collana

Carrera y Carrera’s sculpture jewels are back

Origen, that is, return to the origins. It is the name of one of the new collections of Carrera y Carrera, the largest Spanish jewelery brand that has returned to full-scale play after a brief interlude. The name of the collection is significant. The collection follows the style of the house: very rich, with the intention of competing with the world of sculpture, including exotic animals, interpreted with realism, together with ornamental and architectural elements. The use of bas-relief and the combination of glossy and matte is also among the distinctive features of Carrera y Carrera. Many of Carrera y Carrera’s jewels, in fact, are small works of naturalistic goldsmithing, with statuettes, animals and plants that seem to have come out of a laboratory from the Baroque period. Like another of the novelties, the My Angel collection: follows the same direction, with a mini sculpture of a golden angel combined with the letters of the alphabet.

Orecchini della collezione Origen in oro giallo, diamanti e diopsiti
Boucles d’oreilles de la collection Origen en or jaune, diamants et diopsites

On the other hand, the goldsmith tradition of eighteenth-century Spain is still alive. Of course, Saturio Esteban Carrera, a young emigrant to Madrid at the end of the nineteenth century, where he opened a small jewelery company called Barrio de las Letras, would never have imagined it. Instead, the jewels of the Maison of the Spanish capital have been worn by royalty (the tiara for the Queen of Belgium, in 1960) or exhibited in museums, such as the Dream of Icarus, chosen by the Kremlin museum.

Mistral Mini Ring in oro bianco, diamanti e tanzanite
Mistral Mini Ring in white gold, diamonds and tanzanite
Collezione My Angel, pendente in oro bianco e giallo, diamanti
My Angel collection, pendant in white and yellow gold, diamonds
Secret ring, chiuso. In oro bianco e giallo, diamanti
Secret ring, closed. In white and yellow gold, diamonds. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Secret ring, aperto. All'interno si scorgono le figure ispirate all'amore segreto di Romeo e Giulietta
Secret ring, open. Inside you can see the figures inspired by the secret love of Romeo and Juliet. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Bracciale Shanghai in oro giallo e diamanti.  Copyright: gioiellis.com
Shanghai bracelet in yellow gold and diamonds. Copyright: gioiellis.com

No-hacker jewelery with futuroRemoto

A heart free from pirates of feelings and, given the era in which we live, also from digital dangers that beset everyday life. The association between the two extremes is summarized in the No hacker in Heart collection presented by the futuroRemoto brand, founded in Lecce (Puglia, Italy) by Gianni De Benedittis. The jewels in the collection are partly obtained with the micro-casting technique, while others are unique pieces, made by hand. In this case, human creativity prevails over artificial intelligence. The design of the jewels seems consistent with the concept summarized by the name of the Maison: a mix of traditional technique combined with futuristic shapes.

Collana con cuore
Heart necklace

The jewels, a series of necklaces, should be made of silver and gold bath, like the others proposed by the Maison, with the addition of semi-precious stones, often with an original cut, as well as small sculptural elements. The No hacker in Heart collection will be available online and at Banner, a Milanese luxury brand boutique in Via Sant’Andrea, which is part of the Biffi Group.

Collana con stella
Star necklace
Girocollo di futuroRemoto
Choker by futuroRemoto
Gioiello della collezione No hacker in Heart
Jewel of the No hacker in Heart collection
Collana della collezione No hacker in Heart
Necklace from the No hacker in Heart collection
Collana in argento bagno oro
Necklace in gold-plated silver

Mothers in a hot air balloon with the Babies

Newborns to be celebrated on the fly, literally flying, but with a jewel. The Le Mongolfiere line by leBebé arrives for new mothers. The new jewels have been designed to expand the Suonamore family, dedicated to pregnant women. Suonamore jewels are small pendants capable of tinkling to which LeBebè has now added the shape of a small air balloon, synonymous with freedom and, perhaps, a look towards the future. A thought that often crosses the thoughts of new or future mothers.

Collana Mongolfiere in argento
Hot air balloon necklace in silver

The Hot Air Balloons, like all the proposals of the Suonamore family, contain a small bell inside them, which emits a tinkling sound. The balloon does not lack the characteristic sign of leBebé, the girl and boy silhouettes as well as little hearts, while the end represents a suspended basket. The line is available in two versions, both in silver and available in gold, silver and rose gold shades. The first version is in shiny silver with a cord, the second in a mix of shiny and satin silver, with a chain of the same color.

Collana con finitura oro rosa
Necklace with rose gold finish

Collana Mongolfiere in argento tonalità gold
Hot air balloon necklace in gold-tone silver

Orixas scapular necklaces with Gi by Giselle

Jewelery inspired by a mysterious religion, with roots in deep Africa and sprouting in Brazil: Umbanda. From these beliefs the Florentine Maison Gi by Giselle, founded by the Brazilian designer and former model Giselle Effting, takes inspiration for the Orixas collection. Umbanda is a syncretic religion that incorporates elements of Catholicism, spiritualism and African religions, where the orixás are spirits sent by the supreme creator, Olodumare, to assist humanity and to teach how to succeed on Ayé (the Earth) .

Collana Orixas indossata
Orixas necklace worn

The collection, however, is very concrete and transforms the symbolism into jewels made with titanium chain and 18k gold pendant. Each jewel represents one of the subjects that populate Umbanda. For example, Ogun, the God of war and technology. Or Oxala, the divinity of creation, the orixá who created men. The necklaces adopt the scapular style, a term that originally indicates a fabric worn by monks to preserve the ordinary robe and now also a necklace that has one element in front and another behind the shoulders. But you don’t need to be a follower of Umbanda to be able to wear them.

Collana Xango e Oxumare
Necklaces Xango and Oxumare
Collana Oxala e Ossaim
Necklaces Oxala and Ossaim
Giselle Effting
Giselle Effting

How to clean a Pandora bracelet?

How to clean Pandora jewelry? Here are the tips for keeping Pandora jewelry bright

Pandora jewelry is among the most popular. Proposed years ago only in the silver version, especially the famous bracelets with charms, they are now also available in the Pandora Rose version, which consists of an alloy of silver and copper, with a plating used to prevent oxidation, or in Pandora Shine: silver with an 18-carat gold plating. On the jewels, moreover, there are also crystals and cubic zirconia, synthetic gems that resemble the diamond. Pandora jewelry also has another characteristic: they are usually worn often, even every day. They are, in fact, the classic jewels for everyday life: bracelets, earrings and necklaces that you choose without thinking too much, also because their price is quite affordable and you are less afraid of losing them.

Gioielli della linea Pandora Me indossati
Worn jewels from the Pandora Me line

Precisely for this reason, however, Pandora jewels can mist up earlier due to prolonged contact with the skin, or due to dust, or the wear of the plating. It is therefore important to regularly clean Pandora jewelry. For example, how to clean Pandora jewelry with pink alloy (but the method also applies to others)? Here’s how to do it: the tips are from Pandora itself. The shine of the metal can be maintained by regularly polishing the jewels with a soft cloth: just rub gently, paying attention to the surfaces where crystals or cubic zirconia are set. Too vigorous cleaning could ruin the subtle plating of Pandora Shine jewelry.

Elemento in Pandora Shine Simba
Pandora Shine Simba

Often Pandora jewels, which are finished by hand in the laboratories that the Danish company has made in Thailand, also have details in colored enamel. Enamel is a very resistant material, but over time, perhaps because the jewel is subjected to contact with other objects, it could be damaged. Precisely for this reason it is better to avoid rubbing the jewel with too rough materials, which can make the situation worse.

Gracie Abrams in Pandora
Gracie Abrams in Pandora

The jewels can also be washed gently in warm soapy water to remove any traces of grease left by the skin. When still wet, jewelry can be cleaned better with the use of a soft bristle toothbrush. But, attention: it is better to avoid the use of liquids used for silver polishing and ultrasonic cleaning. Handle clean jewelry with care: it is better to store them separately to avoid scratches.

Anello in argento e cubic zirconia
Ring in silver and cubic zirconia
Pandora, collezione Zodiaco
Pandora Rose necklace
Collana Pandora Rose
Necklace Pandora Rose
Bracciale Reflexions, in Pandora Shine
Reflexions bracelet, in Pandora Shine

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

Amle, the South you do not expect

If you aren’t from South Italy, as you imagine it? Easy: color, vibrancy, exuberant nature. It is with these images in the heart that a decade ago was born Amle in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Province of Caserta. In Campania region the colors are, perhaps, even more determined than elsewhere: Marisa Angelucci, creative mind of the Italian brand, does not hide it. She started with an antique store and then went just to handcrafted jewelry.

Collana con cammei, collezione Costiera
Necklace with cameos, Costiera collection

It debuted in Milan at Macef, the first trade fair. It was successful, until get now to Las Vegas, to Jck Show: sign that jewels of Neapolitan company are appreciated even beyond the border. One of the characteristic signs is the use of an ancient material, but little used in jewelery: the horn, also of zebù. It is natural, they say in the company, and has an ancient tradition.

La collana Bambolata nata dieci anni fa per un progetto speciale realizzato con la nostra musa Erminia Manfredi per Vogue, un gioiello iconico, decisamente un opera d’arte. Negli anni ha conquistato copertine, musei e alcune delle donne più importanti al mondo. Un gioiello realizzato totalmente a mano, con stampi borbonici dell’800 ancora rifilati a mano, montati su corno e perle
The Bambolata necklace born ten years ago for a special project created for Vogue, made entirely by hand, with Bourbon molds from the 1800s still trimmed by hand, mounted on horn and pearls

It is used in an unusual mix: semi-precious stones, precious and semi precious, pearl, coral, pearls, silver, onyx, starfish. But the beauty is that these traditional materials are used to combine bijoux colorful and modern. By the way, the Amle name is formed from the initials of the family: Alice, Marisa, Luca, Ermenegilda. The summer 2023 collection, portrayed in the images with the advice of art director Marco Ferra and the photographs of Victor Santiago, is called Costiera, like that stretch of sea and land in Campania famous all over the world.

Collezione Costiera, collana con conchiglie
Costiera collection, necklace with shells
Collezione Costiera, con conchiglie, corallo, fiori
Costiera collection, with shells, coral, flowers
Collana e orecchini con tamburelli dipinti a mano
Necklace and earrings with hand painted tambourines
Collana con tamburello in legno e pelle di capra dipinto a mano, cimbali in argento
Necklace with hand painted wooden and goat skin tambourine, silver cymbals

The simple success of Maman et Sophie

It’s called Maman et Sophie but, despite the French name, it is an Italian jewelery brand, Florentine to be precise. And it is also a phenomenon: in a few years it has become one of the most popular brands in Italy, thanks to the formula adopted. The jewels have very affordable prices (from 50 to 300 euros on average), the style is very simple and immediate, the wearability is guaranteed. The jewels are also sold online and having immediately focused on e-commerce was one of the keys to the success of the brand.

Anello Mon Coeur in oro rosa 18 carati e rubini
Mon Coeur ring in 18K rose gold and rubies

The idea of ​​Maman et Sophie is by the Florentine designer Elisabetta Carletti, who founded the jewelry company with the help of her husband and partner of the Maison, Federico Lastrucci, who passed away in 2019. The adventure of Maman and Sophie began in 2008, when Elisabetta Carletti decided to leave the profession of lawyer started in a large Florence firm. The birth of her first daughter, Sofia, left her time to reflect: she started designing jewelry, her passion, and making the first prototypes in silver rose gold plated. The name of the company, Maman et Sophie, is the photograph of that period. And the formula chosen, simple jewels, at a reduced price, with light and minimal style, was successful.

Bracciale Etoile in oro rosa, zaffiri, smeraldi, rubini
Etoile bracelet in pink gold, sapphires, emeralds, rubies
Bracciale in oro giallo, granato rosso
Yellow gold bracelet, red garnet
Girocollo in oro rosa 18 carati
Necklace in 18-karat rose gold
Orecchino in oro giallo 18 carati con topazio azzurro
18K yellow gold earring with blue topaz
Orecchino Angel in oro giallo 18 carati e topazio azzurro
Angel earring in 18K yellow gold and blue topaz

Choose the right size of necklace

Long or short? Choker or sautoir? For day or night? If you want to know what is the right length of a necklace, read this quick guide. Because the right length of a necklace also depends on the wearer’s body ♦

Non è facile scegliere la collana giusta...
It’s not easy to choose the right necklace…

The necklace don’t must be too large: it must be the right size. Whether it’s a day of celebration or not, it is good to pay attention to the length of a necklace: it not must to be out of tune to your body size, but not out of tune with the clothing. So, every day you have to pay attention to the jewel that you choose and the combination with the dress. Of course, in addition to the model, also the length of the necklace must be in harmony. In Europe, in general, the necklaces are divided into five different lengths (not considering the length of the clip which, if it is very large, it should be calculated).

Collana Louis Vuitton indossata
Worn Louis Vuitton necklace

The collar is long from 38 to 42 cm, depending on neck size. Usually it look better on thin necks. The so-called princess necklace is longer: from 43 to 50 cm. In practice, it is not attached to the neck, but it goes down to the clavicle. The necklace is called matinee (was considered a good measure for the day) is even longer, 50 cm. It is an intermediate compared to necklaces that reach 55 cm and cover the neckline. Finally, there are the necklaces long, 60 cm and over. Are so-called sautoir or opera, very popular in the thirties. The necklaces even longer, from 80 centimeters per meter and beyond, are wrapped in two or more turns.

cane e collana
A neck that is not perfectly shaved is not suitable for a pearl choker
Una collana girocollo è indicata per chi ha un collo sottile
A choker necklace looks good on those with a thin neck

Pendants. A pendant large changes the look and balance of a necklace. In addition to the length, in short, one has to consider the aesthetic effect of the pendent.

Collana indossata
Piaget, necklace with Possession pendant worn

Choose the length. The length of the necklace must be proportionate to the height and body type. Necklaces court are not recommended for women curvilinear because accentuate the width. On the contrary, necklaces too long can accentuate an excessive thinness. Who has a big breast don’t needs a further emphasize of the shapes with a big necklace: better a jewel that is midway between the collarbone and neck. Who has a few curves can instead opt for a longer chain.

Jeux de Liens indossato
Chaumet, necklaces from the Jeux de Liens collection

Outfit. A short necklace is more formal. To evenings, ceremonies and official occasions better to opt for a chocker, since it is assumed to be worn with a neckline very high or above a high-necked dress. A necklace double or triple ride can be the right solution, but attention to the distance between a wire and the other. If it is a small chain or small beads, the lines can stand next to each other, if are bigger, better to keep a greater distance.

 

La lunghezza delle collane secondo le definizioni negli Usa. Misure in pollici
The length of the necklaces according to the definitions in the USA. Measurements in inches
Modella con collier di Jacob & co
Model with choker by Jacob & co. Copyright: Gioiellis.com
Tina Kunakey, con il collier in oro giallo e platino con diamanti taglio round e taglio baguette da 37 carati, originariamente realizzato da Jean Schlumberger per Tiffany & Co. nel 1956 e ricreato nel 1986 in occasione del 30° anniversario di Jean Schlumberger da Tiffany & Co.
Tina Kunakey wearing the 37-carat yellow gold and platinum baguette- and round-cut diamond necklace originally designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. in 1956 and recreated in 1986 for Jean Schlumberger’s 30th anniversary at Tiffany & Co. Co.

The treasures by Como Gioielli

Salvatore Como Gioielli, the virtuosity of the Valencia school.

Salvatore Como Gioielli is an artisan jewelery company created by Salvatore Scibetta. Goldsmith, jeweler, designer, after having worked for companies such as Santagostino, Crova and Cantamessa, Scibetta decided to set up on his own in 2007. Even if it is called with the name of a Lombard city, Salvatore Como Gioielli is based in Valenza, in the Italian luxury jewelry. Scibetta immediately put the accumulated experience to good use to design and produce unique pieces of the highest quality. But most of the production is towards other brands, which require the ability and experience of Como Gioielli.

Como Gioielli, aneli polpo e orecchini palla, in oro e zaffiri
Como Gioielli, octopus rings and ball earrings, in gold and sapphires

For example, the company is capable of producing pieces such as the emerald necklace in 18-karat white gold, with natural stones for 43 carats, emerald earrings in 18-karat white gold, the Margherita collection, with an adaptable multi-size ring in 18-karat white gold , diamonds, emeralds, rubies and natural sapphires. Finally, an 18-karat red gold slave bracelet with 22-carat natural white diamonds. Or the series of jewels inspired by the marine world, with octopuses and stars in gold, diamonds and sapphires: a work that only the most skilful Maisons can produce.

Anello Fucsia
Fuchsia ring
Orecchini Palla
Ball earrings
Anello a forma di polipo in oro rosa, diamanti e zaffiri rosa
Octopus-shaped ring in pink gold, diamonds and pink sapphires
Collana in oro e diamanti
Gold and diamond necklace
Bracciale in oro 750 e diamanti interamente eseguito a mano
Bracelet in 750 gold and diamonds entirely handmade
Bracciale in oro 750 e diamanti interamente eseguito a mano. Sottobracciale intercambiabile in pelle di galuchat
Bracelet in 750 gold and diamonds entirely handmade. Interchangeable under bracelet in galuchat leather

How to avoid allergies to nickel

Have you ever found marks on the skin where you have worn rings, necklaces or earrings? They could have been caused by nickel allergy. Here’s what you need to do to avoid nickel allergy ♦

Receiving a beautiful ring as a gift and not being able to wear it: the fault lies with the allergy. It often happens that a jewel, perhaps a favorite, turns out to be an enemy of the skin. The most common cause is nickel dermatitis, also called contact dermatitis, nickel allergy. The problem can arise at any time and at any age. Even jewelry that up to that moment has never caused irritation, can suddenly turn out to be harmful. Each individual human body reacts differently to nickel depending on tolerance and sensitivity level. Among other things, there are rare cases in which the allergy is also manifested by wearing gold or silver jewelry: but the most frequent cause is, also in this case, the nickel content present in bijoux. Pure gold and silver are metals too soft to be transformed into frames. Nickel has often been added, like zinc and copper, to make gold and silver more resistant and allow it to give the desired shape. In addition, the nickel gives a shiny effect. Zinc and copper do not damage the skin, which is instead more and more nickel.

Saranno gioielli a prova di dermatite?
Will it be dermatitis-proof jewels?

The dangerous metals. Keep in mind that 14-karat or 18-karat gold contains a greater amount of different metals than 24-karat gold, the only one that is completely pure. In short, the purer the gold, the less allergies it causes. Nickel is also used in jewelry in alloys with platinum and white gold. But platinum jewelry is quite expensive and, statistically, there are fewer cases of allergies, as it is rarer. In addition, platinum and white gold are also often reinforced with palladium, a metal that does not cause allergies. However, it is more expensive.

Bancarella di bijoux
Jewelery stall

Often the allergy is caused by the contact of the metal with the most sensitive layer of the skin, such as the hole in the nose or ear. Nickel penetrates through the skin into the bloodstream of the body. At this point the cells react to the nickel. Another cause that can give rise to allergies is sweat. When it is hot and the jewelry is worn for a long time, the skin sweats. Perspiration comes into contact with the metal of the jewelry, dissolves the nickel, and forms nickel salts. The salt reacts on contact with the skin and causes the allergy. It is commonly believed that women suffer more than men, but the number of men wearing jewelry is far less.

L'attrice e modella Kendall Jenner su Instagram con un enorme anello al naso
Actress and model Kendall Jenner on Instagram with a huge nose ring

Symptoms. Nickel allergy can cause blood loss, or swelling and the production of pus. In most cases, however, there is a constant itching or burning around the area where the skin has been in direct contact with the jewel. More rarely, allergic people find a blue tint on their finger after removing a ring, or a rash or red spots on the skin. Nickel allergy sufferers end up wearing only stainless steel jewelry. In fact, this metal also contains nickel, but it also does not leave it as it is hermetically held, it rarely comes in direct contact with the skin.

Orecchini di metallo con lega di nickel indossati
Worn nickel alloy metal earrings

Another enemy are the traces of soap and water under the jewels. The cleansers break the protective shield of the skin and allow the nickel to come into direct contact with the deeper layers. Earrings and rings are more likely to retain water droplets after a bath. Taking off your jewelry before washing is a useful precaution, especially when doing housework and hands being washed countless times. Detergents or other cleaning products that get under a ring can cause allergy. Unfortunately, there are no cures: dermatologists offer some medical treatments, but they are usually only effective for the short term. After some time, regardless of the treatment, the allergy reappears.

Dermatite da anello
Ring dermatitis

How to avoid allergy. If you really don’t want to do it, or if you forget to remove the rings, pass a layer of transparent nail polish inside the jewel: it can help avoid direct contact with the metal. Another precaution to avoid allergies can be to apply talcum powder before wearing the jewelry: in this way, humidity is avoided. Furthermore, those who fear an allergic reaction must be careful not to wear tight earrings, rings or chains: if the air passes through the jewel it is less likely that contact with the skin causes a reaction. Alternating jewelry more often reduces the risk. Finally, remember to keep the jewelry clean and dry. Those who are very sensitive to nickel can choose lacquered or palladium-plated jewelry.

Do you want to know what nickel is?
It seems the original name of this metal, nickel, derives from the Swedish word Nickel, diminutive of a proper name, Nicolaus. And in the tradition of the Nordic country Nicolaus was a name given to people of little value, but also to goblins. But metal has nothing to do with Henry Potter’s wizarding world. Nickel, or nickel, is a metal that was already used in the Bronze Age, over 3500 years ago, in the Middle East and China. In the West, nickel came into common use in the mid-eighteenth century, when Baron Axel Frederik Cronstedt, attempting to extract copper from a mineral, niccolite, obtained a white metal which he called nickel, a name that derives from the German Kupfernickel, that is, false copper, or from nickel (elf, little devil in German).

La moneta di nickel da 5 centesimi di dollaro con Thomas Jefferson
The 5 cent nickel (25%) coin featuring Thomas Jefferson

Why is it used?
Nickel is a white, silvery metal. It belongs to the iron group and is therefore hard, but also malleable, easy to work with. It is also appreciated in jewelery for the properties it gives when alloyed with gold, platinum or silver, especially because it gives strength and is resistant to corrosion.

Una moneta da 5 centesimi: contiene nickel
A 5 cent euro coin: contains nickel

Nickel, in addition to being present in many jewelry alloys together with gold, is used in a wide range of products. So if you have signs of allergy on your hands, maybe it’s not your earrings, but cutlery, watches, scissors, lighters, cell phones, doorknobs and even coins. And if you have marks on your neck, it is not certain that the cause is the necklace, but perhaps glasses, food and pots…

The first thing to do, in short, is to check with which metals you come in contact often.

But, be careful: maybe you do not know that nickel can also be hidden in cosmetics, personal hygiene products (such as hair dyes, toothpastes, shampoos, nail polishes). In this case hunting nickel is easier. Read the label well: the presence of nickel must be declared by the manufacturer, even if you may find it written in small letters. Finished? No: who is really very allergic also risks at the table. In fact, some foods naturally contain nickel, even if in very small quantities. In any case, if your allergy does not disappear, eliminate these foods.

Insalata
Salad

Here are the forbidden foods:

blueberries, oats, buckwheat, walnuts and hazelnuts, broccoli, potatoes, baking powder, apricots, cabbage, spinach, peanuts, carrots, tomatoes, oysters, figs, onions, asparagus, lentils, whole wheat flour, beans, liquorice, cooked and raw pears, mushrooms, corn, lettuce, peas, almonds, tea, lobster, margarine, cocoa and chocolate, avocado.

Mirtilli
Blueberries: good, but…

Fortunately, according to experts, only less than 20% of nickel allergies are caused or worsened by food. But if this is the case you have to eliminate these foods altogether for at least a month or a month and a half before you see a difference. In any case, do not worry, you do not risk starving.

Here are some foods without nickel:

radicchio, endive, fennel, aubergines, courgettes, peppers, cucumbers, beets, watermelon, melon, citrus fruits, peaches, bananas, strawberries, grapes, milk and dairy products, 00 flour, rice, meat, fish (but not mussels, clams, sea urchins and crustaceans), brewer’s yeast.

Ottimi peperoni
Great peppers

Last advices if you suffer from nickel allergy:

    • When you open the tap, run the water for a few minutes to remove any traces of nickel released from the pipes.
      If you are cooking a cake, use baking soda instead of baking powder to rise.
      Choose pyrex pots, glass, aluminum, unglazed pottery, silargan, teflon. This type of crockery prevents the release of nickel from cutlery or other utensils you use.

Van Cleef & Arpels, Belle de Jour

In the history of jewelry there is also a special necklace that has a special story: it’s called Belle de Jour and was made by Van Cleef & Arpels. It is an ad hoc creation. That is, it’s a custom-made necklace for a wealthy client. The name is not known. But for half a century, from 1930, it was admired solely and exclusively by its anonymous owner. Then, a few years ago, the client granted Van Cleef & Arples permission to reproduce it. And here it is in all its beauty.

Collana Belle de Jour indossata
Belle de Jour necklace worn

The necklace is one of 11 pieces in the Tresors Reveles collection, all created from sketches made in the house’s archives dating from 1920 to 1960. The jewel is extraordinary: it forms a drape that can also be worn on the shoulders. It is made of white gold, with over 100 carats of diamonds in various cuts, and interrupted with turquoise cabochons. The necklace can also be transformed into two bracelets, earrings or it can become a belt.

Collier Belle de Jour
Collier Belle de Jour

There is, however, one aspect that is less known. The secret history of the necklace. The name, Belle de Jour, refers to the novel written in 1929 by Joseph Kessel. Belle de Jour, Beautiful by day, then also became a film directed by Luis Buñuel in 1967, starring Catherine Deneuve. It is the story of a society woman who is a prostitute for three hours during the day. And she does it for herself, not to satisfy her desire for her or for money, but her existential restlessness, for a psychological discomfort. In short, the novel, and the film, are not a classic erotic novel, but also a journey into the psychological implications of the sexuality and loneliness of Séverine, the protagonist, who meets her clients every afternoon from 2 to 5 pm. At the time the book caused a scandal and, perhaps, also explains why in 1930 the client (and the recipient of the gift) remained anonymous. Maybe today belle de jour would be called escort and would like to let it be known, who knows…

Bozzetto della collana Belle de Jour
Sketch of the Belle de Jour necklace
Catherine Deneuve nel film Bella di Giorno
Catherine Deneuve in the movie Belle de Jour

Ondyn’s aquatic philosophy

Ondyn’s jewels, winner of the Couture Design Awards in the Best in Diamonds Below $40,000 Retail category.

Ondyn, the creature of New Yorker Tara Maria Famiglietti, has distant origins. Tara’s father created bespoke suits and shoes for Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, John Lennon and Jimmy Hendrix. Her mother and aunt owned the Boutique Menage at Trois on Madison Avenue, New York, and designed dresses for Diana Ross, Bianca Jagger, Barbara Streisand and Diane von Furstenberg. She, the founder of Ondyn, started making jewelry at the age of twenty. Her contemporary jewelry Maison uses diamonds and 14 or 18 carat gold, accompanied by diamonds set to form long threads that are used for necklaces, rings or earrings.

Anello con sirena in oro 14 carati e diamanti
Siren ring in 14K gold and diamonds

Tara graduated with a degree in jewelry design from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, she has collaborated with some of the big names in the fashion industry to create pieces that have been sold in exclusive boutiques and department stores around the world. Alongside her jewels, she also cultivates another passion: the sea. For a while, the designer lived on a sailboat, traveling across the French Riviera, the Amalfi Coast, the Balearic Islands, the African Coast and the Caribbean. And it is no coincidence that her brand is called Ondyn (a name that resembles the Italian word onda, wave). And, after all, New York is also a seaside city.

Anello Avalon in oro 14 carati e diamanti
Avalon ring in 14K gold and diamonds
Bracciale Magisterial in oro 14 carati e diamanti
Magisterial bracelet in 14K gold and diamonds
Orecchini Eminence in oro 14 carati e diamanti
Eminence earrings in 14K gold and diamonds
Orecchini con frange in oro 14 carati e diamanti
Fringed earrings in 14K gold and diamonds
Orecchini Dalliance in oro 14 carati e diamanti
Dalliance earrings in 14K gold and diamonds
Collana Zen in oro 14 carati e diamanti
Collana Zen in 14 carat gold and diamond

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

Colored Chakra for Brosway

For summer 2023 Brosway colors its most popular collection, Chakra. The Italian brand, also very active in the USA, offers a series of bijoux in tune with the summer season, with elements that focus on lively tones. Bracelets, single earrings and necklaces are made of 316L steel, in natural color or with 14-carat gold pvd finish, with multicolored chalcedony elements and pendants. Flowers, stars, the tree of life, moon, heart, a map of the Earth, are some of the shapes used for the charms of bracelets and necklaces.

Collezione Chakra indossata
Chakra collection worn

The style is a bit hippy sixties-seventies, as is already evident from the choice of the name of the collection, which recalls yoga and the passion for India that involved an entire generation in the era of beat and rediscovery of spirituality. However, the jewels of the Chakra line have a value absolutely anchored to the reality of the availability of spending: in fact, they cost less than 50 euros, going down to 14 euros for the single earring.

Bracciale in acciaio e calcedonio blu
Steel and blue chalcedony bracelet
Bracciale in acciaio pvd oro e calcedonio multicolore
Bracelet in gold pvd steel and multicolor chalcedony
collana chakra blu
Chakra necklace in steel and blue elements
Collana Chakra multicolore
Multicolor Chakra Necklace
Mono orecchini in acciaio
Single steel earrings

The colors of Venice by Linea Italia

Not far from Venice, in Costabissara, Murano artisans bring elaborate glass beads which are transformed into jewels by Linea Italia, a company managed by the Loison family since 1986. Linea Italia is now led by Tranquillo Loison, who has accumulated extensive experience in goldsmithing as an entrepreneur and as a trade representative in the goldsmith sector. In addition to making silver and Murano glass jewelery, Linea Italia develops jewelery lines for other companies in the sector.

Orecchini pendenti in argento e vetro di Murano
Pendant earrings in silver and Murano glass

The Murano glass used for Linea Italia jewels is the name that characterizes the artistic glass made in Murano, an island in the Venice lagoon: a tradition that has its roots over the centuries. The first documents on Venetian glass art date back to the year 982. Linea Italia, however, also creates classic-style 925 silver jewelry. The multi-strand necklaces represent the top of the production and are added to the series of jewels with colored Murano glass.

Collana con pendente in vetro di Murano e perline blu
Necklace with Murano glass pendant and blue beads

Murano glass, an island in the Venice lagoon, is generically defined in English as Venetian glass. It is elaborately decorated glass, with various techniques of hot forming, gilding, enameling or engraving. Production has been concentrated on the Venetian island of Murano since the 13th century. Murano was Europe’s leading center for luxury glass from the early Middle Ages to the Italian Renaissance. In the 15th century Murano glassmakers created crystal, which was almost transparent and considered the finest glass in the world. Murano glassmakers also developed a white-colored glass (milk glass called lattimo) that looked like porcelain. They later became the best mirror manufacturers in Europe. Venetian glassmakers developed secret methods of glassmaking: Murano is still home to numerous glass factories and a few individual artists’ studios.

Collana con pendente in vetro di Murano
Murano glass pendant necklace
Orecchini a bottone in vetro di Murano e argento
Murano glass and silver button earrings
Orecchini pendenti in vetro di Murano e argento
Pendant earrings in Murano glass and silver

Also jewelry for Metrocity

The Korean brand Metrocity also expands its offer to jewelry. After entering for the first time in Europe, in Milan, with a flagship, the company has expanded its catalog from bags to clothing and now also jewelery is arriving in Europe. Metrocity has Italian origins: it was founded in 1992 in the Braccialini Group. It has been present in Korea since 1997 and is now part of Mt Collection, a Korean company that has developed 130 Metrocity single-brand stores at home.

Gioielli Metrocity indossati
Gioielli Metrocity indossati

The 14-karat gold jewelery line is characterized by the brand’s letter M and on four motifs: Tubular, Frame, La Rosa Bianca, and Cuore. The jewels with Tubular motif, handmade, are offered in different variations with respect to the original distinctive logo of the house, the Tubular Circle which embeds an M in the center. The cornice motif has a rounded rectangle shape. The White Rose, flower and identifying symbol of the brand, is reinterpreted through small three-dimensional roses with overlapping petals. Finally, the Heart motif was conceived with the intention of describing eternal love. Metrocity has already opened two boutiques dedicated exclusively to jewelry collections in South Korea.

Bracciale con oro 14 carati
Bracelet with 14 karat gold
Collana in argento
SIlver necklace
Orecchini argento colore oro rosa
Rose gold tone silver earrings
Orecchini argento colore oro giallo e cubic zirconia
Yellow gold-colored silver earrings and cubic zirconia
Orecchini argento
Silver earrings

The Nuun geometries

Nuun’s jewels in Paris: geometries and high jewelry inspired by nature with a truly personal style ♦

Nuun Jewels opened its first store in Paris, in the rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, the classic street of jewelers, next to the famous Place Vêndome.  Soul and mind of the new Maison is Noorah Al Faisal, grew up in the Middle East and Europe. “It was my mother who taught me that jewelry is art, a form of deep and moving expression as a painting or sculpture,” she says.

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

After graduating in English literature at King Saud University, followed by a brief experience in interior design, Noorah was dedicated to the world of fine jewelery. She learned the craft from Georland, a fine jewelry workshop in Paris famous among fans. Then, she started drawing the first jewels. The breakthrough came when Noorah was invited to take part in a small exhibition in a London gallery.

A few months later, in the fall of 2014, she launched Nuun Jewels. For the first collection created 24 unique pieces inspired by nature. But they are the geometric patterns, so characteristic of Oriental art, the real stars. Nothing exotic, though. Music, nature and architecture are the three main inspirations. For example, in the T-shaped jewelry bracelet and necklace Tuwaiq. Or in Banajir collection, composed of metal bracelets in four colors (white, yellow, black or pink) that can fit together to form multi-layered volumes. East and West are sometimes very close.

Anello in oro rosa, diamanti, smalto
Ring in pink gold, diamonds, enamel
Anello in oro rosa, diamanti, rame ossidato
Ring in pink gold, diamonds, oxidized copper
Anello in oro, turchese, diamanti, che raffigura la maschera funeraria di una giovane principessa
Ring in gold, turquoise, diamonds, depicting the funeral mask of a young princess
Orecchini in oro e quarzo
Gold and quartz earrings
Orecchini in oro rosa, diamanti, rame ossidato
Earrings in pink gold, diamonds, oxidized copper

Alviero Martini 1st Class in Cape Town

The maps of Alviero Martini 1A Classe, the Milanese brand that became famous for the maps printed on bags and suitcases, presents a new collection of fashion jewelry: Long Street. The jewels are made entirely of 925 silver in the natural or gold-plated version. The metal also houses leather inserts with the Geo Map print that distinguishes the Maison. The choice of name reflects the connection with the geographical theme and continues the series of collections inspired by famous places. Specifically, Long Street is a tourist street in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, where there are ethnic style shops and bookshops and clubs with an international flair.

Collana in argento, cubic zirconia, inserto Geo Map in pelle
Necklace in silver, cubic zirconia, Geo Map insert in leather

The collection includes necklaces, bracelets and rings. The necklaces use the round silver pendant covered in leather with the Geo Map print together with cubic zirconia. The pendants are available both in the 925 silver version (99 euros) and in yellow gold plated silver (109 euros). There is also a maxi version in silver with a bilière-type chain (made up of small spheres) of cubic zirconia with Geo Map printed leather (179 euros). The two bracelets are also composed of spheres with a central Geo Map pendant in 925 silver (109 euros) or yellow gold plated (119 euros). Finally, Long Street includes an adjustable ring (109 euros).

Anello in argento, cubic zirconia, pelle
Silver ring, cubic zirconia, leather
Bracciale in argento, cubic zirconia, pelle
Bracelet in silver, cubic zirconia, leather

Smarties for Mattioli

The commonly known Smarties are small sugar-coated chocolate sweets of various colors. But now Smarties are also high-end jewels by Mattioli. They are not eaten, but worn. However, the new Smarties collection of the Turin brand recalls the shape of the homonymous colored chocolates covered with sugar icing, launched by Rowntree Mackintosh in 1937 and produced by Nestlé since 1988. But, to tell the truth, even if the name and the appearance of the jewels may recall a candy, the collection is inspired by refined architectures of the past. In any case, the jewels are handcrafted in 18K rose gold.

Collana in oro rosa e topazi champagne
Necklace in rose gold and champagne topaz

But, above all, they are composed of champagne topaz stones cut in a round shape like a brilliant. Each jewel is made up of numerous gems. For example, the ring takes at least a dozen. Necklace and bracelet many more. The stones are mobile, attached to the jewelry, but not set in a static crown. By moving the hand wearing the ring, for example, the topaz stones also swing.

Bracciale in oro rosa e topazi champagne
Rose gold and champagne topaz bracelet
Anello in oro rosa e topazi champagne
Rose gold and champagne topaz ring
Collana della collezione Smarties
Rose gold and champagne topaz necklace
Licia Mattioli. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Licia Mattioli. Copyright: gioiellis.com
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