Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Pino Rabolini, Founder of Pomellato, Dies at 82
He started the Italian jewelry brand in 1967 and sold it to Kering in 2013.
Milan—Pino Rabolini, who continued his family’s goldsmithing tradition in launching Italian jewelry brand Pomellato, has died.
According to an obituary published by WWD, the Italian jeweler died of a heart attack at the age of 82.
Rabolini grew up in a family of goldsmiths and launched Pomellato in Milan in 1967, breaking barriers by bringing to market a ready-to-wear jewelry brand that women could don—and buy for themselves—for any occasion, not just formal events.
In the introduction to “Pomellato—Since 1967,” the brand’s 50th anniversary book, Rabolini described to author Giusi Ferré how the idea for his jewelry brand had its genesis at Bar Jamaica, the hangout for Milanese artists and performers at that time.
He was inspired by the women he met there—the singers, actresses and ceramicists—and wanted to create a line of jewelry that paid homage to their spirits and to women’s growing independence in general.
“I admired them all,” Rabolini said in the book, “even though, given my character, I never needed a muse to inspire me. I always devoted my Pomellato creations to women.”
Pomellato is known for using its bold pops of color in the form of cabochons and other unusually cut colored gemstones.
The company added a second brand, Dodo, in 1994. According to the Dodo website, the idea of the company was born on the island of Mauritius, where the now-extinct flightless bird by the same name once lived. The company’s low-karat, whimsical gold charms are designed to appeal to younger consumers.
In 2013, the Rabolini family sold Pomellato and Dodo to luxury goods conglomerate Kering, owner of brands including Boucheron, Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent.
The brand turned 50 this year and celebrated by introducing Ritratto, a line of rings set with large, rectangular-shaped gemstones, some of which are rarely seen in jewelry.
The Latest
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“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.
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.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.