argento

Sovrani’s bijoux

Silver and gold-plated brass are the elements that make up the menu of Sovrani, an Italian brand of bijoux and jewelry at an affordable price. Chains, stones and crystals, simple and immediate geometries are used for collections that can immediately meet the favor of the public are the distinctive elements of the brand. The jewels are made in Recanati, a town in the Marche region (Italy) is famous as the homeland of the poet Giacomo Leopardi, but also for its production of silver objects and jewels.

Orecchini della collezione  Fashion Mood
Earrings from the Fashion Mood collection

Anelli della collezione Cristal Magique
Anelli della collezione Cristal Magique

Sovrani was born in 1996 becoming in a few years the reference for gift items in 925 silver and, from 2010 also for bijoux, with its first collection of silver jewels. In 2013, then, the entrepreneurs Sandro and Silvano Bravi, brought together three companies from the sector in the sector (Valenti, Mida and Sovrani) under the same roof, with integrated back-office, production, logistics and distribution activities. An operation that has made Sovrani a more competitive company.

Collana della linea Fashion Mood
Necklace from the Fashion Mood line
Bracciale della linea Cristal Magique
Bracelet from the Cristal Magique line
Orecchini della linea Cristal Magique
Earrings from the Cristal Magique line
Collana della linea Cristal Magique
Necklace from the Cristal Magique line

How to choose an engagement ring

How to choose an engagement ring? We have asked several people, men and women.

Once upon a time, engagement rings were only made of yellow gold. It is the most traditional gold, the one that signals the value of the metal. Today, however, a yellow gold engagement ring has a slightly vintage feel, even if it always remains a classic. Someone prefers it this way, precisely because of its taste of a jewel from other times, but with a value that will remain intact for the future as well. In this case, however, it is better to choose a simple design, perhaps with a small diamond set.

Yellow gold. Once the engagement rings were made in yellow gold. It is the more traditional gold, which indicates that the value of the metal. Today, however, an engagement ring in yellow gold has a vintage feel. Some people prefer it so, just for its flavor jewel of other times. In this case , however, better to choose a simple design, perhaps with a small diamond.

Anello indossato della collezione Motion
Ring worn from PdPaola’s Motion collection

White gold. Beware: in reality there is the white gold. It is, you know, gold mixed with some metal without color, such as silver, nickel, manganese and/or (more rarely) palladium. Beware, then by those who proposed a ring in “pure white gold”. It is often coated with rhodium to give it a patina whiter and a brilliant finish. This type of ring after a few years it should be dipped again in a solution in order to maintain its white color and luster and replace the rhodium plating, otherwise it will return to the color of its main ingredient: yellow gold. It’s a hassle, but in reality the process is relatively inexpensive, and many jewelers offer this service for free.

Anello con diamante a taglio marquise
White gold ring with marquise cut diamond

Red and rose gold. The red gold is a alloy with copper. It’s not used traditional for engagement rings, less than complicated processes that combine white gold or yellow. An engagement ring in red gold, which is very fashionable for other types of jewelry, it is considered a bit too bling, inelegant. Of course, the design of the ring counts for a lot in the final judgment.

Anello doppio in oro rosa e diamanti indossato
Piaget, double ring in rose gold and diamonds worn

Platinum. This means that it has a natural white color, although slightly greyish. To be sold as a platinum ring should be composed of at least 90-95 per cent with this metal. Over time the color of the platinum does not tend to yellow, as for the white gold. But loses its glossy finish: some like it because that, by contrast, makes the diamond even more sparkling. Platinum, in any case, can be professionally polished to restore its original splendor, a process that is comparable in terms of cost of care for the white gold. In general, the color of white gold and platinum are similar, but not exactly the same thing: try to put a ring type on the same hand and you will see. White gold is more silvery, while platinum is more gray. The white diamonds beautifully complement them both, but beware: if your engagement ring is platinum, do not add a wedding band in white gold. Remain coordinated with the metal selected the first time is a better idea.

Anello in platino, morganite, diamanti
Platinum, morganite, diamond ring by Tomasz Donocik

The price. The biggest advantage of white gold than platinum is definitely the cost. Platinum is more expensive because it is more rare than gold. Every year there are only extracted 160 tons of platinum against 1,500 tons of gold. In addition, platinum is denser than the yellow metal: the same size ring will weigh significantly more platinum than gold (and precious metals are valued by weight). Broadly speaking, a gem in white gold costs about half an equivalent in platinum. So if you like the white and want to save, choose the gold.

Gioielleria Rocca a Bologna, ingresso
Rocca jewelry store in Bologna, entrance

Which gold to choose. Most of the engagement rings in gold are a 14 or 18 carat , usually marked with the initials 14k or 18k . The letter k means carat. The 14k gold is only 58.3 percent pure. The one on the 18k is 75 percent pure. The greater the amount karat, the purer the gold, but it is also less resistant. The gold in its purest form, in fact, is at 24k, but that state is too soft to use for jewelry complex: it deforms. Must be alloyed with other metals in order to harden and become resistant. To reinforce the gold is usually used in alloys nickel, but sometimes causes allergy. Platinum, however, is a strong metal, stronger and heavier than gold. Among other things, the platinum is more pure and is considered hypoallergenic. You can, however, also find white gold without nickel.

Mariah Carey con l'anello di alta gioielleria in oro bianco e diamanti. Photo: Koto Bolofo
Mariah Carey with the high jewelry ring in white gold and diamonds by Chopard. Photo: Koto Bolofo

Symbols. Gold historically indicates wealth, wisdom, and divine power. Remember the golden rules of the Bible? Or, the golden age or the golden years, which signify good times. And the 50th wedding anniversary is said to be one of the golden wedding. Gold is also considered by many as the traditional metal for wedding rings and engagement rings. Since it does not oxidize over time, helps to symbolize the pair of eternal harmony. Yet now it is platinum that seems to be the new symbol of wealth and prestige. Think of the “platinum credit card” which often has better benefits and privileges that the “credit card of gold.”  The choice is yours.

Anello con diamante a cuore indossato
Worn heart diamond ring

Kathrine Lindman from fjords to jewels

For once the inspiration to create jewelery does not come from the aspects most used by designers, such as flowers, animals or symbols of the zodiac, but from an inimitable work of nature: the Norwegian fjords. Kathrine Lindman, a Norwegian artist and designer, chose them as the subject for her jewels. Lei founded lei brand lei in 1996 and works on the west coast of Norway. Therefore, you have the fjords right next to home. Before starting her professional career the designer studied at the Jewelery School and the National Academy of Arts in Oslo. But the sea was the real teacher who taught her.

Collana in argento Underwater
Underwater silver necklace

As for the Seashell collection, made of silver and enamel. Her talent has already been
appreciated during New York Fashion Week and New York Jewelery Week, at the Saatchi Gallery in London, at Sofa Chicago and LA Art in Los Angeles. Not only that: her artwork was purchased by collectors and two Norwegian museums. Her silver and enamel pieces present a specific personality: they were also given to Michelle Obama during her 2009 Nobel Peace Prize visit to Oslo.

Collana in argento indossata
Silver necklace worn
Kathrine Lindman ring1
Worn silver ring

Bracciale Underwater
Underwater bracelet

Kathrine Lindman a Vicenzaoro
Kathrine Lindman a Vicenzaoro

Marcello Bread literally

Marcello Pane, the ancient Neapolitan tradition in modern key with the Letters collection ♦︎

The ancient tradition of Neapolitan jewelery also goes through the Marcello Pane brand. The company boasts an ancient birth in 1899. Today the company is led by Ettore and Marcello Pane, descendants of the founder of the small house. Meanwhile, it has moved from the crafts to the industrial scale: the jewels of the Marcello Pane collections are made in the goldsmith’s center of Caserta, near Naples. This shift from craft to one with more modern machining means has allowed to reduce costs.

Anello con cuore stilizzato, collezione Essential
Anello con cuore stilizzato, collezione Essential

The Marcello Pane collections follow two roads: the most traditional one with gold jewelry, and the most affordable price with silver, along with pearls, while the diamonds alternate with the crystals. One of the most popular collections, for example, is one that uses the most alpha alphabet letters in the most classic ways to make names or simply initials. The Essential and Itaca collections use silver with a particular sandblasted finish that enhances the surface of the jewels, with or without gold plating.

Bracciale in argento con elementi sabbiati della collezione Itaca
Bracciale in argento con elementi sabbiati della collezione Itaca
Orecchini della collezione Essential
Orecchini della collezione Essential
Orecchini in argento con elementi sabbiati della collezione Itaca
Orecchini in argento con elementi sabbiati della collezione Itaca
Bracciale rigido in argento con elementi sabbiati della collezione Itaca
Bracciale rigido in argento con elementi sabbiati della collezione Itaca
Girocollo Ellisse
Girocollo Ellisse
Collana con cuore stilizzato, collezione Essential
Collana con cuore stilizzato, collezione Essential

The 10 least expensive Tiffany bracelets

Are you looking for a Tiffany bracelet? You don’t have to rob a bank. Here are 10 less expensive Tiffany bracelets: review with pictures and prices ♦ ︎

Tiffany and Co has a long history behind it: it was founded in 1837 and has become a jewelry giant, with over 300 stores in 27 countries. Not only that: it sells jewels for about 4,4 billion dollars (in 2019). Among other things, in recent years Tiffany has also been committed “to reducing environmental impact, respecting human rights and contributing positively to communities”, with careful management regarding gold, which is extracted exclusively from a mine that is identified publicly or from recycled sources.

Audrey Hepburn in «Colazione da Tiffany»
Audrey Hepburn in «Colazione da Tiffany», davanti alle vetrine del negozio di New York

This is to say that the brand is historical, but at the same time remains modern, current and refined. But Tiffany’s jewels are also considered, erroneously, unattainable, of an inaccessible luxury. This is true with regard to high jewelery or pieces in gold and large precious stones. But it does not correspond to reality for silver jewels, even design, which can be purchased at a cost really affordable for everyone. Here, for example, the 10 least expensive Tiffany bracelets (prices updated in December 2023). The novelty concerns the bracelets which are sold exclusively online. All bracelets are in silver.

1

Tiffany Infinity, solo online. 260 euro
Tiffany Infinity, online only. 260 euros

2

Bracciale Tiffany Infinity, solo online. 260 euro
Tiffany Infinity bracelet, online only. 260 euros

3

Bead Heart Tag. 300 euro
Bead Heart Tag. 300 euros

4

Bracciale Bead con chiusura toggle. 300 euro
Bead bracelet with toggle clasp. 300 euros

5

Bracciale Bead Heart Tag versione rosa. Disponibile anche verde, rosso, fuchsia. 300 euro
Bead Heart Tag bracelet pink version. Also available in green, red, fuchsia. 300 euros

6

Bracciale a maglie tonde. Solo online. 300 euro
Round link bracelet. Online only. 300 euros

7

Bracciale Loving Heart disegnato da Paloma Picasso- 310 euro
Loving Heart bracelet designed by Paloma Picasso. 310 euros

8

Tiffany Infinity a maglie grosse. Solo online. 320 euro
Tiffany Infinity in chunky links. Online only. 320 euros

9

Collezione Return to Tiffany, bracciale Heart Tag a doppia catena. 330 euro
Return to Tiffany collection, double chain Heart Tag bracelet. 330 euros

10

Bracciale Arrow, collezione Graffiti di Paloma Picasso. 380 euro
Arrow bracelet, Graffiti collection by Paloma Picasso. 380 euros

What is 925 silver?

What does the number 925 mean in jewelry? If you are reading this article you are wondering why this mysterious figure is imprinted on some rings, necklaces, earrings or bracelets. And in fact, there are many people who have asked us for it. The more experienced will smile: the answer is very simple. But there are several things to know around the 925 brand.

Anello in argento sterling con ametista. È visibile la punzonatura con il numero 925
Pianegonda ring in sterling silver with amethyst. The hallmark with the number 925 is visible

What does the number mean. The number 925 stamped on the surface of a jewel (but also of household items or cutlery) is associated with silver. Indeed, to a particular type, the one that distinguishes sterling silver. And here is the meaning of the number revealed: sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver, while the rest of the metal is made up of other metals, almost always copper for the remaining 7.5%. Why not use 100% pure silver? The answer is that an alloy with other metals makes silver more resistant: your rings and earrings will scratch less. At the same time, this alloy allows for simple silver processing. More rarely, you may also find the number 999. In this case it is pure silver, not alloyed with other metals. But in this case you have to be careful, because pure silver is also very soft and deforms more easily.

Collana della collezione Skin
Silver necklace from the Skin collection

Oxidation. Sterling silver also tends to turn black, that is, it oxidizes. To reduce silver oxidation and porosity, in addition to copper, other substances can be added, such as germanium, zinc, platinum, silicon and boron. But they are alloys that then take on other names, such as argentium or sterlium.

Anello in sterling silver
Sterling silver ring by Thomas Sabo

How to clean sterling silver? Find all the information in this article.

argento ossidato
An oxidized silver bracelet

History. But why is 925 silver called sterling, the English name for sterling? Obviously because the pounds were made in silver. The sterling alloy, however, did not originate in England, but in continental Europe and was used for trade as early as the 12th century in the area that is now Northern Germany. In England the composition of sterling silver was subject to official controls even before the mid-1100s. This type of alloy then spread all over the world.

Bracciale della collezione Selene in argento rodiato
Bracelet from the Selene collection in rhodium-plated 925 silver by Officina Bernardi

Cristiana Perali, the spirit of Rome

A small goldsmith shop set in Old Rome, between a bend in the Tiber and Campo dei Fiori, between the Vatican and Piazza Navona: Cristiana Perali‘s jewels are the legacy of a century spent working with metal and stone. In fact, that of Cristiana Perali is a small goldsmith company with a great tradition: it dates back to 1907 when Carlo, the grandfather of the current owner, started the business by opening a jewelery shop with attached precision watchmaking laboratory and goldsmith’s workshop.

Anello Ciottoli della collezione Roma in oro giallo, diamanti brown
Ciottoli ring from the Roma collection in yellow gold, brown diamonds

In 1945 Carlo Perali was joined by his son Paolo, who in turn passed on his passion for jewelry to his daughter Cristiana, a third generation jewelry designer and stylist. It is inevitable that the spirit of the Eternal City is part of the inspiration of the shop’s goldsmith production, but without it manifesting itself in jewels that can be associated with a tourist appeal. Cristiana Perali’s city is simply introjected, as in the Roma collection, which incorporates the design of the ancient stone road pavements. Also for this reason, her jewels have been exhibited in museums and high jewelery exhibitions and have paraded on high fashion catwalks in Rome, Beijing, Shanghai, Chicago, New York, St. Petersburg and Mexico City.

Anello in oro rosa com diamanti di taglio e colori differenti
Rose gold ring with diamonds of different cuts and colors
Anelli in oro bianco e giallo
Rings in white and yellow gold
Anello Dea Roma in bronzo
Dea Roma ring in bronze
Bracciale Lastricato Romano in bronzo
Bronze Roman Paved Bracelet
Anello Ciottoli in argento e oro
Pebbles ring in silver and gold
Orecchini Ghiacci in argento rodiato nero, zaffiri bianchi e diamanti milky
Ghiacci earrings in black rhodium-plated silver, white sapphires and milky diamonds
Orecchini con zaffiri rossi, diamanti, tsavoriti e argento rodiato nero
Earrings with red sapphires, diamonds, tsavorites and black rhodium-plated silver

A stage at the opera for Schreiber

Milan, the capital of design. But also of jewelry stores: there are some, like Schreiber, with a long and pleasant tradition, which continues to renew ♦

Simplicity is the antechamber of elegance, and the good taste is in the next room. Schreiber, from longtime Milanese jeweler (the third generation, with Giacomo and Federico) has not problems to support the silver with enamel with classic collections in gold and precious stones.

La margherita simbolo della maison. Oro giallo e smalto bianco
The daisy, symbol of the maison. Yellow gold and white enamel

The jewels made with the least expensive silver, though, do not forget the daisy, the symbol of the jewelry that was founded in 1948 and now operates again in the center, in via Borgospesso. In perfect Milanese style, the jeweler offers a luxury not scream, although don’t has limits in value elements, such as the gems selected by the founder’s son, Giacomo, who after graduating from the Gia, personally chooses the stones to be used for the collections. The style is one that combines modernity with classic dedication to luxury: gold, often white, with alternating stones, often mounted in the classical form daisy. In short, jewelry that are perfect for a premiere at the Teatro alla Scala.

Anello in oro giallo e diamanti
Ring in yellow gold and diamonds
Anello in oro giallo, tanzanite e diamanti
Ring in yellow gold, tanzanite and diamonds
Bracciale in oro giallo e smalto
Yellow gold and enamel bracelet
Collana in oro bianco, diamanti, zaffiri
Necklace in white gold, diamonds, sapphires
Orecchini in oro bianco
White gold earrings
Anello chevalier in oro bianco
Chevalier ring in white gold

Syna from silver to gold

From silver to gold: the pair that founded Syna collects awards ♦ ︎

Syna won in the Best in Silver category at the Couture Design Awards 2019. Not only: they also won the Silver, also in category Centurion Award. But, in reality, it is not a silver focused brand. His jewels, in fact, also use colored stones and gold, as in the Indian tradition, even if Dharmesh and Namrata Kothari, the founders, have not adopted the style of the Asian country for their production. The couple founded Syna Jewels in 2003.

Orecchini in argento di Synia
Silver earrings by Synia, winners of Best in Silver at the Couture Deisgn Awards

Indian jewelers usually do not forget their cultural origin, spiritual beliefs and, in short, their roots. But Syna has adopted a simple stylistic approach, as is the pop cultural environment of much of the West and, perhaps, that of Fort Lee, a suburb of New York, where designers live and work. The jewels, therefore, in addition to the classic tree of life, exemplify the concept with fairly simple jewels: semi-precious stones cut by drop, semi-precious stones with a graceful shape.

Anello con opale etiope verde
Ring with green Ethiopian opal
Pendente con opale rosa intagliato
Pendant with carved pink opal
Orecchini in oro e calcedonio
Gold and chalcedony earrings
Orecchini con topazi
Earrings with topaz
Anello in oro con pietra luna, topazio e piccolo diamante
Gold ring with moonstone, topaz and small diamond
Orecchini in oro e calcedonio, con piccoli diamanti
Gold and chalcedony earrings, with small diamonds
Pendente con l'albero della vita
Pendant with the tree of life

Blade, silver jewelery by Giovanni Raspini

It’s true, the idea of wearing a blade can be disconcerting. But if the blade design softens the rigor of the term, it becomes interesting. It is the idea that dominates the Blade collection by Giovanni Raspini. Which, in this case, abandons inspirations linked to nature, such as flowers, fruits or leaves, to choose the path of Nordic rationalism. But softened by the small irregularities that signal artisanal production. Because the jewels are made of hammered silver, with an oval or circular geometry. On the external side there is a blade effect, obviously completely harmless.

Collana e orecchini in argento, versione più sottile
Silver necklace and earrings, thinner version

The jewels of the Blade collection are made of natural or gilded silver. Each jewel is offered in two versions, larger or thinner. The line is made up of a rigid necklace, three earrings and three bangles. The latter have an opening that allows the wrist to be wrapped impeccably and have been designed to be combined with other bracelets from the Tuscan Maison, with traditional animal print textures or from the rock world.

Bracciale e orecchini placcati oro
Gold plated bracelet and earrings

Bracciale e orecchini in argento versione bold
Bold version silver bracelet and earrings

Collana e orecchini in argento placcato oro, versione più sottile
Gold plated silver necklace and earrings, thinner version

Giovanni Raspini with Silver Shine

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
Pendente Shine
Shine pendant

How to eliminate forever the oxide

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.

Sacchetto essiccante
Desiccant bag

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"]Gli effetti dell'ossidazione dell'argento The effects of silver oxidation

Anello in argento di Bury
Bury silver ring

The reborn silver of Maria and Luisa

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

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.

Anello in argento
Silver ring

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

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  
Anello a doppia banda in argento brunito
Silver necklace Millefiori

All court tennis for Kulto 925

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

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
Girocollo Optical
Optical Choker

New 925 Kulto rings with baguette stones

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

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 “.

Collana di Thais Bernardes indossata
Collana di Thais Bernardes indossata

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

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) .

Orecchini in argento dorato
Orecchini in argento dorato

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.
Collana in argento dorato
Collana in argento dorato

Bracciale in argento e cubic zirconia
Bracciale in argento e cubic zirconia
Anello in argento dorato e cubic zirconia viola
Anello in argento dorato e cubic zirconia viola
Collana in argento e cubic zirconia
Collana in argento e cubic zirconia
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