argento Archives | gioiellis.com

Giovanni Raspini with Silver Shine

Published on September 22, 2023

Argento

A jewel must shine, be noticed. And this is what the new Shine collection by Giovanni Raspini proposes, one of the novelties for autumn winter 2023-2024. The workmanship of the jewels is that favored by the Tuscan brand, with an alternation of sparkling and blackened silver. But, in addition, the choker necklace, chain with pendant and bracelet with a practical snap closure, as well as the ring and earrings that are part of this line adopt colorless and transparent cubic zirconia set in the metal, to make the jewels more attractive.

Anello della collezione Shine — Ring from the Shine collection

The stones have a round cut, with clearly visible facets. The jewels of the Shine collection retain the typical elements of Giovanni Raspini, namely the textured volumes of the small spheres in molten and burnished silver.

Bracciale in argento e cubic zirconia — Bracelet in silver and cubic zirconia Shine

Orecchini in argento e cubic zirconia Shine — Shine earrings in silver and cubic zirconia

How to eliminate forever the oxide

Published on August 31, 2023

Campus

Come evitare che l'argento diventi nero?

The silver of the jewelry, unfortunately, oxidizes and becomes black. How to prevent silver from turning into a blackened metal? Here are some simple tricks to prevent silver from being black ♦

Raise your hand who in the drawer doesn’t have at least one silver jewel that has oxidized. He was so cute, maybe it was cheap, or maybe you received a gift, the inheritance of your aunt and so… In any case, earrings and silver rings can very often be blackened due to the contact with oxygen: they oxidize and leave an unpleasant color on the skin.

The Twisted Coin, anello in argento con dollaro — The Twisted Coin, silver ring with dollar

Why does silver turn black? Simple: sterling silver or 925 is not 100% pure. In reality 92.5% is silver, while 7.5% is composed of other alloy metals. Often it is copper, responsible for the oxidation reaction, that is, the reaction of the metal in contact with the oxygen present in the air, but also with sulfur (often caused by pollution), or with humidity. This is achieved by contact with the skin of people who have a high Ph, i.e. slightly more acidic sweat. Finally, skin lotions, sunscreens, deodorants, perfumes and hairspray are other factors that can accelerate the oxidation of the metal.

Bracciale in argento sterling con pietre — Perfectly polished sterling silver bracelet

Off the light. To avoid making silver blacken, however, one must first learn to keep it well. Light, heat and humidity are enemies of silver and get to blacken it. Store the jewels in a closed box, lined with a soft cloth to prevent the metal from being damaged. If you don’t have a wooden box, you can also opt for a plastic box or a jar, but not transparent.

Anello Maui in argento e madreperla — Maui ring in silver and mother of pearl

Desiccant bags. The humidity, as mentioned, blackens the silver. Store the jewels together with desiccant bags, which are also used for electronic equipment. Inside the bags there may be, for example, silica gel, which keeps the surrounding air dry. It is a useful advice especially for those who live in houses or in humid places, such as at the sea or near a stream. Attention, keep the bags out of reach of children: they are not edible at all. Don’t want to buy bags? You can get away with a piece of chalk, another material that tends to absorb moisture.

Also read: How to clean silver jewelry

Beware of acid. Acid substances are harmful to the health of your silver. Ok, you don’t have the habit of sprinkling your sterling silver earrings with lemon juice. However, the acidity of the skin, the cosmetics, and even the casual contact with some residue in the kitchen can quickly make the jewelery shine disappear. Do not put necklaces, rings and bracelets in mustard, lemon, vinegar and, in general, food … If you have sweated during the day, clean the jewels before storing them.

Rubber and latex. You didn’t suspect it, but even rubber and latex are not friends of silver. Prolonged contact may oxidize silver more quickly.
No dishwasher. Have you thought about polishing silver jewelery in the dishwasher? Mistaken. The detergent and the heat of the water can cause oxidation and corrode the metal. Silver must be cleaned with cold water and mild soap.

No dishwasher. Have you thought about polishing silver jewelery in the dishwasher? Mistaken. The detergent and the heat of the water can cause oxidation and corrode the metal. Silver must be cleaned with cold water and mild soap.

Anello con argento annerito — Ring with blackened silver

Still, there is a little trick to avoid this. Just copy the advice in this video we found on the net. The images are very clear, so there is no problem to understand its meaning.

Ok, it is advice banal, but it works. It goes like this: you take your ring that is blackened, and first of all clean it well. There are many ways to do this: you can use hot water and a couple of teaspoons of salt, leaving it to soak jewel. Or you can use water and baking soda. Once the gem is clean, here is a suggestion: you have to dry thoroughly and then just paint inside with transparent nail polish. Let dry and, voila, here is the problem eliminated. Easy, right?

Comment protéger une bague en argent ? di mariefrance

Ciondolo in argento ossidato — Oxidized silver pendant

Anello Contrarié — De Vecchi, contrary ring

Pianegonda, anello in argento della collezione Planus — Pianegonda, silver ring from the Planus collection/caption]

[caption id="attachment_35412" align="aligncenter" width="709"] The effects of silver oxidation

Gli effetti dell'ossidazione dell'argento — Pianegonda, silver ring from the Planus collection/caption]

[caption id="attachment_35412" align="aligncenter" width="709"] The effects of silver oxidation

Anello in argento di Bury — Bury silver ring

The reborn silver of Maria and Luisa

Published on August 26, 2023

Argento

The name has nothing special: Maria e Luisa. The surname, however, is known to jewelry lovers: Pianegonda. The Pianegonda brand, however, due to troubled corporate events, can no longer be used by Maria Luisa Pianegonda and not even by her brother Franco, founder of the Maison specializing in silver jewelry. The Pianegonda brand is now owned by the Bros Manifatture group. But the creativity of the two brothers, who each went down a different path, was not sold. After 16 years as a marketing manager in the original Pianegonda, and after a break marked by travel, Maria Luisa got back on track with a new brand, with a name that curiously doubles her own: Maria and Luisa.

Anello Shri in argento e 8 pietre di rodolite — Shri ring in silver and 8 rhodolite stones

Also for Maria and Luisa the basic material is silver. But it is a super-worked silver, which highlights a craftsmanship of yesteryear. The jewels are worked with a burin, with scrolls, curls, folds, inlays and in some cases with the addition of large semi-precious stones, such as citrine, amethyst, smoky quartz, pink, cognac, and prasiolite, onyx, topaz. Some jewels also have small 9-karat gold inserts. Maria and Luisa’s boutique is located in Milan. Vicenza is long gone.

Orecchini in argento con elemento a rosone inciso a mano con la tecnica del bulino e catene groumette — Silver earrings with rosette element hand engraved with the burin technique and groumette chainse

Bracciale Groumette in argento e cristallo di rocca — Groumette bracelet in silver and rock crystal

Anello in argento brunito con quarzo fumé — Burnished silver ring with smoky quartz

Anello in argento brunito con ametista — Burnished silver ring with amethyst

Bracciale rolò in argento brunito — Bracelet in burnished silver

Orecchini in argento con citrino madeira — Silver earrings with madeira citrine

Collana groumette girocollo — Choker groumette necklace

Orecchini in argento intarsiato — Inlaid silver earrings

Pianegonda Conversus in silver and gold

Published on July 27, 2023

Argento

New Latin exam with Pianegonda. The brand of the Bros Manifatture group has long chosen to use words in Latin, or words that closely resemble them, for the collections of the Maison specializing in silver jewellery. A choice that hasn’t changed with the arrival of the artistic director Betony Vernon and which is confirmed with the new Conversus collection. Difficult, however, to convert the word into another language, because in Latin the name conversus can be associated with different meanings, such as swept, turned, but also clean. And perhaps this is the right key: the lines of the jewels are really clean, simple, essential. Rounded surfaces, soft weaves and rounded corners are the characteristics of the jewels in the collection.

Another specificity of the design consists in the use of silver in two versions: shiny, as in most of the pieces, but also brushed in the case of the ring. Added to this is the introduction of jewels entirely in 9 carat gold, or mixed in silver with an additional element in yellow metal, as in the case of the necklace or earrings.

Anello in argento 925‰ satinato — Ring in 925‰ satin silver

Bracciale in argento 925‰. — 925‰ silver bracelet

Collana in argento 925‰ e oro 9 kt — Necklace in 925‰ silver and 9 kt gold

Millefiori silver with Giovanni Raspini

Published on July 3, 2023

Argento

Millefiori collection by Giovanni Raspini.

Flower necklaces were, arguably, the first jewel-like female accessory in the dawn of humanity. And today’s jewelry often does not deviate too much from that ancient typology, even if the collections of earrings, rings or necklaces are made with noble metals, instead of simple flowers collected in the meadows and intertwined. An example is the Millefiori collection by Giovanni Raspini. Of course, the flowers are the inspiration, while the jewels idealize the concept with the proposal of silver jewels in the usual style of the Tuscan company.

Pendente Millefiori in argento — Millefiori silver pendant

The Millefiori collection is made with tiny flowers that form a texture on circular bases of burnished silver. The surface of the jewels is made more brilliant thanks to a diamond-plating process, a metal working technique that gives a shimmering effect in contrast with the shadows of the burnished base. The Millefiori collection is declined in three necklaces, two bracelets, two rings and three earrings.

Orecchini a bottone Millefiori — Millefiori stud earrings

Bracciale piccolo in argento — Small bracelet in silver

Anello a doppia banda in argento brunito — Double band ring in burnished silver

Anello a banda in argento brunito — Band ring in burnished silver

Orecchini in argento brunito — Burnished silver earrings

Orecchini a cerchio Millefiori — Millefiori hoop earrings

Collana Lunga Millefiori — Silver burnished necklace Millefiori

All court tennis for Kulto 925

Published on May 31, 2023

Argento

Bracciale con due fila di cubic zirconia

It’s called the Easy Diamond collection but, better to say it right away, don’t expect diamond jewelry. On the other hand, the prices of Kulto 925 bracelets and necklaces are really within reach of the wallet. The brand, which specializes in silver jewellery, uses cubic zirconia crystals for a series of tennis-style bracelets and necklaces. By the way, if you don’t remember why this type of jewel is called that, you can find out here.

Bracciale tennis in argento con cubic zirconia rosa — Tennis bracelet in silver with pink cubic zirconia

In fact, tennis-type jewels have long been one of the brand’s proposals. For example, in addition to the classic tennis, i.e. with white stones, versions with light blue, pink, ruby red, emerald green and blue cubic zirconia are presented (64 euros). Or with combinations of emerald green and white, black and white, blue and white and magenta and white (59).

Bracciale in argento con cubic zirconia rossi — Silver bracelet with red cubic zirconia

There is also the two-row tennis bracelet with white and baguette-cut blue, yellow and pink cubic zirconias (119). Finally, here are the heart-cut cubic zirconia crystals for the necklace and bracelet, also in two shades, blue and pink, as well as the total white version (necklace 119, bracelet 69).

Bracciale con cubic zirconia a forma di cuore — Heart shaped cubic zirconia bracelet

Collana in argento con cubic zirconia bianchi e taglio cuore rosa — Silver necklace with white cubic zirconia and pink heart cut

Bracciale con cubic zirconia bianchi e verdi — Bracelet with white and green cubic zirconia

Giovanni Raspini in Optical version

Published on May 22, 2023

Argento

According to the official definition, what goes by the name of optical is an abstract art form, where the contrast of colors and geometric shapes serve to produce a three-dimensional visual effect. Or it is made up of surfaces that create unexpected perspectives. The optical style has been widely used in fashion, especially half a century ago, with fabrics characterized by geometric shapes with irregular checks or black and white bands. That same concept of white interspersed with black is now the inspiration for the new Optical collection by Giovanni Raspini.

Collana Optical in argento e onice — Optical necklace in silver and onyx

The Tuscan silver specialist was inspired by the fashion of the sixties, but with the use of small spheres in hammered silver, interspersed with the black of shiny black onyx stones. The contrast of colors does not cause deceptive perspectives to the eye, but a comfortable regular geometry. The Optical collection is offered in four necklaces and four bracelets in various sizes and lengths.

Collana lunga Optical — Optical long necklace

Bracciale Optical in argento e onice — Optical bracelet in silver and onyx

New 925 Kulto rings with baguette stones

Published on May 21, 2023

Anello in argento rodiato con finitura oro e cubic zirconia gialli

New simple variant of rings signed Kulto 925 which, as the brand number indicates, are made of silver. This time Kulto 925 offers new rings that have baguette-cut stones as their distinguishing feature, i.e. with an elongated rectangular surface. Each ring mounts three stones, white or colored cubic zirconia. The metal, on the other hand, is silver, even in the version with a yellow gold finish.
Kulto 925 rhodium-plated 925 silver rings can use white, blue, green or yellow colored stones. For the version of the rings in 925 silver with a yellow gold finish, Kulto 925 combines white and light green zircons (price 39 euros).

Anello in argento rodiato e cubic zirconia bianchi — Ring in rhodium-plated silver and white cubic zirconia

Anello in argento rodiato con finitura oro e cubic zirconia bianchi — Rhodium plated silver ring with gold finish and white cubic zirconia

Anello in argento rodiato e cubic zirconia blu — Ring in rhodium-plated silver and blue cubic zirconia

Thais Bernardes, the Brazil studied Italy

Published on May 19, 2023

Showroom

Thais Bernardes, the jewels of Brazil that have a little bit of Italy ♦ ︎

There are many Brazilian citizens of Italian origin. But there are also designers who simply take an example from Italians, those who work in jewelry. This is the case of Thais Bernardes, who says: “I learned from the Italians to value details and invest in quality. My jewels follow a contemporary style for women who want, at the same time, to dictate fashion with elegance and lightness “.

The founder of the brand that has her name, among other things, was born and grew up in Minas Gerais, the place that is the largest producer of natural gemstones among the Brazilian states.

And growing in contact with the stones for jewelry gave her a decisive imprinting. Although she started her career as a model. Then, however, she studied gemology and jewelry design, with a specialization in Fashion Brand Management in Milan. Finally, in 2015 she founded the brand Thais Bernardes, now also at VicenzaOro September. Her jewels are all made of silver, gold and precious and semi-precious stones, “where the Italian workforce combined with the Brazilian tradition creates inimitable objects”.

Choker con pappagallo, argento e cubic zirconia — Choker with parrot, silver and cubic zirconia

Anello in argento, smalto e zirconia cubica — Ring in silver, enamel and cubic zirconia

Anello in argento, rodiato o placcato oro e zirconia cubica — Ring in silver, rhodium plated or gold plated and cubic zirconia

Anello in oro giallo 18 carati con smalto verde e zaffiro — 18K yellow gold ring with green enamel and sapphire

Orecchini in oro rosa 9 carati con smalto verde e zaffiro giallo — Earrings in 9 carat rose gold with green enamel and yellow sapphire

Anello in oro rosa 9 carati con smalto nero e peridoto — Ring in 9 carat rose gold with black enamel and peridot

Kulto 925 Curls with Ensign

Published on April 15, 2023

Showroom

Orecchini in argento dorato e cubic zirconia viola

The typical curls of Neapolitan Baroque architecture are the source of inspiration for Ensign: a sign, standard, flag and adopted for the Kulto 925 signed collection, which focuses on soft lines and semi-spherical volumes. The jewels are in 925 silver with a yellow gold finish and include necklaces, earrings and bracelets. The necklaces have a single pendant (69 euros) or double pendant (85 euros) and match the stud earrings (45 euros) or pendants, where two spheres are connected to each other by a thin chain (99 euros) and the bracelet (65 euros) .

The set is also presented in a variant in rhodium-plated silver and white or purple colored cubic zirconia and 925 silver with a rose gold finish, with slightly higher prices. Kulto 925 is a brand of the Diffusione Orologi group that offers silver jewelery to wear every day, even in the workplace.

Anello in argento dorato e cubic zirconia viola

The free spirit of Betony Vernon on the star of Pianegonda

Published on April 7, 2023

news

Betony Vernon, direttrice creativa di Pianegonda

There are gregarious spirits, critical spirits, spirits of the times. Then, there are the free spirits. Caging them in a definition is impossible. They are composed of the same multiform matter present in the universe. Betony Vernon, design director of Pianegonda, is part of this small group of people who are many things in one. One aspect, however, is clear: she is not a woman who is satisfied. She likes to innovate, discover, create. With an ability to go beyond the boundaries established by the old rules. «But it’s not always easy, sometimes I feel like a candle in the wind», she tells jewels.com. The designer has settled in Italy, in Umbria, a couple of hours from the headquarters of Bros Manifatture in the Marche region.

If she has a free spirit, it is also her because Betony grew up in a non-traditional family in Virginia (USA): her helicopter pilot father also had a marked aptitude for artisanal and technical creativity. Her English mother was an art historian who was able to fight for civil rights in the 1960s, when it wasn’t very easy to do so. In short, an imprinting that Betony has cultivated over time and that has opened the door to a challenge to her comfort zone. Model, artist, designer, writer, sculptor, sexual anthropologist: Betony Vernon’s many lives in one follow an irregular path.

Anello maxi in argento, collezione Assoluto

Graduated in art history and goldsmithing in Virginia, the designer moved to Florence to specialize in metalworking at the Fuji Studio Art Workshop. «A beautiful city, but I needed to go further and I moved to Milan for a master’s degree at the prestigious Domus Academy», says Betony. «Architecture and design gurus such as Ettore Sottsass, Alessandro Mendini or Andrea Brandi were my teachers, the tutelary deities».

Anna Cleveland indossa la collezione Assoluto di Pianegonda

The decision to focus on design resulted in her first studio, Atelier B.V., which was followed by work for the Florentine Pampaloni and, as an interior designer, for Fornasetti. «And for Gianfranco Ferré I designed a collection of 30 pieces in gold and diamonds, on the theme of the safety pin: it was among the first fashion houses that crossed the border with jewellery». But she has also worked with Missoni, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Swarovski for jewels worn by Lady Gaga. It was in Milan that the designer discovered Pianegonda for the first time: «New, different jewellery, with an innovative design. And in silver, a metal that I love very much. I also thought that I would like to work if there was an opportunity. And the crossroads of destiny wanted it this way».

After a long parenthesis in Paris and the creation of videos, books, photographs, television programs such as The Boudoir for Mtv, sculptures and jewels, and after dealing without taboos with the theme of sensuality as a search for well-being, Betony Vernon received a phone call from Beatrice Beleggia, CEO of Bros Usa, the American branch of the Bros Manifatture group, which owns the Pianegonda brand. «I accepted with enthusiasm. The idea is to give a new identity to a historic brand. I started with colour: blue, like the sky I see from my house in Umbria», says the designer. And Betony Vernon seems the right person for her, precisely because of her interdisciplinary ability to create in different fields, which once would have been defined as Renaissance. Pianegonda, having left the Latin names of the collections on the street, perhaps not sufficiently perceptible to the general public, on the initiative of Betony has renewed the boutique in the fashion district of Milan, but also the packaging.

Assoluto, on the other hand, is the name of the first Pianegonda collection signed by Betony Vernon. Central motif: the sphere, one of the primordial forms and a design icon of the American creator. «The sphere is the center of life, of the cosmos, it represents the atom, the particle that makes up everything. It is at the same time something concrete and at the same time a symbol », explains Betony, who chose an unconventional model like Anna Cleveland for the collection.
The work for Pianegonda has just begun. Silver and gold will coexist under the stars of the designer, with simple and surprising shapes. Next stop: the new collection scheduled for autumn, in time for the appointment with Vicenzaoro.

Orecchini pendenti della collezione Assoluto

BE8 Jewels, positive laboratory

Published on March 30, 2023

Showroom

The BE8 Jewels creative laboratory, jewels combined with an ethical lifestyle ♦

It is called BE8 Jewels (evolution of the original name Otto Jewels), even if the team is made up of five people and the Maison was founded in 2013 by only one: Beppe Callegari, together with his brother Andrea, the third generation of a family of jewelers . In Padua, where the first single-brand store is located, the story of a passion began, so much so that the collection that debuted was called Primo Cuore: a jewel born from a personal experience and which has become a collection.

Anelli Give Love in oro 9 o 18 carati con pavé di zaffiri, diamanti e rubini

But calling it Maison is perhaps wrong: those who work at BE8 Jewels prefer to define it as “a creative laboratory promoting ethics, positivity and craftsmanship, whose goal is to inspire a lifestyle in which well-being and sharing are at the center”. Each Otto Jewels jewel is made of 925 silver, 9kt and 18kt gold, sometimes with natural stones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, selected and from sustainable supply chains. The brand defines itself as slow jewelry, with a production of each jewel being 100% made in Italy. It is present in Italy, France, Austria, Spain and Germany. The Give Love collection, which plays on the shape of the heart, and the Ex-Voto Hearts collection, are among the most recent productions of the brand and summarize the style and philosophy of the Maison.

Anelli in oro con pavé di diamanti bianchi e neri

Anelli in argento e oro con diamanti grigi

Orecchini pendenti in oro rosa e diamanti neri e bianchi

How to recognize real silver

Published on March 27, 2023

Campus

A silver jewel cannot be missing from your collection. Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets: silver is one of the most used metals and also one of the oldest used in jewelry. Furthermore, silver is also cheap compared to gold nowadays. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t imitated. Or, it can be used only as a light patina covering another, less noble metal. In short, how to recognize if your jewel is real silver?

Lemaire, bracciale d'argento indossato sopra il polsino — Lemaire, bracciale d’argento indossato sopra il polsino

There are several ways to recognize if a jewel is made of real silver:

1. Check if it has a brand
Genuine silver jewelery is often marked with hallmarks, which in jewelery is referred to as a hallmark. In the United States and most other countries, silver purity is indicated with initials such as 925 or sterling. These abbreviations indicate that the jewels are made with 92.5% pure silver. But abbreviations can also be used. In Italy, for example, there is also Arg. indicating the word silver. The hallmark is usually located inside the jewel, in an inconspicuous position.

In questo dettaglio è visibile la punzonatura 925

2. Perform the magnet test
Unlike gold, silver is weakly magnetic. But if a piece of jewelry is strongly attracted to a magnet it means that it is not made of real silver, but could be made of some other metal, such as steel or iron, which are strongly magnetic.

Collana in argento annerito by Giovanni Raspini

3. Nitric acid test
This test can determine the purity of silver. A small scratch is made on the jewelry and it is wetted with a drop of nitric acid. The color of the scratch after the acid has been applied will indicate the purity of the silver. However, this test can damage your jewelry, so it should only be done by a trained professional.

Bracciali in argento a maglia geometrica con charm

4. Bleach test
Genuine silver jewelry should tarnish if it comes into contact with bleach. Apply a drop of bleach to an inconspicuous area of the jewelry to find out if it tarnishes.

Bracciale e anello indossati — Bracciale e anello in argento di Pianegonda, indossati

5. Skin test
Silver jewelery does not cause skin reactions or discoloration. A possible skin reaction can also indicate if the jewelery is made of pure silver. However, keep in mind that some people may have allergic reactions to other metals, such as nickel, which may be present in jewellery. As we wrote before, a 92.5% silver jewel means that, in any case, the alloy is composed of 7.5% of other metals, very often copper. Pure silver is not used in jewellery, but is sold on the market in bullion. An ingot of pure silver is defined as 999/1000, because it is composed of 99.9% silver.

I gioielli sono in argento 925 riciclato, argento ossidato e oro 14 carati — I gioielli di Aurum sono in argento 925 riciclato, argento ossidato e oro 14 carati

Eleonora Ghilardi diving with H2O

Published on March 10, 2023

Argento

Water is the natural element that is most necessary for the development of life. And it is also a matter loved by human beings. In reality, however, it is not a single element, but a chemical compound of two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. In chemistry this relationship is summarized by the formula H2O. Water as a natural element represented by the formula is also the source of inspiration for the collection of Eleonora Ghilardi, an artisan-goldsmith and jewelry designer from Lombardy. Her H2O collection is a tribute to nature and to her most important element.

Furthermore, to underline the attention to natural balance, each jewel of the H2O line is packaged in recycled paper packaging, perfumed with a fragrance created specifically for the collection and a certificate of authenticity (Italian-English), jewel maintenance booklet (Italian- English) and cotton bag for the transport and protection of the jewel. The jewels recall the irregular splashes of a wave in shape and are made with the technique of lost wax casting in silver or bronze, with the addition of hard stones such as jasper or labradorite.

Anello in bronzo e bolla di vetro soffiato

Pianegonda travels the universe with Assoluto

Published on March 9, 2023

Argento

The new Pianegonda collection is the very first signed by the new creative director Betony Vernon, called to renew the brand that is now part of the Bros Manifatture group. The collection is therefore called Absolute. Even if the inspiration of the American designer is anything but. Assoluto flies high and is inspired by the origin of the universe. A theme that fascinates astronomers and physics professors but, after all, it is also what many philosophers have wondered in the last millennia.

Anello in argento della collezione Assoluto

In any case, it is not necessary to scan the galaxies to observe the essential style of the collection, which focuses on the shape of the sphere. The 23 jewels of the Assoluto collection, in brilliant silver, all bear a sphere to indicate what is believed to be the origin of the Big Bang, of the atom, of love, you name it. As we have already written here, the face of the Assoluto collection is the American model Anna Cleveland.

Orecchini a cerchio, collezione Assoluto

The idea of communicating the manufacturing technique is commendable: Assoluto is made in investment casting and assembled and completed entirely by hand. 925 silver is protected by two microns of 999 silver, i.e. pure silver. Subsequently, a further nanoceramic antioxidant protection is applied to the jewel which increases resistance to atmospheric agents and daily use, without altering the materiality and color of the silver.

Boccadamo is increasingly green

Published on March 7, 2023

news

Is it possible to create green jewels even if they are other colors? It is the path that more and more companies are taking, convinced and aware that the aspect of environmental impact is no longer secondary, even in the choice of who buys. Boccadamo, a company specialized in affordable bijoux based in Frosinone, has also decided to follow a green path. Pushing on a decisive turn towards sustainability is the owner of the company, Tonino Boccadamo, who claims attention to the green ahead of its time, that is, already present for several years. Now the company has decided to underline the stages of the journey that began in 2013, with the decision to invest in photovoltaic systems.

The panels were used to use clean energy and make production self-sufficient, limiting energy supplies and reducing carbon dioxide emissions during plant operation, with minimal environmental impact. Then, Boccadamo also decided to use recycled silver and bronze, choosing certified suppliers, companies of reference in the trade, recovery and refining of precious metals, which have accreditations and certifications obtained from the main national and international authorities, concerning product quality , process, attention to the environment and safety.

Gold and silver are materials that can be recycled indefinitely, without losing their quality. The use of recycled silver and bronze, underlines the company, for Boccadamo jewels involves a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, water consumption and other impacts on the environment, since the use of recycled metals requires a much lower amount of resources than those extracted. Furthermore, the percentage of extracted silver still used for Boccadamo creations comes from transparent extractive mines, which respect and protect workers’ rights and encourage responsible commercial practices. The Chain of Custody and Code of Practice (CoP) certifications of the Responsible Jewelery Council (RJC), held by Boccadamo suppliers, constitute a guarantee of the integrity of the products and materials used, allowing the company to know the complete history of how they have been sourced, tracked and processed, from mine to retail. Finally, the crystals and semi-precious stones used do not contain lead and are all certified nickel free.

Anello in argento e cristallo della collezione Zoe

Artigiani al lavoro nel laboratorio Boccadamo

The face of Pianegonda is Anna Cleveland

Published on March 2, 2023

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Bracciale e collier in argento indossati

Patricia Cleveland was an iconic model in the 60s and 70s, one of the first African-American protagonists of the fashion world. Her daughter, Anna Cleveland, is now the protagonist of the new advertising campaign by Pianegonda, a brand of the Bros Manifatture group. A communication idea linked to the launch of the new Assoluto collection, designed by creative director Betony Vernon, which we will discuss on other pages.

Anna Cleveland also has a special bond with Italy as she grew up in a small town on Lake Maggiore. Ethereal face, defined as androgynous charm (in line with the times), she has worn for Yves Saint Laurent, Bulgari, Jean Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, Lanvin, Valentino, Maison Margiela, Ferragamo. The shooting for Pianegonda was directed by Betony Vernon herself, with shots entrusted to the French photographer Guillaume Thomas.

Anna Cleveland con orecchini e collana della collezione Assoluto

Anna Cleveland nella campagna di Pianegonda

Spring in color with Kultro 925

Published on March 2, 2023

Showroom

Anelli in argento con smalto colorato e cubic zirconia

The number 925 referring to silver indicates an alloy composed of 92.5% silver and the remaining 7.5% of another metal, often copper. It is also the best quality of silver used in jewellery, which inspires the Kulto 925 brand, which offers collections that always use this precious metal. But not always in the original white colour. Indeed, different types of processing make silver colored. This is the case, for example, of the vast Colors collection, which offers lively jewels for everyday use.

Anello in argento finitura oro e cubic zirconia

Colors by Kulto 925 offers necklaces, rings and earrings with an essential design made of 925 silver with different finishes. In particular, the collection includes pendants declined in different colors and a bold ring model. The jewels are finished with many enamel colors, which also have small cubic zirconia embedded: white, black, purple, green, yellow, grey, fuchsia, blue. The silver also has a gold finish. Necklaces 64 euros, rings 39 euros, silver rings covered with colored zircons 49 euros.

Orecchini in argento smaltato e cubic zirconia bianchi

Anello in argento con cubic zirconia azzurri e bianchi

Collane con pendente in argento smaltato e cubic zirconia

The art of simplicity in the bijoux by Dario Scapitta

Published on February 27, 2023

Argento

Being born in Valenza, as happened to Dario Scapitta, often means being destined to work in the world of jewelry. Valenza is the Italian capital of fine jewelry. But the roads are not always straight. Sometimes they lead out of the city. Dario Scapitta, for example, first took the direction for Milan, where he devoted himself to the study of set design and interior design at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan. Then, he headed north, until he reached Holland.

Anello in argento ossidato con cubic zirconia

In the Country of Tulips the designer remembered his roots and decided to take care of jewelry. But in his own way, with a very minimal and very Nordic style. The jewels of his brand, Dario Scapitta Design, are designed and produced in the Netherlands in a very limited number of pieces, to order. The lines of bracelets and necklaces are simple, as are the materials used: silver and enamel. Jewels that in 2023 also led to Inhorgenta, the Munich fair that offers a large space to the world of bijoux.

Collezione Continuum, orecchini in ottone placcato oro

Collezione Continuum, pendente in ottone placcato oro

Collezione Continuum, anello in ottone placcato oro

Collezione Euklidea, orecchini a bottone in argento e smalto rosso — Collezione Euklidea, orecchini in argento e smalto rosso

Collezione Euklidea, anello in argento e smalto nero

Collezione Segmenta, anello a due dita in argento, smalto

Calestani’s rock silver

Published on February 19, 2023

Showroom

Soon it will be a silver anniversary. The marriage that has lasted for 30 years, however, is that between Claudio Calestani and his Milanese workshop, where he handcrafts rings, bracelets, but also silver buckles, his specialty. Calestani, however, is not just any jeweler: his style is very recognizable due to the connotation of the jeweler’s passions, rock, motorcycles and martial arts, which characterize his production. Furthermore, it is a profession that is also a family legacy: in Casalmaggiore (Cremona) the grandfather was one of the founders, a century ago, of the gold-plated Federal Goldsmiths Association and the United Factories.

Bracciale in argento a maglie regolabili con cuori e serpenti

Some symbols recur in Claudio Calestani’s production, such as the snake, which is also the icon of the Maison. Rings and bracelets are solid and voluminous, with rounded shapes, in some cases with burnished metal that adds volume and thickness to silver jewellery. The chains are sturdy, with links that add a special texture to the metal.

Bracciale in argento con cuori e serpenti

Anello a spirale con dettaglio in bronzo

Anello in argento con simbolo del serpente