This jewellery collection by Damiani is the expression of sublime goldsmithing generated by the encounter between tradition, craftsmanship, passion, and creativity
by Barbara Borgonovo
The appeal of the Belle Époque is a historical value that seduces and enchants everyone. Damiani has chosen to draw inspiration from the joie de vivre of a historical period which was full of creative expressions triggered by the countless artistic movements present in the Ville Lumière in the late 19th century. The spark of modernity had inexorably been lit and in such a “flamboyant” environment it is easy to picture the founder of the Maison, Enrico Damiani, sitting in his workshop, after returning from a trip to France, as he tries to give shape to his impressions and draw the sketches of what would become the sublime and perfect jewellery pieces of one of his most evocative collections. It was precisely thanks to these sketches, which are the fruit of a great creative mind fascinated by a dynamic idea of the world, that the Belle Époque collection came to life.
The new rings and necklaces, in white, yellow, and pink gold, enriched by diamonds, are inspired by the movement of the famous Belle Époque cross, with its two elements eternally oscillating, and are equipped with a central mechanism which rotates around its axis and comes to life upon a stroke – just like a reel.
Its innovative geometric design represents the film reel, a symbol of “moving art”, in a succession of diamonds combined with sapphires, rubies or emeralds, while another row of diamonds traces the external outline. Rings, bracelets, earrings, and colliers thus spring from the expert hands of the master goldsmiths in Valenza, who skilfully and carefully reinterpret that historical period and that tireless intellectual movement.
Such as the precious Belle Époque cross, the best seller of the collection, made of two crosses, one fit into the other, which can also be worn separately. The two elements are full of life as they oscillate dynamically to remind the wearer of the fervour and energy of the period. The two crosses can be assembled and disassembled to create precious interactions that emphasise the shine of their stones. The first creations presenting a refined chromatic effect are accompanied by the new collection masterpieces called Belle Époque Reels.
The circles and rectangles – shapes within a shape – follow and chase each other endlessly, like the many videos in a social network feed, as a symbol of progress that cannot be detained.
The idea of the cinema and the more traditional moving art evolves and opens up to a contemporary concept of more spontaneous and direct visual creativity. The spirit of these new pieces reflects the dynamism and immediacy of modern videos made for digital channels, and even takes on their name: Reels. Cinema and visual arts, a reference to the original Belle Époque collection, now become digital and contemporary. The new rings and necklaces, in white, yellow and pink gold, enriched by the purest diamonds in the most precious versions, are inspired by the movement of the famous Belle Époque cross with its two elements eternally oscillating. They are equipped with a central mechanism which rotates around its axis and comes to life upon a stroke – just like a reel. The circles and rectangles – shapes within a shape – follow and chase each other endlessly, like the many videos in a social network feed, as a symbol of progress that cannot be detained.
Iconic jewels are dedicated to new trendsetters, female and male ambassadors of a contemporary, dynamic, and inclusive style that embraces those who identify with the philosophy of the “new” that inspires the collection.
(Damiani – Belle Époque – Barchemagazine.com – April 2023)
