“My favorite part of all this process is when I see that an inspiration is successfully turning into a concrete project”
Giulia Tamburini – jewelry designer and maker
We love the collection with postcards designed by Ettore Tripodi! How did you meet and how did your collaboration start?
Before moving to the new atelier-workshop in Viale Piave 5 in Milano, I shared a space with other artists for many years. They were working in very different fields: from photography, painting, stop motion videos to woodworking.
Among these, there was a friend Ettore Tripodi, artist and co-founder of the Mammafotogramma creative agency; with him we gave life to the project of “jewel postcards”, where jewels come to life in drawings, creating a magical and slightly naïve world, where creativity and imagination reign. 💌
Thus, the postcard is part of the packaging and can be used to leave a message. Each tells a small story, where the jewel plays a big role: for example a drawing of a flock of birds in which three small silver swallows can be distinguished.
Tell us in detail about one of your favorite jewels. How was it born? Why are you particularly fond of it?
I don’t really have a favorite, I like new technical challenges so I tend to experiment with very different pieces.
If I have to choose, I’d say I have two favorites:
🏛 The first is the Petra necklace, which is part of the collection of tracery called Roma, inspired by the patterns of the Middle Eastern arts. It is one of the first collections I made, that accompanies me for many years and continues to be highly appreciated.
🐋 The second is the Giona necklace, a small pendant-mounted whale. I have always felt connected to this animal, which is also present in our logo. It was not easy to transform such a large and bulky animal into a harmonic jewel, perhaps this is why it is one of my favorite pieces!
Francesco, what are the differences between handmade jewels and industrial jewels? Is it difficult to communicate it to people?
Well, there is a big difference between a computer-designed, machine-made jewel and one designed and created by hand: the first doesn’t have a manual imprint, therefore is more precise, but also aseptic and industrial.
A handcrafted jewel is unique, with a story, is a living object that can bound with the wearer.
Actually one of the reasons for creating an open workshop inside the atelier was to allow our customers to see where and how the jewels take shape.
Craftsmanship also allows for customization that is in great demand today, which is difficult to offer for those who produce industrially.
You know, in terms of communication the challenge is precisely tell what it means to buy a jewel conceived, designed and made entirely by hand, even to those who cannot come and visit us in person.