Editors

Checking in with Ornella Iannuzzi

EditorsMay 08, 2014

Checking in with Ornella Iannuzzi

Born in the French Alps but now based in London, jewelry designer Ornella Iannuzzi has created a style that includes unusual, eye-catching and organic shapes, using rare and natural precious materials crafted in a way that mirrors sculptures as much as fine jewelry.

[caption id="attachment_2278" align="alignleft" width="112"]

Ornella Iannuzzi[/caption]

She specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces, and though she has been primarily creating pieces that she sells directly to consumers, Iannuzzi has an eye on the U.S. market and is ready to make her name known in the trade here.

Iannuzzi is a new Couture exhibitor this year and will be exhibiting as part of Stephen Webster’s Rock Vault at the show.

There, she will debut the “Les Corallines” & “Les Précieuses Corallines” collections, which include pieces for everyday wear, as well as a few one-off pieces from her “Abyss” and “Les Exceptionnelles” collections.

Read on to hear more about where she draws inspiration and her design process, her favorite parts of the job, and what she does when she’s not designing.

Q: What’s your favorite part of being a jewelry designer?
Ornella Iannuzzi: Definitely working with fabulous materials. Every day I’m touching gold and playing with beautiful stones. And I love designing as well, of course. It’s the most enjoyable part. There are so many ideas you can have and things that you can imagine and you get to figure out how to bring them to life.





Iannuzzi looks for rough stones and natural materials that have the “wow” factor to attract the eye. Pictured here at left is Iannuzzi’s “L'Exceptionelle Emeraude” cuff in 18-karat gold vermeil and set with natural emeralds crystals, joined by the “A l'Ere Glaciaire” earrings featuring aquamarine and black tourmaline crystals set in black rhodium silver.

Q: What’s behind your design process and where do you draw inspiration for your creations?
OI: I usually look for unique and unusual natural materials to create with. It has to be special and it really has to have that “wow” factor that really attracts the eye. And then, according to its size, weight and other particularities, I might place it on my hand or my chest to figure out if it’s going to be a ring or a necklace. From there, I build around the piece itself. So it’s very similar to sculpture in that way. I let the details about that element help point me in the right direction and determine the design of the jewelry.

Q: Do you have any favorite stones or materials that you prefer to work in?
OI: There are a lot! I have a big collection of opals, especially Ethiopian opals. In 2010, I went

on a trip to Ethiopia to get the stones myself, and they’ve become part of my “Lucy in Wonderland” collection. So every collection of mine and every piece of mine has a title and a story behind it.





Left, the “L'Exceptionel Grenat du Piémont” clip earrings feature garnets combined with green mica from the Italian Alps, set in 18-karat gold with diamonds. On the right is the “Coralline Atoll” ring is set with a Welo opal and diamonds, and is made in in 18-karat gold.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve been given about jewelry design or trying to launch your own brand?
OI: When one door closes, another one opens. It can be really tough at some points, trying and trying to get your brand started and then something doesn’t work. You have to find your own niche and work within it. This is what I’ve been doing. My pieces are naturally high street and make a statement. I like for people to come see my pieces and be blown away by them, so this is a good place for me to be.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about your Las Vegas trip this month?
OI: I’m really looking forward to the feedback from the U.S. market. I think that my pieces will get a good response there. People in the U.S. are much more open-minded. They seem to me to be very daring and want to stand out; they don’t want to fit into the mold. Even here in the U.K. I’ve got some American customers. I’ve been working in a niche market, selling direct to clients, and haven’t really been doing shows or been part of the trade, so I’m starting to work in the trade with my newest collections.




Iannuzzi said that she thinks the look of her jewelry, which uses rough materials and has a sculptural design aesthetic, will speak to U.S. consumers. 

Q: What hobbies or other activities do you like to do that other people might now know about you?
OI: I like to snowboard. I’m from the Alps in France and I grew up going skiing in the mountains. I spent weekends as a teenager doing that and I still really enjoy it.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Inlay Necklace
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Necklace

The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.

Gemological Institute of America headquarters
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are Converging

The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.

De Beers Venetia diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo

Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Lisa Bridge and Alexis Padis at AGS Conclave 2024
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President

Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.

Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
John Mayer Audemars Piguet
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition Watch

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024

The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jared Goff Presents Jared Jewelers’ Donation to Give Merit
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to Jared

The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.

Stock image of police crime scene tape
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High

A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.

Kirsty Hume models Pippa Small Venus collection
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ Collection

Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.

Pomellato Pom Pom Dot necklaces
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1

The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.

JCK Industry Fund Logo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.

Aerial shot of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues

The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea in 18-karat yellow gold
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024

The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s Day

Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.

Hannoush Jewelers Queensbury NY location
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York

Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.

203-carat, 116-carat, and 42-carat diamond
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024

A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.

William Ruser: The Jeweler Who Charmed Hollywood book cover
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William Ruser

Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo modeling Jacquie Aiche’s Rebel Heart collection
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo

The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.

Virtual Diamond Boutique
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’

The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.

Signet Jewelers employees and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.

Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace

A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

China Pearl collage
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China Pearl

The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.

Printed and digital AGS Ideal grading reports
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed Form

From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.

Stock image of a polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic Uncertainty

De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy