Daniele & Stefano Attombri

Jewellery maker

©Attombri

©Camilla Glorioso

©Attombri

Brothers in conterie beadwork

Stefano and Daniele use only authentic conterie glass beads
They work in the traditional style of Venetian pearl stringers
Their creations are admired and treasured throughout the world

In 1987, brothers Stefano and Daniele Attombri embarked on an adventure that soon earned them much attention and acclaim. Having realised that the era of Venetian conterie – a particular type of bead obtained from cutting very thin monochromatic glass rods – was coming to an end, they bought all the available stock from the local factories that were closing down, and started their own business. They had to teach themselves, and sometimes invent, the techniques necessary to create their unique designs. What started as a game soon became a passion. Combining glass with other materials such as copper and silver, Stefano and Daniele interpret the history and potential of glass beads in a contemporary way. Their creations are jewellery and one-of-a-kind accessories that blend craftsmanship, fashion, design and applied arts.

Interview

©Attombri

©Camilla Glorioso

How difficult was it to start your own business?: In the beginning, we did not know anything about this craft. We had to learn by trial and error, and face many difficulties. But we never gave up, not even in the most challenging moments, because we always believed that this was our dream.
When did you realise that you had made it?: In the early 1990s, when our necklaces first appeared on the catwalks: in Milan for Dolce & Gabbana and in Paris for Romeo Gigli. Then we worked for many years in the US, and over the last 20 years our business has grown steadily in Japan.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?: Ours is a wonderful job because it gives us the freedom to experiment and create with total independence. Perhaps that is why we do not do many things to order, although of course we are always happy to adapt our jewels to the person who will be wearing them.
Where is your workshop located?: Very close to the Rialto Bridge. It is not easy to emerge in a city dominated by mass tourism, but most of our clients have known us for years, and luckily there are still many people who understand and appreciate craftsmanship and the work behind it.

Daniele & Stefano Attombri are expert artisans: they began their career in 1987