AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Brought to you by
Beautiful, Innovative Italian Jewels on Display at JCK Las Vegas
The breadth and depth of Italian design, craftsmanship and manufacturing technology was on full display at the 2019 JCK Las Vegas.
Brought To You By The Italian Trade Agency
In collaboration with Anthony DeMarco
The breadth and depth of Italian design, craftsmanship and manufacturing technology was on full display at JCK Las Vegas 2019. The new Bella Italia pavilion, part of the annual jewelry trade fair, was filled with 81 exhibitors showcasing jewels in gold and silver, colored gems and coral, men’s jewelry along with the myriad of women’s baubles and pieces ranging from sturdy gold chains to light delicate diamond pieces.
When it comes to producing jewels, the Italians display a level of skill, expertise and creativity that is unmatched anywhere in the world. Walking through the halls of the Bella Italia pavilion confirmed this. While beautiful jewels are made throughout Italy, there are three areas that are known throughout the world for producing exceptional gold jewels: Vicenza, Valenza and Arezzo. In the southern part of the country there’s Torre del Greco, the world’s center for coral and cameo jewels. Nearly all businesses featured in this story are from these regions.
When discussing Italian jewels, craftsmanship and design are always on the forefront. However, the one thing that’s often overlooked is the innovations and advance technologies that are behind the items being created. For example, Barbara Pastorello of OroSoffiato in Vicenza explains that the stylish gold jewels her company produces are created through an in-house developed electroforming process. Electroforming is a way to produce a thick skin of metal, usually over an object. This process is mostly done with copper because it is easier and inexpensive. OroSoffiato developed a process in-house using gold. The result is seven collections of fashionable yellow gold jewels that are centered on large, light earrings of varying shapes, from rough organic in appearance to geometric structures. The thickness of the earrings in each collection varies as well. For a few of the collections, necklaces, rings and bracelets complement the earring motifs.
Another example of technological innovations is practiced by Nuovi Gioielli of Vicenza, which used JCK Las Vegas to introduce its 3D printed gold jewelry. Most companies use 3D printing technology to print waxes and then cast the precious metal from those waxes. Nuovi Gioielli is one of the few companies in the world to directly print the gold jewels. The process to get this innovation to market took six years, said Cristina Delucca, Nuovi Gioielli Vice President. The results are stunning
When it comes to producing jewels, the Italians display a level of skill, expertise and creativity that is unmatched anywhere in the world. Walking through the halls of the Bella Italia pavilion confirmed this. While beautiful jewels are made throughout Italy, there are three areas that are known throughout the world for producing exceptional gold jewels: Vicenza, Valenza and Arezzo. In the southern part of the country there’s Torre del Greco, the world’s center for coral and cameo jewels. Nearly all businesses featured in this story are from these regions.
When discussing Italian jewels, craftsmanship and design are always on the forefront. However, the one thing that’s often overlooked is the innovations and advance technologies that are behind the items being created. For example, Barbara Pastorello of OroSoffiato in Vicenza explains that the stylish gold jewels her company produces are created through an in-house developed electroforming process. Electroforming is a way to produce a thick skin of metal, usually over an object. This process is mostly done with copper because it is easier and inexpensive. OroSoffiato developed a process in-house using gold. The result is seven collections of fashionable yellow gold jewels that are centered on large, light earrings of varying shapes, from rough organic in appearance to geometric structures. The thickness of the earrings in each collection varies as well. For a few of the collections, necklaces, rings and bracelets complement the earring motifs.
Another example of technological innovations is practiced by Nuovi Gioielli of Vicenza, which used JCK Las Vegas to introduce its 3D printed gold jewelry. Most companies use 3D printing technology to print waxes and then cast the precious metal from those waxes. Nuovi Gioielli is one of the few companies in the world to directly print the gold jewels. The process to get this innovation to market took six years, said Cristina Delucca, Nuovi Gioielli Vice President. The results are stunning
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
with futuristic shapes displaying creative uses of space and texture. Delucca added that the company also produces handmade gold jewels made with a variety of diamonds and colored gems. Many were on display and ranged from bib necklaces with flat organic circular-shaped etched gold beads mixed with colorful gems in floral shapes, to 18k gold necklaces with scale-like designs adorned with diamond encrusted and bow-like shapes (pictured left).
To demonstrate the diversity of Italian jewels, we now travel from the north to the southern seaside city of Torre del Greco, near Naples. The city has been world’s leading producer of coral jewelry and cameo brooches since the 17th Century. The jewels are still produced using traditional hand-crafted methods. One of the older and better-known companies in the region is De Simone Fratelli. Michele De Simone says one-of-a-kind pieces make up 80% of its inventory. The company has been selling in the U.S. since the 1980s and their products are available at luxury department stores throughout the country. He says the coral the company uses is “totally sustainable” and has a rarity that makes their products a “true luxury item.” Pieces on view included a traditional red coral necklace paired with pavé diamond and gold (pictured center), and necklaces made of large “angel skin” coral, which reveal a pink color.
Next is men’s jewelry, where designer Giuseppe Donato operates under two brands, Spartan Ring and Donato Jewels out of Alessandria, near Valenza. He says his pieces are contemporary fashion jewels primarily for men, but there are pieces for women and some that are unisex. He describes his pieces as “jewels for brave souls.” Although contemporary, many of the collections and the overall style of the brand are based on ancient, medieval and gothic themes. For example, his Spartan Rings depict helmets worn by the Spartan soldiers of ancient Greece (pictured right). His pieces range in price from $250 to more than $100,000 depending on its size and materials used. His well-crafted jewels are big and bold and make a statement. He creates his elaborate designs with variety of metals often complemented by colorful gems.
To demonstrate the diversity of Italian jewels, we now travel from the north to the southern seaside city of Torre del Greco, near Naples. The city has been world’s leading producer of coral jewelry and cameo brooches since the 17th Century. The jewels are still produced using traditional hand-crafted methods. One of the older and better-known companies in the region is De Simone Fratelli. Michele De Simone says one-of-a-kind pieces make up 80% of its inventory. The company has been selling in the U.S. since the 1980s and their products are available at luxury department stores throughout the country. He says the coral the company uses is “totally sustainable” and has a rarity that makes their products a “true luxury item.” Pieces on view included a traditional red coral necklace paired with pavé diamond and gold (pictured center), and necklaces made of large “angel skin” coral, which reveal a pink color.
Next is men’s jewelry, where designer Giuseppe Donato operates under two brands, Spartan Ring and Donato Jewels out of Alessandria, near Valenza. He says his pieces are contemporary fashion jewels primarily for men, but there are pieces for women and some that are unisex. He describes his pieces as “jewels for brave souls.” Although contemporary, many of the collections and the overall style of the brand are based on ancient, medieval and gothic themes. For example, his Spartan Rings depict helmets worn by the Spartan soldiers of ancient Greece (pictured right). His pieces range in price from $250 to more than $100,000 depending on its size and materials used. His well-crafted jewels are big and bold and make a statement. He creates his elaborate designs with variety of metals often complemented by colorful gems.
Nuovi Gioielli; De Simone Fratelli; Donato Jewels
Songa, based in Milan, is one of the largest jewelry wholesalers in Italy and sells its pieces all over the world, including approximately 20 clients in the U.S., says Mara Constanza Ruggieri. The company offers jewels in a range of price points and styles from 8k to 18k gold. They purchases jewels from about 300 factories throughout Italy and have a 3,200-square-foot showroom in Milan that is stocked with upwards of 35,000 items at any given time for buyers from the jewelry trade. They say “[Buyers] can come in and select whatever they want whenever they need it.” Customer fulfillment is done seamlessly online through the company’s B2B website. It’s difficult to believe the company was founded in 1935 by Antonio Songa, a goldsmith, who decided to transform his jewelry manufacturing firm into a wholesale business. “It was the right commercial approach,” Ruggieri said. It sure was
.
It’s almost impossible to do a story on Italian jewels and not come upon a company from Florence, long known for its design, craftsmanship and art. Ferrari Firenze specializes in producing handmade jewels in the tradition of the region. About 20 craftsmen work in a rustic old house located in what the company describes as the “greenest hills on the South of Florence.” The jewels they produce are designed by hand and through computer-aided design (CAD). The 18k gold jewels are known for their movement: they spin and rattle. Some pieces sparkle with light, such as stackable bracelets made with stems of yellow and white gold paved with diamonds and each stem capped with a diamond on top.
There’s a great deal of variety in the design from pieces that are larger sculptural to delicate and small. The company says it uses certified conflict-free diamonds and sustainably sourced colored gems.
Neonero is another company on the cutting edge of innovative manufacturing. It specializes in 14k to 22k gold jewels in distinct openworked designs created by laser cutting. This modern technique produces jewels that have the appearance of traditional handcrafted styles (pictured left). High polished finishes give these pieces a modern appeal. The designs from laser cuts create a number of shapes that range from honeycomb to floral arrangements. Cristiano Marini, Neonero export manager, said it’s the company’s first time exhibiting at JCK Las Vegas. She states, “We met many people and we hope to have new customers and new business in the U.S.”
Gold and silver chains sounds simple enough but to create them on a high level they must come in an endless number of designs, be produced in an efficient operational environment and ensure that the pieces adhere to the most precise use of precious materials. To do this requires what are arguably the most advanced manufacturing techniques in the jewelry world. Examples of companies exhibiting at JCK Las Vegas that specialize in the production of chains are Alessi Domenico and Multiform.
Alessi Domenico “works on products that are strong and beautiful,” said Alice Alessi, Sales and Marketing Director, also noting that the company is the second largest chain provider in Vicenza. “We have the capability to produce two tons of chains every three weeks,” she said. The U.S. is the company’s biggest market. One of the ways its chains maintain strength is by employing a Galvanic process, which uses electrolysis to cover the surface with a metallic layer. One of the main products the company was promoting using this technique was its Miami Cuban Doubleface gold chains, which come in a range of colors, including black (pictured center).
Meanwhile, Multiform combines hand-crafted techniques with modern manufacturing innovations to produce a variety of sturdy gold chains from 10k to 18k, primarily for men (pictured right). The company also produces gold bracelets and rings.
There’s a great deal of variety in the design from pieces that are larger sculptural to delicate and small. The company says it uses certified conflict-free diamonds and sustainably sourced colored gems.
Neonero is another company on the cutting edge of innovative manufacturing. It specializes in 14k to 22k gold jewels in distinct openworked designs created by laser cutting. This modern technique produces jewels that have the appearance of traditional handcrafted styles (pictured left). High polished finishes give these pieces a modern appeal. The designs from laser cuts create a number of shapes that range from honeycomb to floral arrangements. Cristiano Marini, Neonero export manager, said it’s the company’s first time exhibiting at JCK Las Vegas. She states, “We met many people and we hope to have new customers and new business in the U.S.”
Gold and silver chains sounds simple enough but to create them on a high level they must come in an endless number of designs, be produced in an efficient operational environment and ensure that the pieces adhere to the most precise use of precious materials. To do this requires what are arguably the most advanced manufacturing techniques in the jewelry world. Examples of companies exhibiting at JCK Las Vegas that specialize in the production of chains are Alessi Domenico and Multiform.
Alessi Domenico “works on products that are strong and beautiful,” said Alice Alessi, Sales and Marketing Director, also noting that the company is the second largest chain provider in Vicenza. “We have the capability to produce two tons of chains every three weeks,” she said. The U.S. is the company’s biggest market. One of the ways its chains maintain strength is by employing a Galvanic process, which uses electrolysis to cover the surface with a metallic layer. One of the main products the company was promoting using this technique was its Miami Cuban Doubleface gold chains, which come in a range of colors, including black (pictured center).
Meanwhile, Multiform combines hand-crafted techniques with modern manufacturing innovations to produce a variety of sturdy gold chains from 10k to 18k, primarily for men (pictured right). The company also produces gold bracelets and rings.
Neonero; Alessi Domenico; Multiform
This year’s JCK Las Vegas marked a couple of firsts. It was the first time the annual jewelry trade fair was held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center since 2010, when the fair moved three miles south to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. While Italian manufacturers always had a pavilion, Bella Italia is a new concept. The pavilion is managed by Reed Exhibitions and by most accounts everyone thought it was an improvement. No exhibitor is ever totally happy with their booth locations, but most think the location on level 2 near an entryway to the show floor was an upgrade over their Mandalay Bay location. Most saw the facility itself as a good step forward from the previous space.
Roberto Rossi of Multiform says the company has been exhibiting at JCK Las Vegas for 10 years and he prefers the Sands over Mandalay Bay. “I like it 100% better,” he said, adding that “We’ve done good business.”
Cristina Delucca of Nuovi Gioielli said her company has been exhibiting at JCK since 1998 and like Rossi, prefers the atmosphere in the Sands. “We’ve had a very good show so far and we are much happier than we were last year,” she said.
To learn more about Italian Jewelry, visit teijewelry.com, follow #TheExtraordinaryItalianJewelry on Instagram and @ExtraItaJewelry on Twitter.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
