A gold chain from which dangled an exquisite heart-shaped pendant, polished gold bars embellished with precious green stones... These are only two of the many lovely pieces showcased at the Jewelry of Italy exhibition held recently in Shanghai.
With crafts of embellishment, hollowing, polish, satin and cut, precious metals and stones are created into tubes, chains, squares, sequins and twisted herringbones.
"Italian jewelry is simple and classical but now they have adapted a younger look to their designs," said Carlo Addis, a member of the Italian Trade Commission.
Most pieces are crafted by hand. These factors, combined with traditional manufacturing techniques and current fashion trends, create an aesthetically appealing image that is uniquely Italian.
Their attention to detail and quality is not only seen in the visual and obvious elements of the Italian jewelry pieces but also in the less apparent details, like the etching or engravings on the back of the pieces.
(Shanghai Star 05/17/2001)
