaces—reflects Rome’s eternal glow and the Maison’s Roman roots.
Since its original opening in 2017, the Manifattura has grown from housing 370 artisans to over 1,100 today, representing more than thirty nationalities. This convergence of cultures, skills, and visions has transformed Valenza into a global crucible of creativity—where ancient goldsmithing traditions are reimagined for a new era of luxury.
As Elena Chiorino, Vice President and Regional Minister of the Piedmont Region, eloquently summarized:
"This is the Italy we believe in - one that values craftsmanship, invests in people, and turns our savoir-faire into a globally competitive force."
