Diego Percossi Papi

Jewellery maker

©Percossi Papi

From Rome with love

Diego is fascinated by the classical world
His style is well defined and recognisable
Symbol, colour, extemporaneity, all feature in his works

After graduating in Architecture, Diego Percossi Papi became a self-taught artist, sculptor and goldsmith. He has his own style, which he defines as based on everyday life and resulting from natural evolution following artistic experiments and experiences. Born in Rome, Diego's cultural influences are Bernini and Borromini, among others. Diego affirms that “knowing our history is knowing our roots”. Rome, its history and its artistic treasures are always in his mind, particularly the Baroque heritage. “Rome is essential to me. The curl, for example, that is in the facades of some churches, comes from an Etruscan tradition. It has a fitting function, which binds the elements. The curl is in all my sketches".

Interview

©Andrew Cooper

©Percossi Papi

What does a jewel represent for you?: It’s an unicum, not only of emotions, but also of circumstances. Behind a jewel there is a story. The Animalier collection is inspired by animals, often fantastical. It is linked to the history of animals, halfway between imagination and reality.
How would you describe your style?: My style is based on my cultural background and on what I have in my imagination. The artistic tradition of Rome is the basis. My collections embrace different themes, from Russian fairy tales to Japan.
Where does your love of Baroque originate?: It’s a hundred percent emotion. There is a passionate dialectic: volumes are contrasted, as well as light and shadow, symmetries with asymmetries, colour has a deep and strong impact. I find all this full of passion, which I then translate into a jewel.
What do material and colour mean to you?: The material is fundamental, together with the client and his wishes. The colour does the rest. I work with colours that you see. I perceive it immediately. What holds it all together is the respect between the two aspects.

Diego Percossi Papi is a master artisan: he began his career in 1966 and he started teaching in 1974