Antonio Colonna

Goldsmith

©Antonio Colonna

Storytelling jewels

Antonio creates bespoke jewellery pieces
He uses cutting-edge digital tools
His methods retain the goldsmithing tradition

Antonio Colonna's passion for goldsmithing began when he was only a child. He devotes his time to creating jewellery that is at the forefront of modern technology. Studying, experimenting and working both in factories and in workshops, Antonio learned the great tradition of goldsmithing in Florence and Valenza Po, while at the same time looking for his own way. Nowadays he is a celebrated master goldsmith, a 3D designer and an expert technician in artistic metalworking. He specialises in casting, setting, burin engraving and chiselling. Antonio came back to his native Apulia to open his own workshop, where, through his alchemic approach, he makes bespoke pieces for clients. He develops “narrative jewels”, pieces crafted to tell unique stories: “By cutting the costs of production, digital technology is the new frontier of exclusiveness: customisation can be for all”, he says.

Interview

©Antonio Colonna

©Antonio Colonna

How did you become a goldsmith?: After a specialisation degree, I learned a lot from master goldsmiths, gaining experience from working directly with them. They helped me develop both in the field of artistic craftmanship and in prototyping engineering.
Where do you find inspiration when working on commissions?: I engage my customers in a jewellery experience, so that I can make bespoke jewels from their stories, feelings, desires, dreams. To me artistic creation is not ready-made, but a spiritual experience we have to journey together.
Do you master any specific techniques?: As a specialised artistic metal worker, I can say one never stops to fine-tune a technique. Today the techniques of jewellery making are different from the methods used only a few years ago, and what I do now is trailblazing in my field.
How do you merge tradition and innovation in your work?: Many of the techniques I use show a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and making 4.0. I’m talking about specific methods that take advantage of the potential of the digital world, while remaining able to express the true nature of handcraft.

Antonio Colonna is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1991