CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
EditorsJul 21, 2010
Behind the scenes in Italy
Editor’s Note: This is part one of a three-part series. Check back tomorrow for part two, which will feature photos from the first day of workshop visits. For more, view the article "Next stop for Italian jewelry? Le Marche" in...
Editor’s Note: This is part one of a three-part series.
Check back tomorrow for part two, which will feature photos from the first day
of workshop visits. For more, view the article "Next stop for Italian jewelry? Le Marche" in the August 2010 print edition of National Jeweler.
Ancona, Italy, the starting point of the "Marche Region Convention."
In late April, I got a unique
opportunity to attend a goldsmith exhibition and workshop tour in Italy’s Le
Marche region. Sponsored by the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade (ICE), the
trip was attended by a handful of U.S. retailers, each of whom was visiting the
region and learning about its goldsmiths for the first time. I was doing just
the same.
As an editor, getting a chance to see jewelry in person at
the industry’s tradeshows is always a big perk, but what was especially great
about this trip was being able to learn about the history and traditions of the
region and seeing how they have influenced the goldsmiths working today in Le
Marche.
The region’s countryside is dotted with small companies
producing high-level jewelry, and the craftspeople working there are
continuing in a rich history of goldsmithing. Before the ICE exhibition even started, the retailers on the
trip and myself got a bit of a history lesson when we spent some free time
checking out a local museum.
At the Museum Archeologico Nazionale della Marche in Ancona,
I was amazed by all the examples of jewelry dating back to the ancient people
who settled in the area during Etruscan times. The area’s Piceni people
decorated garments with amber, bone and pasta vitrea (opaque glass colored with
crystals), and metal jewelry later evolved with the development of iron
processing for weapons. Check out some of these shots here (click right on any of the photos for a closer look):
The day after the museum visit, it was a meeting of past and present when we attended the ICE exhibition of goldsmiths currently
working in the region. The retailers and I perused the 28 booths of the
exhibition and saw a variety of styles and some very unique products. Here
are some highlights:
The U.S. retailers on the trip visit the booth of Jouayoux di Massimo Ripa Orafo, where offerings included this heart-shaped design crafted via an ancient pillow lace tradition. MassimoRipaOrafo.it
Intricate techniques for working
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
in gold were found throughout the exhibition, such as in this pillow lace butterfly design from Laboratorio Orafo Maoloni (above left, ermaoloni@alice.it) and these filigree bracelets from All Gold (above right, AllGold.it).
Inspiration for the designs varied from the land on earth to the stars above, as seen in this chain design from designer Adriano Crocenzi (above left, AdrianoCrocenzi.it) featuring a pouncing feline, and this ring (above right, AtelierGioielli.it) from Atelier Gioielli di Sergio Nicolini. The ring opens and closes to reveal and hide a diamond-studded star.
Also on display at the exhibition were plenty of link styles, a signature Italian look that has found plenty of admirers stateside. This bracelet design is from Arte Oro Raffaella. arteororaffaella@libero.it
More on Editors
The Latest
IndependentsNov 09, 2026
More Information. More Confidence. One GIA Jewelry Report.The GIA Jewelry Report helps retailers answer customer questions with independent, science-based information from GIA—all in one report.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
