High Jewelry and Craftsmanship: The Place of Wonders at the Forefront of The Unique Show

The Unique Show, a pioneering international exhibition dedicated to high jewelry, brings together renowned maisons and contemporary designers in some of the world’s most prestigious destinations. Its sixth edition, Luxury Monte-Carlo | The Unique Show, took place from June 18 to 21, 2025, at the Hôtel Le Méridien Sea Beach Club in the Principality of Monaco. This year, the spotlight was on the transmission of artisanal knowledge and its essential role in shaping the future of luxury.

For the first time in the history of The Unique Show, the Monte-Carlo edition introduced an awards ceremony celebrating emerging talents. Eight international jurors were invited to assign one unique prize each. Michela Babini, founder and director of The Place of Wonders Foundation, joined the jury and was entrusted with presenting the Iconic Statement Award. Her involvement brought a meaningful dimension to the event, focusing on the process of making as an educational, cultural, and deeply human act—highlighting how the future of luxury lies in the skilled hands of the next generation.

As part of the exhibition’s opening act, which centered on supporting young creatives, the Foundation co-curated a live experiential workshop. Alongside master goldsmith Giò Carbone—founder of the renowned Le Arti Orafe jewelry school, and two of its students selected through scholarships promoted by the Foundation, the audience witnessed the transformation of raw material into crafted beauty. It was an intimate encounter between technique and memory, where gold, stones, and savoir-faire told a story of heritage, talent, and contemporary patronage.

Once again, Michela Babini’s vision reaffirmed the role of craftsmanship as a universal language—one that connects beauty, culture, and the future. In a global context devoted to excellence, the presence of The Place of Wonders Foundation brought forward a powerful message: that conscious beauty, rooted in education and meaning, leaves a lasting imprint beyond the ephemeral. It is an ethos perfectly aligned with The Unique Show’s cultural approach to luxury—not as mere display, but as an expression of authenticity, fragility, and enduring value.