Vanni Pesciallo

Jewellery maker

Balancing craft and design

Vanni creates contemporary jewellery with a unique character
His first pair of wedding rings featured the bride and groom's fingerprints
He believes that passing on knowledge is very important

Not far from Lugano, in Switzerland, there is a goldsmith’s workshop where elegance and uniqueness of design meet noble metals and precious gems. Vanni Pesciallo’s contemporary approach to jewellery making, which combines modern technology with ancient jewellery arts, is a very important aspect of his identity. “I remember having always been a creative boy,” he recalls. “Initially I wanted to become a carpenter, but during my apprenticeship in a goldsmith's workshop, I fell in love with this craft.” He studied at the Gemological Institute of America in Florence and later in Milan as a fashion designer at the European Institute of Design. Today he creates collections of jewellery with a refined and contemporary style, taking inspiration from art, fashion, design and architecture.

Interview

What attracted you to such an old craft?: I love the variety of my profession: from design to prototyping and the actual making, from direct consultancy with my customers to sales, from gemological analysis to expertise, without forgetting photography, communication and digital marketing.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: I design my jewellery both freehand and through 3D drawings and prototypes with 3D printers. The making of each piece, however, is done completely by hand, relying only on the skills and tools of the goldsmithing tradition.
Do you come across ethical issues in your profession?: I do. Generally, metals and precious stones are extracted in poor countries where inhabitants, workers and the environment are exploited. It is important to show customers that it is possible to purchase jewellery that respects both man and the environment.
Do you train apprentices in your workshop?: One of the most important decisions since the foundation of the brand was to train our first apprentice. It was a very significant step for the workshop, because we are strongly committed to the passing on of knowledge and keeping this fascinating craft alive.

Vanni Pesciallo is a master artisan: he began his career in 2005 and he started teaching in 2018