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Luxury Jewelry from...Italy: the Christmas Gift of 2015

Capolavori

The holidays are just around the corner and it’s always a time for holiday cheer...and stress. Stressing about holiday meals, parties, decorations and what else? The infamous shopping list.

Some have learned a thing or two and go the cash or gift card route, and who can blame them? But if you maintain true to your traditional roots and want to put some thought behind a present, you may want to look this season to the country of your ancestors: Italy. 

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Italy, you’ve seen that in addition to their decadent food, breathtaking landscapes and intriguing architecture, they’ve honed in on another brilliant characteristic: handcrafted gifts. Just walk any street in Florence, Italy’s art capital, and you’ll find store after store displaying their handmade artisan items: brightly colored ceramic bowls, expertly stitched leather bags and of course, this years must-have gift: delicately crafted jewelry. 

Handcrafted jewelry by some of Italy’s top craftsmen, will not only be a much loved gift by your female loved ones, but it will also give you a few points for originality. Whereas the manufacturing of jewelry has become quite industrialized, Italians hold true to their culture and craftsmanship that is based on tradition. Everything is made by hand and most artisans use ancient techniques that have been passed down to them from generation to generation, making their pieces a true work of art and original luxury.

If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer for that female on your list, whether it’s a picky sister, diamond-loving aunt or plain Jane co-worker, here are some of my favorite handcrafted Italian jewelry pieces:

Orecchini Porpora: Italians sure know their stones. These amazing earrings are composed of a red madrepore coral enclosed in a gold wire sphere. The talented designer, Barbara Dini, began her craft as a goldsmith in Northern Italy and is known for using a variety of corals, pearls and precious metals.

Bracciale Antica Roma: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. In this case, gold too. This stunning luxury piece crafted by Daniela Vettori is a gold bracelet with a single diamond embedded on the side, perfect for those women who like their diamonds but prefer more of a costume jewelry piece. Vettori is especially known in her work for using a fire technique, which gives this bracelet its grainy opaque appearance.

Angelica: A piece that truly accents the neck and makes a bold statement. The Angelica necklace combines an antique style with a classically elegant luxury using citrine quartzes and freshwater pearls. The designer is Il Carato, two women from Italy who have combined their passion for jewelry and art and they use techniques that have been passed down from the XIX century.

Lavinia: Finally, for the most exquisite and luxury jewelry piece this season, the Lavinia ring designed by Alessandro Dari takes the prize. Its unique Byzantine decorations and rich colors that are typical of the period, make it a truly stunning piece for those who appreciate fabulous style, showcasing a magnificent blue topaz.

Ring in the holidays with these fabulous jewelry pieces that will become true keepsakes for years to come. 

Capolavori

Bracciale Antica Roma

Capolavori

Angelica Necklace

Capolavori

Orecchini Porpora

Heather Anne

My name is Heather and I'm a twenty something living in Milan, Italy. I've been here for about four years, because I love this country and simply couldn't imagine my twenties anywhere else. In addition to living the dream (because that doesn't pay the bills or support my 'fabulous' lifestyle), I work as a creative writer and occupy my time writing about everything from design to architecture to...(Read More)

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