Vicenza (Italy), November – The world of Italian jewellery, a magnificent blend of art, material, technique, and boundless creativity, is once again taking center stage. The esteemed Vicenza Jewellery Museum proudly announces the grand opening of its latest exhibition, “Jewellery – Italy. Material Technique Art. Between Ancient and Modern.” Conceived and meticulously curated by the internationally acclaimed scholar Paola Venturelli, this groundbreaking exhibition invites visitors on an unparalleled journey through the heart of Italy’s illustrious jewellery heritage. Opening its doors to the public on November 28th, this captivating display will enchant audiences until the end of 2027.
Housed within the majestic Basilica Palladiana, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, this exhibition marks a significant milestone: the inauguration of a fresh exhibition cycle for the Museum. As the first institution in Italy—and one of only a select few globally—dedicated exclusively to the art of jewellery, the Vicenza Jewellery Museum continues to cement its reputation as a beacon of cultural excellence. This new cycle promises to delve deeper into the intricate stories, innovative techniques, and timeless beauty that define Italian jewellery, making it an indispensable destination for art enthusiasts, historians, and jewellery lovers worldwide.
An Epic Journey Through Italian Jewellery History: From Antiquity to Modernity
The “Jewellery – Italy. Material Technique Art. Between Ancient and Modern” exhibition is an extraordinary testament to the quality and iconic charm of Italian jewellery. Through prestigious collaborations with a multitude of museums and foundations, this collection magnificently amplifies the exceptional nature of Italian craftsmanship. The exhibition unfolds as a continuous narrative, meticulously structured into eleven distinct stages spread across the Museum’s six thoughtfully designed rooms. This immersive journey transcends over two millennia of history, commencing from the 5th century BC and extending into the early 21st century, revealing the profound ways in which art, technique, and material converge to create masterpieces that defy time.
With a breathtaking display of over 150 works, visitors will encounter an eclectic array of single jewels and intricate sets, alongside fascinating everyday objects transformed into art, such as exquisite handbags, elegant cosmetic bags, and precious containers. Adding further historical context and artistic depth, the exhibition also features three significant paintings and two rare Apulian ceramics dating from 330-310 BC. Each piece has been carefully selected to illustrate the chronological and thematic evolution of jewellery, offering a comprehensive panorama of Italian ingenuity.
The Alchemy of Materials and Mastery of Technique
The exhibition brilliantly showcases the diverse materials that have been central to Italian jewellery making. From the timeless allure of gold to the vibrant hues of coral, the mystical sparkle of semiprecious stones, the delicate beauty of glass, and the meticulous artistry of micromosaic, each element tells a story. The inclusion of rare gems and even unconventional materials highlights the continuous experimentation and innovation that has characterized Italian design. These materials, combined with an astonishing array of manufacturing techniques, convey the expressive plurality of Italian jewellery and its unparalleled ability to fuse craftsmanship, inventiveness, and innovation into harmonious creations.
Visitors will witness the breathtaking evolution of technical and artistic perfection. For instance, the almost lost art of Etruscan granulation, a technique of extraordinary difficulty, finds new life and contemporary relevance in a stunning set from the second half of the twentieth century, inspiring innovative interpretations in more recent works. This juxtaposition not only highlights the enduring legacy of ancient techniques but also demonstrates their timeless capacity to stimulate modern creativity. The exhibition masterfully illustrates how Italian jewellers have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible, transforming raw materials into objects of desire and cultural significance.
A Dialogue Between Goldsmithing and Figurative Arts
One of the most compelling aspects of this exhibition is its exploration of the constant dialogue between goldsmith art and the broader figurative arts. This cross-pollination of artistic disciplines has deeply enriched Italian jewellery, allowing it to transcend mere adornment and become a medium for storytelling and cultural reflection. As visitors navigate the exhibition, they will discover fascinating examples of this synergy. Pompeian wall paintings, with their rich mythological narratives and vibrant aesthetics, directly inspire the intricate designs of coral craftsmen, demonstrating how ancient visual traditions continue to inform contemporary artistry.
Further along the itinerary, a striking lava stone brooch reveals its inspiration from the colossal marble bust of Jupiter Serapis, a 2nd-3rd century AD masterpiece housed in the Vatican Museums, illustrating the powerful influence of classical sculpture on jewellery design. Even architectural marvels find their echo in wearable art; the iconic plan of “La Rotonda,” Andrea Palladio’s famous villa just outside Vicenza, is elegantly honored in a meticulously crafted pendant. The exquisite shell cameos of a sumptuous parure pay homage to the celebrated carvings of Antonio Pichler and Antonio Berini, while a captivating blood jasper cameo is traced back to Valerio Belli, a renowned goldsmith and master glyptic artist, a true pride of Renaissance Vicenza. These examples vividly demonstrate how Italian jewellery has always been deeply intertwined with the broader artistic movements and cultural narratives of its time, drawing inspiration from and contributing to the rich tapestry of Italian art.
Spotlight on Special Sections: Vicenza’s Heritage and Artist Jewellery
The exhibition is further enhanced by two dedicated special sections, each offering a unique perspective on the world of Italian jewellery. The first special section is an intimate tribute to Vicenza itself, exploring its profound and enduring legacy in goldsmithing. Titled “Vicenza: Between Ancient and Modern,” this area showcases the most relevant works from the region’s illustrious goldsmith history, affirming Vicenza’s role as a pivotal hub for jewellery innovation and tradition. Among the highlights are three pieces of extraordinary historical and artistic value: a delicate ring and a cross from the Lombard era, testifying to early medieval craftsmanship; an unprecedented and highly valuable gold votive crown adorned with exquisite gems and cameos, a true treasure of religious art; and a magnificent jeweled collar with a pendant, generously donated in 1604 by the noble Caldogno family from Vicenza, symbolizing centuries of aristocratic patronage and regional pride.
The second special section, “Artist and Designer Jewellery,” delves into the exciting contaminations between contemporary art and jewellery, charting a course from Futurism to Kinetic Art. This section explores how avant-garde artistic movements have profoundly influenced jewellery design, transforming it from a traditional craft into a dynamic form of artistic expression. It features key protagonists from the School of Padua and the Marche region, highlighting their innovative approaches and experimental designs. Through a compelling display of sketches, intricate drawings, and prototypes, visitors gain rare insight into the creative process—the crucial journey that transforms an initial design concept into a tangible, wearable work of art. This section underscores the notion that jewellery is not merely an accessory but a canvas for artistic exploration and a reflection of contemporary cultural shifts.
Unveiling the Foundations of Craftsmanship
To underscore the profound value of craftsmanship and innovation in goldsmith art, a small yet incredibly insightful section on the ground floor provides a rare glimpse into the foundational stages of jewellery creation. This area features a collection of madreforme moulds and various models for bracelets, chains, and pendants, all originating from the esteemed Angelo Tovo company in Creazzo. Although the company ceased operations in 2005 after approximately fifty years of dedicated activity, its legacy lives on through these artifacts. Angelo Tovo was a vital player in the region, producing essential moulds and shears for numerous jewellery factories in the Vicenza area. This display offers visitors a unique opportunity to understand the intricate tooling and meticulous processes that underpin the creation of exquisite Italian jewellery, connecting the final polished pieces with the skilled hands and innovative tools that brought them to life. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every dazzling jewel lies a story of ingenuity, precision, and tireless dedication.
Vision and Values: The Driving Force Behind the Exhibition
The “Jewellery – Italy. Material Technique Art. Between Ancient and Modern” exhibition is the fruit of a profound vision, passionately articulated by its creators. Paola Venturelli, the esteemed curator of the Jewellery Museum, shares her insights: “The 2025-2027 biennial exhibition originates from an extraordinary collaboration with museums and foundations across Italy, particularly with Vicenza’s own cultural institutions, establishing a profound dialogue with the city and its local territory. The exhibition itinerary, divided into eleven chronological and thematic stages, aims to tell the story of the unparalleled excellence of Italian jewellery. Approximately 150 works, spanning from ancient to contemporary creations, meticulously highlight the diverse materials, sophisticated techniques, and deep artisanal knowledge that constitute a fundamental element of our material culture. We want people to realize that jewellery is much more than a mere ornament: it is memory, narration, and a vital bridge connecting our past, present, and future.”
Echoing this sentiment, Michela Amenduni, Managing Director of the Jewellery Museum, emphasizes the institution’s broader mission: “The Jewellery Museum was created with the core goal of enhancing the goldsmithing tradition of excellence prevalent in the Vicenza production district. With this, we aim to spotlight one of the highest expressions of ‘Made in Italy,’ seamlessly combining time-honored tradition with cutting-edge innovation, and cherished memory with vibrant contemporaneity. Through the exceptional works and sophisticated techniques showcased in this new exhibition, and thanks to the invaluable collaborations with prestigious cultural institutions, museums, and foundations—initiatives foresightfully championed by Paola Venturelli—we are truly able to represent the immense cultural and symbolic richness of jewellery. Our aspiration is for the museum to be accessible to everyone, fostering an open dialogue with the local community, as well as with designers, skilled craftsmen, innovative companies, insightful scholars, and enthusiastic visitors of all ages. We achieve this by offering a wide range of engaging workshops, enriching school activities, and captivating themed events, all designed to engage and deeply involve every visitor in the wondrous world of jewellery.”
Meet the Visionary: Paola Venturelli
Paola Venturelli is a distinguished art historian, renowned for her profound expertise in goldsmithing, the history of jewellery, collecting practices, and fashion, with a particular focus on the Italian context. Her scholarly pursuits have even led her to approach the towering figure of Leonardo da Vinci from entirely new and illuminating perspectives. Her extensive bibliography includes numerous monographic volumes, insightful papers presented at both Italian and international conferences, and a wealth of essays and articles published in various esteemed books and specialized journals. She is a respected member of Scientific Committees for prestigious exhibitions, both within Italy and abroad, lending her expertise to some of the most significant cultural presentations.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Venturelli has skillfully organized and curated numerous exhibitions, actively contributing to the establishment and scholarly study of important museum collections. She has seamlessly balanced these demanding activities with university teaching, sharing her vast knowledge with the next generation of art historians. Currently, she serves as a highly sought-after consultant for various museum institutions, including the venerable Vatican Museums, a testament to her unparalleled authority in the field. She holds the esteemed position of Senior Curator for the Rubelli Foundation in Venice and is the Scientific Director of the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation in Florence. Since 2024, the Vicenza Jewellery Museum has been honored to have her as its dedicated Curator, a role in which she continues to shape the narrative of Italian jewellery with her exceptional vision and scholarship.
The Esteemed Scientific Committee and Collaborating Institutions
The intellectual rigor and comprehensive scope of this exhibition are further assured by the expertise of its distinguished scientific committee, which comprises Caterina Ascione, Maria Concetta di Natale, Federica Giacobello, and Roberta Piccinelli. Their collective knowledge and guidance have been instrumental in shaping this captivating journey through jewellery history.
The exhibition’s profound depth and breadth are also a direct result of invaluable collaborations with a remarkable array of participating Museums and Foundations. These partnerships underscore the shared commitment to preserving and promoting Italy’s rich cultural heritage. Esteemed institutions include: The ‘Massimo Pallottino’ National Archaeological Museum, Melfi; The National Archaeological Museum, Taranto; The Ascione Coral Museum, Naples; Palazzo Chiericati Civic Museum, Vicenza; ‘Pietro G. Nonis’ Diocesan Museum, Vicenza; Natural Archaeological Museum, Vicenza; ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ National Science and Technology Museum, Milan; The Risorgimento Museum – Palazzo Moriggia, Milan; UnoAerre Industries Historical Museum, Arezzo; Palazzo d’Arco Museum and Foundation, Mantua; Fabriano and Cupramontana Cassa di Risparmio Foundation; Giacomo Manzù Foundation; and Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation. This extensive network of collaborations brings together an unparalleled collection of artifacts and expertise, enriching the exhibition experience for all visitors.
The Vicenza Jewellery Museum: A Gem in Italy’s Cultural Landscape
As the inaugural museum in Italy—and one of only a select few globally—dedicated exclusively to the art of jewellery, the Vicenza Jewellery Museum stands as a luminous beacon in Italy’s cultural landscape. This permanent exhibition area is exquisitely situated within the iconic Basilica Palladiana, itself a cherished UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled in the very heart of Vicenza’s historic city center.
First opened in 2014, the museum was initially promoted by Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A., a testament to its strong connection with the vibrant jewellery industry. Since 2025, its management has transitioned to Vicenza Holding S.p.A., an entity representing the Vicenza Municipality, the Province of Vicenza, and the Vicenza Chamber of Commerce. This strategic alignment places the museum firmly within the broader context of the trade show company responsible for organizing Vicenzaoro, the internationally acclaimed jewellery show. This unique synergy ensures that the Vicenza Jewellery Museum remains at the forefront of showcasing historical significance, artistic innovation, and the enduring commercial vitality of Italian jewellery, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to understand the profound cultural and economic impact of this exquisite art form. The museum’s ongoing commitment to excellence, collaboration, and public engagement solidifies its role as a guardian of Italy’s precious jewellery heritage and a dynamic platform for its future.