The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
Five easy picks
This year marked my first trip to Vicenza, Italy for the Vicenzaoro show and, I must say, it was the most fun I’ve had at a trade show in a long time.
Part of this probably was due to the fact that, as a fellow journalist told me, there were a lot of new and exciting creations this year, which hasn’t been the case the past couple of years.
My time at the show also furthered my belief that it’s absolutely vital to have people who are genuinely excited about their jobs working for you, whether they are journalists, designers or salespeople.
Employees with a true enthusiasm for the product entice buyers and press, as you’ll see below in my list recounting five highlights from the show.
1. The four seasons
There was much to enjoy at Mattioli, which was one of my favorite visits of the show, made even more enjoyable by account manager Yulia Yushkevich and Lica Mattioli herself. In addition to knowing all the technical details of the pieces off the top of her head, Yulia understood the story behind each collection. Her enthusiasm for fine jewelry and the Mattioli brand, which she joined after working in high-end watches, was obvious.
While it’s difficult to pick just one piece from this appointment, I feel I cannot write about the show without mentioning the amazing Arcimboldo rings.
These exquisitely executed rings were inspired by the paintings of 16th century Italian artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo, who was considered outrageous in his time when he painted portraits of people with their heads entirely made out of fruits and vegetables.
Lica Mattioli sought to re-create one painting in particular, Vertumno, and made four rings mirroring the portrait, one for each of the seasons.
They’re waiting for spring (just like many of us in the Northeast) but summer (here at left) and autumn (here at right) were done and we got to see and try them on at the show. (Winter has yet to be photographed.)
They are amazing but, unfortunately, extremely limited; the brand is only making one of each season.
The good news is Mattioli has decided to create a line of more accessible pieces with the same motif, called Arcimboldini. The line includes earrings, rings and pendants starting around $2,800 retail.
2. Collared
Another top visit for me was with Pasquale Bruni, where I met with Alberto Petochi and also got the chance to meet Pasquale Bruni himself along with his very sweet and lovely daughter, Eugenia. The two design as a team, and their jewelry is as
Among the pieces I tried on was this one-off morganite and diamond collar from the Prato Fiorito (field of flowers) collection. It was stunning and felt amazing to wear.
I also liked its versatility; the gemstone can be worn in the front or in the back. While it may not seem like it by looking at the piece here, this really does create two different looks.
3. A fairy tale
Milan-based designer Paola Coti, who created the brand Aonie with her sister Consuelo, doesn’t sell in the United States currently but I wish she would.
She has a very clever collection of fairy-tale based jewelry called “Once upon a time.” The one above is from the story “The Ugly Duckling,” and the text translates to “the white swan still believes in love,” a nod, I would imagine, to the fact that the homely bird did not carry his negative experiences from childhood into his adulthood as a beautiful swan.
This is, again, another example of how an appointment or visit really can be made by an enthusiastic employee. At the booth for Tous, my first stop of the show, we met the lovely Lucía Escobedo, who works for Jewel’s Com Communication and does the press for Barcelona-based brand Tous.
I think Tous’ pieces are adorable, like this sweet spinel-set bear ring in gold vermeil.
And while the details still are being worked out, the brand is apparently aiming to expand its presence in the U.S. market.
Right now, all they have is a flagship store in New York. The brand also is sold at boutiques in Puerto Rico operated by Reinhold Jewelers.
5. Some bat time
While I didn’t get a chance to talk with Milan-born, London-based designer Vanessa Pederzani, her bat-shaped pieces caught my eye.
Though I’m sure bats have been done before, I can’t recall having seen them. (On a new-animals note, I also saw a pair of turkey earrings at another booth at the show but they are not, I would say, a fit for this blog.)
I particularly liked her blackened gold bat ear climber (above) set with diamonds and ruby eye, which is sold with matching bat stud for the other ear.
As far as I can tell from her website, which is still under construction, Pederzani’s designs are sold in Milan, Hong Kong and Athens, Greece. You can see more of her work on her Facebook page.
The Latest
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.