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Piece of the Week: Gismondi 1754’s ‘Marea’ Cuff
The diamond and tanzanite bracelet was inspired by the waves of the Italian gulf near Genoa.
Late last month, I returned from the winter edition of Vicenzaoro, the jewelry trade show that takes place in Vicenza, Italy twice a year.
When I wasn’t walking the show floor, I was out taking in the sights of the city. Vicenza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, notable for its beautiful buildings by 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio.
One of the things I love about Italy is its rich history, and it always strikes me just how old some of its architecture is, reminding me of America’s youth in comparison.
The country’s storied history extends to its jewelry brands, like Gismondi 1754.
Its founder, Giovan Battista Gismondi, was born in Genoa, Italy in 1754, opening his first workshop in 1763. The company would go on to create jewels for everyone from Pope Pius VI and the noble Doria family to Angela Bassett and Reese Witherspoon.
Now run by its seventh generation, its history of beautiful jewelry continues with the new “Marea” range.
The one-of-a-kind cuff bracelet, featured above, was inspired by the movement of the sea in the Italian gulf, visible from the brand’s home city of Genoa. The name means “the tide.”
The organic wave design features more than 50 carats of graduating diamonds set in white gold, flowing like the sea and reminiscent of white-capped waves, beside 31.14 carats of ocean blue-violet tanzanite.
I saw the bracelet in person at Vicenzaoro, where it debuted, but the piece will make its rounds to the brand’s flagship stores in Europe before heading to the U.S. in the spring.
The bracelet is priced at $345,500.
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