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What are bridge jewelry?

Do you know what bridge jewelry is? This name has been used to indicate a large part of jewelry. If you don’t know what bridge jewels are, then, here’s an opportunity to learn it.

Bracciale fiorito Pandora Garden
Pandora Garden Blumenarmband

Of course, as with all categories, there are nuances. In some cases there are jewels that can be defined differently, a bit like hair color: there are those who are not blonde or even brunette, but somewhere in between. But this does not mean that jewels have long been divided into categories: high jewelery, jewelery, bridge, fashion, to which is added costume jewelery. As it is clear following this cataloging, jewels defined as bridges are halfway between high-end ones and those much more related to fashion.

Collana con pendente ad anelli
Necklace with ring pendant by Morellato

The jewels defined as bridge, in short, is a category that bridges the gap between low-end costume jewelery and high-end jewelery. Bridge jewelry is made with metal such as silver, 9 karat gold, vermeil (gold plated silver). They can be enriched with crystals or with the least expensive semi precious stones or even with synthetic stones and small cultured pearls. In large part this type of jewel is very popular and is represented by major brands, such as Pandora, Thomas Sabo or Morellato, but also individual Maison such as Monica Vinader, Giovanni Raspini or John Hardy, to name a few. And, of course, there are also small artisans who offer bridge jewels.

Cara Delevigne con bracciale di Monica Vinader
Cara Delevingne with Monica Vinader bracelet

According to a survey conducted a few years ago of about 120 jewelers in the United States, the percentage of bridge jewelry in overall sales has remained the same or has increased over time. Nearly half (48%) of jewelers said their bridge jewelry sales have remained pretty much the same as the percentage of overall sales in recent years, while another 43% said they have increased.

Bracciale in argento con acquamarina e cianite, catena soft flex
John Hardy, silver bracelet with aquamarine and kyanite, soft flex chain

Why have bridge-type jewels been successful? The factors that convinced the buyers are two: the very low price, also because it is not particularly sensitive to fluctuations in gold prices, and a design that in many cases has nothing to envy to that of more expensive jewelry. In any case, there are also notable differences between bridge jewels.

Orecchini piccoli della collezione Nautilus
Small earrings from the Nautilus collection by Giovanni Raspini

Alina Abegg’s jewelry

Alina Abegg’s jewelry: when gold is something from other worlds ♦ ︎

NASA has only partially denied, but it is incontrovertible: aliens are among us. Not only: they are on our body, where they have put them ourselves. But they are jewels, those of Alina Abegg. The designer, born of a German mother and a Swiss-Canadian father, grew up between Italy, England, Switzerland and Germany. Perhaps this constant change of habits and cultures has pushed her to look beyond the boundaries. More, off from the entire Earth. Her jewels, in fact, are as aliens and flying disks in the most classic style. But not only. Alongside rings and earrings reminiscent of aliens, the designer also offers jewelery more common to Earthlings, in gold and semi-precious stones.

Anello in oro 14 carati con giada lavanda e tormalina rosa
14k gold ring with lavender jade and pink tourmaline

Even the social origin (Alina’s family deals with silk processing for the market in Europe) has probably influenced the luxury-chic style of her collections, including precious gems and extravagance. She certainly learned her job well with a study at the Marangoni Institute in London, a gemstone degree at New York City. She launched her Alina Abegg jewelery brand in London in 2016. Rockets, Ufo and planets soon are been liked: geometric shapes, gold and multicolored gems serve to create fun and refined jewels. Who knows what the aliens think.

Collana Candy Girl
Candy Girl necklace

But, not only: the latest idea is a necklace with nostalgia for childhood: the Candy Girl choker is inspired by colored candy necklaces. With, in addition, a Pfefferminz pendant made of rock crystal at the center of a fruity assortment of specially selected candy beads on a 14-karat recycled gold thread choker, which can also be worn alone. The candies are actually chalcedony, chrysoprase, moonstone, opal, rock crystal and white agate.

Anello in oro 14 carati con perla South Sea e tormaline
14k gold ring with South Sea pearl and tourmalines
Anello in oro rosa e pavé con mix di diamanti
Ring in rose gold and pavé with a mix of diamonds
Alina Albegg
Alina Albegg
Anello disco volante in oro bianco e tormaline rosa e verdi
Flying saucer ring in white gold and pink and green tourmalines
Anello in oro giallo 18 carati con giada e spinelli neri
18k yellow gold ring with jade and black spinels
Pendente Saturn in oro e zaffiri rosa
Saturn pendant in gold and pink sapphires
Orecchini pendenti Saturn, in oro giallo e perle di Thaiti
Saturn pendant earrings, in yellow gold and Thaiti pearls

Third Desigual jewelry collection

Third jewelery collection for Desigual. It is a series of pieces plated in 18k gold or sterling silver, designed by Gala Meyer, founder of the Zalio brand and daughter of the founder of the Catalan brand, Thomas Meyer. The unconventional design is one of the characteristics of the jewels, sold on the online site of the fashion brand and in eight points of sale: in the Desigual flagship stores in Madrid (Preciados, 25) and in Barcelona (Plaça de Catalunya, 9), as well as, again in Barcelona, in the shops of Carrer de l’Argenteria, Passeig del Mare Nostrum and T1 of the Airport, as well as in Ibiza. The collection will also be available in some stores outside of Spain: in Paris in rue des Rosiers (Le Marais) and in rue Bonaparte (Rive Gauche).

Collane in argento
Silver necklaces

The collection consists of rings, earrings, pendants, chokers and bracelets. With two predominant motifs: hearts and flowers, but reinterpreted. As in the previous collection, some pendants are hung on organza ribbons, black in this series. Others however, on this occasion, hang from long cords, also black. Not only. The jewels are designed for a use that is not always conventional. For example, they are also worn as if they were a belt.
Maxi orecchino indossato
Maxi earring worn

It was Thomas Meyer who fostered her daughter’s talent as a jewelry designer and encouraged her to develop a first full collection for the brand. Very classic jewelry elements also appear in this third collection, such as the links that make up a chain. Gala Meyer graduated in Visual Arts at Bennington College in Vermont (USA) and began experimenting with jewelery during motherhood and created her own brand, Zalio. For the production of the pieces and images of the third jewelry collection, the designer once again worked closely with the product specialists and the Desigual marketing team.
Anelli Desigual
Desigual rings

Anelli a forma di fiore
Flower-shaped rings

Fraleoni, back to the future

Fraleoni, jewels that come from the past to go to the future ♦︎

He says the proverb: one thing leads to another. The old popular adage is also valid for jewelry, in particular for a company that combines old and new, even if not necessarily with the reuse of the material. For example, Fraleoni, a Roman jewelry brand. It was founded by Attilio Fraleoni, after 50 years of expertise in the sector. What does the proverb have to do with it? It’s easy to say: the small jewelery Maison is the daughter of another business, the purchase and sale of gold and jewelery managed by Valentina Fraleoni called Vecchi Gioielli, «she dedicates herself with experience and professionalism to the buying and selling of gold » and precious stones. Vintage jewellery, in short, in line with the circular balance of use and reuse, the frontier for the future.

Spilla a forma di farfalla com zaffiri rosa e blu. Le pietre sono tagliate allo stesso modo da entrambi lati. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Butterfly-shaped brooch with pink and blue sapphires. The stones are cut the same way on both sides. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Fraleoni’s jewels are divided, however, into two very distinct categories. The first is that of traditional jewels. The second line, however, is an idea of Sara Fraleoni, second generation of the family. Fraleoni Rainbow is very modern, fast, with a simple design, which focuses on the shape of maxi colored chains. In short, it is dedicated to daily use without forgetting the care taken in its creation and its own originality. Furthermore, Fraleoni Rainbow jewels can be customized with different color combinations at the time of purchase on the website.

Gioielli a forma di catena della linea Fraleoni Rainbow
Chain-shaped jewelery from the Fraleoni Rainbow line

Orecchini con zaffiri, smeraldi e diamanti. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Earrings with sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Anello con tanzanite di oltre 58 carati, smeraldi e diamanti. Copyright: gioiellis.com Copyright: gioiellis.com
Ring with tanzanite of over 58 carats, emeralds and diamonds. Copyright: gioiellis.com Copyright: gioiellis.com

Anello con smerlado di 23,96 carati e diamanti bianchi e neri taglio rosa Copyright: gioiellis.com
Ring with 23.96 carats emerald and rose-cut black and white diamonds. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Anello con pietra luna di 133,88 carati, zaffiri blu e smeraldi. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Ring with 133.88 carats moonstone, blue sapphires and emeralds. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Anello con tanzanite di 35,54 carati, smeraldi e diamanti. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Ring with 35.54 carats tanzanite, emeralds and diamonds. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Paul Morelli, successful jewels

When a jeweler is successful, he has it for real. A while ago, Paul Morelli bought a waterfront mansion on North Bay Road, Miami Beach, just a month after he bought a house on Hibiscus Island in the Florida Sea for $ 11.5 million. The second purchase was also challenging, as it paid $ 17.5 million for 11 bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms, three half bathrooms, swimming pool, dock with boat lift, guest quarters, three garages, a gym and a balcony. Morelli is the owner of The House of Paul Morelli, which has a studio in Philadelphia and a boutique in New York City, but his jewelry is also sold at other retailers, including Neiman Marcus.

Anello in oro giallo e diamanti
Ring in yellow gold and diamonds

What kind jewels have made Paul Morelli so optimistic? It must be added, however, that the success is the result of a career of almost 40 years. Morelli developed an interest in the world of design from a very young age. His family was in the clothing business, but he studied journalism in college and after graduation he started helping a friend make jewelry. Thus starting a bright career. The first major buyer was Bergdorf Goodman. He works exclusively in 18K gold and occasionally platinum. He loves unusual combinations and the pleasure of surprising, light and elaborate shapes, alongside colored cuff bracelets, flowers and geometries.

Campanella in oro giallo e zaffiri rosa
Bell in yellow gold and pink sapphires
Orecchini in oro e diamanti
Gold and diamond earrings
Orecchini in oro, turchese, rubini
Earrings in gold, turquoise, rubies
Bracciale in oro 18 carati con diamanti, zaffiri gialli e viola, acquamarina
18k gold bracelet with diamonds, yellow and purple sapphires, aquamarine
Orecchini in oro 18 carati con diamanti, zaffiri gialli e rosa
18k gold earrings with diamonds, yellow and pink sapphires
Orecchini in oro 18 carati con diamanti su conchiglia rosa intagliata
18k gold earrings with diamonds on a carved pink shell
Orecchini in oro con diamanti taglio rosa
Gold earrings with rose-cut diamonds

Low priced jewelry is dangerous?

Are jewelry bought on stalls or markets dangerous? Cause allergies? In London they discovered… ♦ ︎

The alarm comes time ago from London. But it can be safely extended to the whole of Europe and, perhaps, to the United States, Australia, and so on. The alarm concerns low-cost bijoux that are sold on stalls, markets, and cheap stores. These jewels, which in almost all cases are manufactured in the Far East countries, like China, often contain toxic substances. In short, they cost little, but the money that you save will be spent in medicine.

Bijoux in vendita
Bijoux on sale

The survey results
According to a survey conducted by London Trading Standards and made known by Professional Jeweler, over half of the necklaces low cost have excessive levels of toxic materials. To find out, 30 metal necklaces were purchased from stalls and stores in London. Bijoux has been analyzed to identify components, in particular lead, cadmium and nickel release, measured according to European parameters (Reach Regulation). Lead and cadmium are toxic metals and only very low levels of jewelery are allowed (0.05% and 0.01% of total weight). Result: on 30 tested necklaces, 19 were not conforming to the rules (63.3%), only 11 variants (36.7%) had acceptable levels of lead, cadmium and nickel while 50% had excess lead, In one case even 82.4%.

Bigiotteria in vendita
Jewelry for sale at the market

Nickel allergy
Nickel, in particular, is known to create a sensitivity reaction and is the most common cause of contact allergy in Europe. And one of the headed necklaces had a very high nickel rate, over 60% of the maximum allowed.
How to avoid allergies to nickel

Bracciali indiani
Indian bracelets

You may not know that many metals that you come into contact with are toxic. Here are the 35 most dangerous: antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gallium, gold, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, silver, tellurium, thallium, tin, uranium, vanadium and zinc.

When excessive exposure to these metals occurs, you may feel asthenia and fatigue, up to brain damage, to the lungs, kidneys, liver, up to abnormal changes in the composition of the blood.

Of course it is very difficult that a jewel should cause these symptoms. But it should be noted that prolonged contact with these metals can result in progressive muscle and neurological degeneration, with symptoms typical of serious degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and muscular dystrophy, in addition to tumors.

It should be noted that the list also includes metals such as gold and silver, which are not considered harmful. This is undoubtedly true of jewelry. Yet even gold, if inhaled (for example when powdered) or ingested, can be harmful. Furthermore, there is a small group of people who are also allergic to gold.

Bancarella di bijoux
Stall with jewellery
Mercatino di Portobello, Londra
Portobello Market, London

So-Le Studio warms up the winter with clips and pins

So-Le Studio, a jewelry brand that marries the concept of circular economy with creativity, created by Maria Sole Ferragamo, offers new ideas for unique pieces made with scraps of leather. The capsule collection which arrived just in time for Christmas is created starting from an aesthetic dialogue on shades of brown and bronze, which broaden the field of the designer’s creations. The capsule also introduces two new product categories for the first time: a brooch and a hair clip, as well as a new ring design.

Orecchini So-Le Studio
So-Le Studio earrings

The Beetle brooch is the first created by Maria Sole. It is inspired by the iconic motif of the woven sandals of the Maison Salvatore Ferragamo. Beetle uses the same pattern as Maria Sole’s grandfather’s shoe, juxtaposing contrasting textures and colors of the leather strips to create a vibrant pattern. The leather strips stretched over a voluminous 3D shape become a stone, but extra light, respecting the principle of lightness and comfort of So-Le Studio.

Orecchini in pelle, bronzo, cristalli
Earrings in leather, bronze, crystals
Fermaglio in pelle, bronzo, cristalli
Leather clasp, bronze, crystals
Choker in pelle, bronzo, cristalli
Choker in leather, bronze, crystals
Anelli So-Le Studio
So-Le Studio rings

The precious dreams of Morphée

The refined collections of Morphée Joaillerie.

Morpheus is a myth associated with sleep, peace and tranquility. But in the jewelery shop he evokes a Parisian Maison («a few steps from the famous Place Vendôme») that wants to «crystallize the dreams of mankind through the use of gold and precious stones». Morphée Joaillerie, on the other hand, arose from the dreams of Belgian designer Pamela Hastry. Her jewels are limited edition, just like the wishes that can be realized, but with the possibility of producing them to measure. Pamela learned her trade in London, refined it in Rome, and sells it in Paris. Ah, Pamela Hastry is also a gemologist. In short, a first class trip.

Orecchini della collezione Florealis in oro, diamanti, tormalina rosa. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Earrings from the Florealis collection in gold, diamonds, pink tourmaline. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Skilled French artisans transform her ideas into collections based on cherry blossoms, butterflies, buttercups and forget-me-nots. But also Make a Wish or Millésime. If the ingredients on Morphée’s menu are not surprising (gold, precious stones), the lightness and composition of the individual pieces are completely original. A symbolic collection, in the high jewelery line, is Florealis, which uses diamonds and rubellite for jewels inspired by the delicate and complicated patterns of flowers. The Maison also recently renewed its website.
Morphee Joaillerie bracciale a fascia diamanti bianchi e fancy gialli copyright gioiellis
Morphée Joaillerie, band bracelet with white and yellow diamonds. Copyright: gioiellis.com

Bracciale a fascia con diamanti bianchi. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Band bracelet with white diamonds. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Anello della collezione Florealis con diamanti e rubellite. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Ring from the Florealis collection with diamonds and rubellite. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Collana della collezione Florealis. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Necklace from the Florealis collection. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Orecchini doppi con diamanti e tormaline rosa. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Double earrings with diamonds and pink tourmalines. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Orecchini con diamanti fancy gialli. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Earrings with fancy yellow diamonds. Copyright: gioiellis.com

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

Pearls and design by Alessandra Donà

She has remained off the radar of the media, yet Alessandra Donà has conquered a non-secondary place on the jewelry market, especially the one that focuses on exports. The brand, in fact, regularly participates in trade fairs such as the one in Singapore or the Jck in Las Vegas. A sign that the jewels of the Vicenza-based brand meet the taste of a varied public who loves the modern and essential lines that characterize collections such as Friday Night or Timeless, consisting of earrings, necklaces or rings in gold with pearls and pavé of precious or semi-precious stones. precious.

Anello in oro con perla e zaffiri rosa
Gold ring with pearl and pink sapphires

Although it is evidently well established in the jewelry market, not much is known about Alessandra Donà. In the short autobiographical notes it is indicated that she took her first steps in the world of pearls during her collaboration with some of the most important international fashion houses. She has also traveled to Europe and the East for many years, perfecting her experience and knowledge of the market and the most important pearl growing regions in the world. After producing for third parties, since 2009 she has launched the brand under her own name. Among other things, the brand was founded in an Italian Renaissance building, Palazzo Capra Querini, in Vicenza. Alessandra Donà explains her style with the intention of proposing jewels “that do not abandon themselves to the temptation of futile trends, but that trace the future in the imaginary axis that harmoniously unites the greatness of the past with the expressions of the future”.

Mono orecchini con perla nera South Sea e labradorite
Mono earrings with black South Sea pearl and labradorite
Anello in oro con perla
Gold ring with pearl
Anello in oro con perla e tsavoriti
Gold ring with pearl and tsavorites
Bracciale in oro e tsavoriti
Gold and tsavorite bracelet
Collana in oro e pavé di zaffiri rosa
Necklace in gold and pink sapphire pavé
Mono orecchino ion oro con perla
Single gold ion earring with pearl
Orecchini in oro, perle, zaffiri rosa
Earrings in gold, pearls, pink sapphires

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

Clean the jewels with ketchup, beer and vodka

Tomato ketchup, vodka or beer to clean your jewelry. Yes, you can. If you do not have anything better at hand … ♦

At the table with jewels. To clean them. According to somebody, there are many ways to make brighter necklaces, rings and earrings: just use some products that are usually used in the kitchen. For example, ketchup, beer and vodka. Attention: we are not advising to follow these indications, especially for your most precious jewels. But, who knows, maybe it works …

Tomatensauce
Tomato sauce

For example, a bowl of ketchup can clean a ring dipped in red sauce after 5 or 10 minutes. Don’t leaving the jewel in contact with the sauce for too long: could cause damage. Clean everything with a toothbrush and rinse. Another useful food is beer: just pour a little on a clean cloth and rub gently to revive the gold. Better not to try, however, on light plating, and do not use dark beer.

Pulire i gioielli con l'acqua minerale
Pulire i gioielli con l’acqua minerale

Alcohol also likes diamonds: a small glass of vodka can restore brightness to the stones, but also to zirconia and crystal. Just pour the vodka on a soft cloth and carefully clean the jewels, or immerse the jewel in a glass full of the Russian liquor par excellence. Those who are teetotalers are consoled: sparkling water is excellent for resurrecting the splendor of the gems. Immerse a jewel with stones embedded in a glass with sparkling mineral water. Let it rest overnight: in the morning everything will be more shiny.
And after lunch? Brushing your teeth is a good hygiene rule. While you are there, however, you can use toothbrush and toothpaste on metal jewels or stones like diamonds or rubies. Then, rinse (before returning to the table).

Spazzolino e dentifricio sono utili anche per pulire i gioielli
Toothbrush and toothpaste are also useful for cleaning jewelry

Brusi and the asymmetric nature

The jewels of the small Milanese Maison Brusi, founded in 1930 ♦

Brusi is part of the many stories of Italian jewelry. A story that began in Milan in 1920, when the young Pietro Codari, a young goldsmith, started his business and opened a laboratory. The story continued: in 1970 his son Paolo inherited his laboratory and profession. Over time the company has expanded and has refined its vocation. Today, Paolo, Andrea and Simone, Paolo Codari’s three children, work in the family business and are responsible for the creative, financial and commercial management of Brusi.

Anello in oro con tanzanite e corona di diamanti
Gold ring with tanzanite and diamond crown

The company, located in a historic area of the city, between the Monumental Cemetery of Milan and the Chinese quarter, offers good quality pieces, based on gold, diamonds and precious stones. Rings with champagne diamond pavé and precious stones such as tanzanite are the workhorses. Always with the style of «almost symmetry». That is, that difference from the perfect geometric specularity that is often found in nature. The goal is to present jewelry in harmony with nature, thanks to this natural asymmetry. Subtle but interesting concept.

Anelli con smeraldi e zaffiri
Rings with emeralds and blue sapphires
Anelli con diamanti champagne
Anelli con diamanti champagne
Orecchini in oro, apatite, madreperla, diamanti brown
Orecchini in oro, apatite, madreperla, diamanti brown
Orecchini in oro e diamanti champagne e bianchi
Orecchini in oro e diamanti champagne e bianchi
Orecchini in oro e zaffiri blu
Orecchini in oro e zaffiri blu
Orecchini in oro e rubini
Orecchini in oro e rubini
Anello in oro bianco e tanzanite
Anello in oro bianco e tanzanite

The jewels of Carlo and Kiki with A & Furst

Pleasant and classic jewels those of the couple Carlo Antonini and Kiki Furst, who created A & Furst in California ♦ ︎

In Milan the name Antonini is associated with the history of jewelry. But also in California. In fact, after studying in the Lombard city, Carlo Antonini moved to St. Helena, a town not far from San Francisco. Here, together with his wife, Kiki Furst, continued the family tradition, now in its third generation: Carlo’s grandfather opened his precious stones company in Milan in 1919. But also Kiki Furst has a history behind it in the world of precious : Kiki’s family started making jewelry in 1850.

Bracciale in oro rosa 18 carati con prasiolite e tsavorite
18k rose gold bracelet with prasiolite and tsavorite

In short, leaving the family traditions behind, the couple started a new life in Napa Valley, famous for its wine production. It is a small paradise where you can continue to work and create jewelry. Thus was born A & Furst, a jewelry brand that has found its place on the American market. The different stories of Carlo Antonini and Kiki Furst have come together in a synthesis: pleasant jewels, easily wearable, without eccentricity, but with a solid aspect of color and well-being.

Anello cocktail in oro con ametista e tanzanite
Gold cocktail ring with amethyst and tanzanite
Orecchini in oro e topazio Blue London
Blue London gold and topaz earrings
Orecchini con tormalina rosa e opale rosa su oro giallo
Earrings with pink tourmaline and pink opal on yellow gold
Orecchini Bonbon con peridoto e agata bianca su oro giallo
Bonbon earrings with peridot and white agate on yellow gold
Anello Bonbon con acquamarina milky e topazio blu su oro bianco
Bonbon ring with milky aquamarine and blue topaz on white gold
Orecchini con topazio blu e zaffiri blu
Earrings with blue topaz and blue sapphires
Collana Lilies con topazio blu e diamanti su oro bianco
Lilies necklace with blue topaz and diamonds on white gold

All About topaz

All about topaz, one of the most mysterious stones. It is also the stone of the month of November ♦

It is the stone of the month of November (with citrine), but the topaz is also one of the gems coveted since antiquity. There is, however, a point against him: if it is blue shade is often confused with other stones less valuable, as aquamarine and apatite. Other times, the topaz is mistaken for smoky quartz or citrine. Care must be taken, therefore, because often a simple quartz is sold as topaz. And to say that the topaz can be just as precious as diamonds or sapphires.

Bracciale con diamanti, topazio, acquamarina, della collezione Hortus Deliciarum
Bracelet with diamonds, topaz, aquamarine, from the Hortus Deliciarum collection

The name. It’s called topaz for centuries. But what does the name? According to some, the term dates back to a small island in the Red Sea, Topazos. Here the Romans, according to this version, extracted the stones called, precisely, Topazos. Too bad, in real world they are not on topaz on island, but the stones are now classified as peridot. So much so that the island nowadays has changed its name: it is called Zabargad, which in Arabic means just peridot. The misunderstanding, however, is not solved. So? Another version traces the name topaz to Sanskrit, the classical language of ancient India. In Sanskrit, the word topas means fire. The mystery continues.

Anello con un topazio da 30,96 carati e diamanti su oro rosa 18 carati
Ring with a 30.96 carat topaz and diamonds in 18k rose gold

Composition. The topaz is from a geological point of view a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine. It is crystallized in prism shape, ending in pyramidal faces. Chemically, the aluminum silicate is highly similar in structure to the zircon. In theory, the topaz is a mineral allocromatico, that is pure is colorless. In fact, it is often found with traces of chromium, manganese or iron. These elements are those that stain the topaz, turning red, pink, blue-green, blue (natural), pink-orange, yellow-brown, yellow-orange (cherry), yellow, colorless.

Orecchini con topazi rosa e diamanti
Earrings with pink topaz and diamonds

Where is it. The topaz brown, yellow, orange, cherry, red and pink, are located in Brazil and Sri Lanka. The pink topaz found in Pakistan and Russia. It is a mineral rich enough (there is even one that weighs 300 kilograms), an aspect that keeps a relatively low price.

Anello in oro rosa con topazi giallo e marrone, onice
Rose gold ring with yellow and brown topaz, onyx

Characteristics. Sometimes the topaz has inclusions equivalents: according to experts, in some blue topaz you can have even the impression of a sort of floating. Attention: the color of the natural stone tends to fade in the sunlight. For this reason, a lot of topaz are treated. In some cases they are heated up to about 450 degrees celsius. In this case the topaz brown-orange get pink. Or become colorless. Another system is the radiation. Exposed to radiation from cobalt 60, topazes that are colorless or pale color, acquire a deeper shade. Experts assure that this treatment with radiation is not dangerous.

Anello con topazio giallo, onice e diamanti
Ring with yellow topaz, onyx and diamonds

How to clean topaz. Topaz is ranked eighth on the Mohs scale, which measures the hardness of stones (in first place is the diamond ranked 10). Topaz, therefore, is a fairly hard and resistant stone. The greatest danger is that it will chip when hitting a harder material, or get scratched. But, as far as cleaning is concerned, it does not need special care. Just immerse the jewel for about ten minutes in a container with warm water and a couple of drops of liquid soap. Then, gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Finally, it dries with a cloth.

Orecchini di topazio intagliato e diamanti
Mazza, carved topaz and diamond earrings
Pendente con topazio rosa, diamanti, smalto, oro bianco
Ingo Henn, pendant with pink topaz, diamonds, enamel, white gold
Anello in oro 18 carati, con topazio e pavé di diamanti
Kara Ross, 18k gold ring, with blue topaz and pavé diamonds
anello in argento ossidato con topazio blu e zaffiri arcobaleno
Oxidized silver ring with blue topaz and rainbow sapphires

The atomic jewels of Settantove Studio

Whoever reads this article wears, or has in their drawer, at least one piece of gold jewellery. But, probably, he doesn’t know it fully. He does not know, for example, that the atoms that make up the gold of his jewel are composed of 79 electrons. It seems like a superfluous detail, but it isn’t: gold is gold precisely because it has that certain number of elementary particles. And it is also the reason that led Gioia Lelli, a designer from Forlì, to call her jewelry brand Settantanove Studio. The word Studio, however, indicates the search for an essential and contemporary design. The designer’s choice, however, does not derive from a scientific background: before dedicating herself to jewellery, Gioia graduated in pedagogy and worked in the school sector.

Anello cuore in oro 18 carati
Heart ring in 18k gold

The jewels of Settantanove Studio, therefore, can only be in 18 karat gold, with a design that is defined as composed of simple and essential lines. The jewels are designed by Gioia and are taken care of down to the smallest detail, from the design phase to their creation, with entirely handmade workmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Attention is also paid to the choice of materials: Settantanove Studio prefers the use of ethical gold deriving from mines that respect specific environmental and social standards. The precious and semi-precious stones are supplied by certified companies. Finally, the brand uses packaging made with recyclable materials.

Collana Luna
Moon necklace
Orecchino in oro con acquamarina
Gold earring with aquamarine
Orecchini Bold in oro
Bold earrings in gold
Collana Puro Amore con acquamarina
Puro Amore necklace with aquamarine

Elena Braccini, jewels and so be it

Religious devotion, tradition, a pinch of the Middle Ages: these are the elements of Elena Braccini’s jewelery ♦ ︎

From architecture to jewelry: it seems that this is one of the most popular streets by designers. And there is a link: architecture takes care of volumes and shapes, communicates aesthetics, also loves functionality. All elements that are found in the proposals of Elena Braccini, a Florentine specialist in Interior Design and with a master’s degree in jewelery at the Sacred Art School of Florence. Take note: the course of study is a clue to the creative world of Elena Braccini.

As shown by the The Real Madonnas and Deep Soul collections.

Anello basculante con immagine della Madonna
Tilting ring with image of the Madonna

The English name of the collections conceals, in reality, the very Italian passion of jewelry linked to tradition, even the religious one that has its roots in the medieval arts. Sacred art and zoomorphic interpretations, symbols: these are the areas that the designer’s jewelery attends.
The jewels are made entirely by hand by Florentine artisans in the historic shops of Ponte Vecchio (the bridge that crosses the river Arno). Gold and silver are characterized by micro-incisions, with stones that become micro-architectures. In addition to the aforementioned The Real Madonnas and Deep Soul collections, Elena Braccini also offers wedding rings and jewels made to order and customizable.

Collana con pietre colorate e croce
Necklace with colored stones and cross

Orecchini con Madonnine e croci
Earrings with Madonnas and crosses

Escapulario, collana scapolare della Vergine del Carmine
Scapular necklace of the Virgin of Carmine
Collana con la Madonna miracolosa di Rue du Bac
Necklace with the miraculous Madonna of Rue du Bac/caption]

[caption id="attachment_98502" align="aligncenter" width="709"]Bracciale con cinque Madonnine i Bracelet with five Madonnas

Anello in oro rosa
Rose gold plated silver ring
Anelli in argento con immagine della Madonna
Silver rings with the image of the Madonna

The jewels that speak with Kendra Pariseault

Creative jewels, designer jewels, jewelry that reminds of voices. They are those of Kendra Pariseault ♦ ︎

You can find runners not only in the morning in city parks or engaged in a marathon. There are also runners who prefer to engage in other speed competitions. For example, with a trunkshow on Moda Operandi even before having a fully functioning website. This milestone (it was May 2019) is reach by the runner-designer Kendra Pariseault, the new rising star of US design. His work, which has just begun, has already been promoted with flying colors. All that remains is to follow his career.

Bracciale Resonance in oro 18 carati e diamanti
Resonance bracelet in 18k gold and diamonds

Kendra Pariseault grew up in Rhode Island, attended Skidmore College where she specialized in Gender Studies and art and then jewelry at the Rhode Island School of Design. Later, he worked for Calvin Klein and David Yurman, where he discovered the world of colored stones. She is also co-founder and creative director of the low-priced jewelry line Kendra Phillip. Now, instead, with his brand Kendra Pariseault Jewelry, he aims higher, at more expensive and refined jewels. Without forgetting what his interests are outside of jewelry: fashion, femininity and feminism. And some esoteric aspects: he claims to have recorded the voice of a deceased on his cell phone and, from this experience, he has drawn some jewels that represent sound waves. Pariseault also creates personalized bracelets with the sound wave of a word or a sound at the request of a customer. His jewels cost between $ 5,000 and $ 50,000.

Orecchini in oro 18 carati
Volume earrings in 18k gold
Bracciale Love One Another in oro con perle e diamanti
Love One Another bracelet in gold with pearls and diamonds
Orecchini in oro 14 carati con tormalina rosa
14k gold earrings with pink tourmaline
Anello in oro e zaffiri rosa
Ring in gold and pink sapphires
Orecchini onde sonore in oro e diamanti
Sound wave earrings in gold and diamonds
Orecchini in oro e zaffiri rosa
Gold and pink sapphire earrings
Orecchino in oro giallo 14 carati, zaffiri, topazi blue London, acquamarina, rodolite spinello-blu
Earrings in 14k yellow gold, sapphires, blue London topaz, aquamarine, blue-spinel rhodolite

Skyline made to measure with Preziosa Jewelry

The Milanese jewelery brand Preziosa inaugurates the first online configurator of personalized skyline jewellery. The small Maison specializes in jewels that reproduce the most famous skylines of large locations. Now the Preziosa website has created a configurator that allows customers to define the skyline of their memories. The functionality uses a vast library of monuments, symbols and elements that can be used to create a personalized jewel. The designer also included wildcard elements to allow you to insert very personal buildings, such as your childhood home or their refuge in the mountains, at no additional cost.

Un esempio di personalizzazione di un anello
An example of customizing a ring

Customers have asked me to customize the jewels dedicated to skylines for them, each of them is keen, in fact, to tell their own story through the places where they have experienced unique emotions. There are those who love exploring the world and want to enclose the journeys that have changed their way of seeing things, there are those who have met love on the other side of the world, there are those who give away stops around the world world that have marked special memories and there are those who have a wonderful relationship with a magical and secret place.
Silvia Preziosa

Collana con Milano, New York, Parigi, Londra
Necklace with Milan, New York, Paris and London

Preziosa Jewelry was born in Milan in 2015: the first collection was inspired by famous locations in the world, cities or nations, all stylized on rings, bracelets and necklaces. The initiative is by Silvia Preziosa (a name, a destiny). After studying Fashion Design at the Polytechnic University of Milan, the designer moved to London and then to New York, where she attended the Parsons School of Design, before founding her jewelry brand.
Collana da personalizzare con la sagoma della Sicilia
Necklace to customize with the shape of Sicily

Contemporary art becomes a jewel with De Meo

Art, crafts, goldsmithing. Three words that run after each other and, at times, come together in the work of someone who does not chase fashions, but an idea. As in the case of Corrado De Meo, an artist and jeweler outside the box, who lives and works in Livorno (Italy). Even his professional career does not follow the usual patterns: he graduated in sociology, then he traveled all over the world and discovered the fascination of ethnic cultures. Until 2005, when a jewelery exhibition at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, in Florence in which he participates, marks the turning point: he decides to create jewelery-works.

Spilla Rebirth in argento ossidato, tessuto
Rebirth brooch in oxidized silver, fabric

Over time, his contemporary art sculptures transformed into brooches and rings have participated in various exhibitions. The Museo degli Argenti of Palazzo Pitti in Florence, in the permanent collection, houses one of his works. De Meo also participated in the Beijing International Jewelry Art Biennial in China and in the Dialoghi / Dialogues AGC-JJDA project in Tokyo. He uses the most diverse materials, from silver to polystyrene, from pearls to wood. Of course, they are not common jewels to wear, but perhaps to be observed.

Spilla in argento, cartapesta, pittura acrilica
Brooch in silver, papier-mâché, acrylic paint
Spilla in argento, legno, pittura acrilica
Brooch in silver, wood, acrylic paint
Spilla in resina epossidica, pittura arilica, ossido di argento, perle
Brooch in epoxy resin, arylic paint, silver oxide, pearls
Spilla in polisitorolo, vernice acrilica, perle, ossido d'argento
Brooch in polysitorol, acrylic paint, pearls, silver oxide
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