On April 16, 2025, Bvlgari inaugurated its largest jewelry production center, which is also the largest single-branded jewelry production site in the world. Located in the heart of the Valenza region, the cradle of Italian goldsmiths and jewelers, the jewelry house has marked a turning point in its history, revealing a dynamic approach that is the envy of many.
Capacity quadrupled in less than 10 years
Have all the stars aligned at Bvlgari? Not only has its CEO Jean-Christophe Babin just been appointed President of LVMH’s Watches division – a fine accolade – but the group’s jewelry division, of which Bvlgari is a flagship alongside Tiffany, was the only one to post positive results in 2024. The much-publicized 75th anniversary of Serpenti in 2023 also boosted enthusiasm and demand for the Italian jeweler’s flagship collection. The announcement of this gigantic jewelry factory is therefore part of an outstanding trajectory of success.
In figures, production capacity will have quadrupled since 2017 with this new facility, but it is expected to continue to grow and hire by 2029, with the number of craftspeople increasing from 1,100 in 2025 to 1,600. It is a bright outlook for the Italian jeweler, which is not intimidated by the gloomy state of luxury markets. With this expansion adding almost 19,000 square meters, Manifattura Bvlgari now occupies an area of 33,000 m2. Two new buildings linked to the complex inaugurated in 2017 have been constructed, one dedicated to production, the other to the Scuola Bvlgari. With this large-scale undertaking, the House is shining a light on its strategic vision of vertical integration, guaranteeing control of the entire jewelry production process – from the sourcing of raw materials to the final creation – while giving pride of place to artisanal tradition supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology.
This monumental project is part of Bvlgari’s aim to become a patron of the art of goldsmithery, reinforcing its commitment to a region where exceptional craftsmanship, renowned throughout Europe, has been handed down from generation to generation since the early 19th century.
Carrying the energy responsibility banner
Energy responsibility is a core part of the expansion. The factory generates 50% of its own energy needs, with the remainder coming from 100% renewable sources. Everything has been calibrated to minimize environmental impact, through a highly ambitious system that includes a geothermal field supplying around 800 kWh of thermal energy for heating and cooling via 100 probes descending to a depth of 200 meters, 4,100 solar panels installed on the roofs, air treatment units, permanent temperature control, and a zero-plastic policy. The factory has obtained LEED GOLD (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the world’s strictest sustainable construction standard, already attained for the Manifattura opened in 2017.
The exclusive purchase of responsible materials is another priority for Bvlgari, which has used only RJC CoC (Responsible Jewellery Council Chain of Custody) certified gold since 2022 for all its jewelry creations.
Finally, Bvlgari is committed to the well-being of its employees through a series of initiatives that address both their health and their work-life balance. Leisure areas for Bvlgari employees and Valenza residents have been created, as has an apiary housing around a million bees. The Italian jewelry house has also committed to reforesting 8,000 m2 outside the complex with native species.
Perpetuating the excellence of ‘Made in Italy’
The site will be home to the new 1,000 m2 Scuola Bvlgari, Bvlgari’s first publicly-accessible education center specializing in jewelry, offering professional training in goldsmithery and microscope gem setting. Students are trained in artisanal techniques, but will also benefit from the latest advances in technological innovation. The Scuola joins the existing Bvlgari Academy, dedicated to training the House’s new craftspeople since 2017. All this makes the Manifattura Bvlgari a unique ecosystem, the result of the brand’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and knowledge sharing, combined with ‘Made in Italy’ excellence.
“Safeguarding and promoting traditional arts and crafts are a key part of Bvlgari’s identity,” said Corinne Le Foll, the House’s Managing Director of Jewelry. “At the Scuola Bvlgari, students will be trained by master goldsmiths, academic experts and established industry professionals. This practical and theoretical training, recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education and in line with European standards, will offer the most talented students the opportunity to continue their professional development within the Bvlgari universe. Alongside the Bvlgari Academy launched in 2017, this new training initiative represents both a concrete and symbolic investment in the genius and artistry of ‘Made in Italy’.
Images : Bulgari
