modeled
after classical Italian and Greek
prototypes, thus creating a new fashion
trend Castellani was inspired to pursue
the 'granulation' technique, which was
perfected by the Etruscans in the 9th to
4th centuries B.C. and made Italian
jewelry of this period so unique.
Castellani's passion for excellence
became close to an obsession and
resulted in the revival of many ancient
techniques which have become some of the
greatest contributions to the history of
Italian jewelry making.
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Fortunato Pio was joined by his two
sons, Alessandro and Augusto in the 1850's, creating and
marketing their Italian jewelry designs to local, international
patrons, artists and educated tourists visiting Rome. By the
1860s, popular demand for their unique styles, prompted
Alessandro Castellani to establish a workshop in Naples in
addition to opening shops in London and Paris. The Italian
jewelry of this |
family won
widespread acclaim leading to
international expositions in Florence,
London, and Paris, ultimately becoming
the design that every jeweler throughout
Europe wanted to duplicate. The fame of
Castellani's designs reached America in
1876, at the Centennial Exposition in
Philadelphia, and the next year the
much-praised Italian jewelry collection
was on display at the Metropolitan
Museum of Art.The granulation technique
used in creating Italian jewelry by the
Castellani family and others are just
one of many that every aspiring jeweler
must learn. The incorporation of fine
detailing and meticulous finishing are
the foundation for the luxurious effect
that is difficult to find in any other
jewelry.
Beside the
impact of history and tradition, the
reputation of Italian jewelry is
supported by its quality standards for
silver and gold, which are amongst the
highest in the world. The silver grade
of "925" is not the only consideration
taken into account. There is also an
extreme amount of care given in the
production of the alloy and through each
step until the finished jewelry piece is
completed. Whether the item is crafted
by an individual jeweler or from a large
jewelry company, silver Italian jewelry
production is treated with passion and
respect.
The variety
of designs you can choose from in
silver Italian jewelry covers every
style; classical, modern or avant-garde.
You can find replicas of designs from
different periods in history, such as
the Renaissance or you can have your own
custom design brought to life.
Uma G.
Bennett works as part-time copywriter
for SAK Jewelry that offers
fine fashion jewelry from Italy
featuring natural stones and Swarovski
crystals.
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