As Italians we have a saying which goes: “L’oro non è solo un metallo, è un sentimento.” If literally translated, it says “Gold is not a metal but a feeling.” This became apparent to me during my childhood in Florence and now while residing in Milan. To us, jewelry is not simply an accessory; it is emotion, narrative, history, and identity – all intertwined in gold.
Come take a stroll through Milan’s streets with me. The fashion scene here is vibrant, and jewelry speaks an entirely unique dialect. Each necklace, bracelet, or ring has a tale to tell. Let me explain what I know of the art of Italian jewelry, from large and audacious gains of designs to the secrets of gold passed through generations.
GOLD; THE HEART OF ITALIAN JEWELRY
Everything here is gold. Not any gold, but rich and warm 18-karat gold that breathes. I recall coming across a small workshop in Florence with my mother; the jeweler showed me a piece he was working on, which was hammered to give it a textured surface. To my surprise the piece was a lot more alive than anything polished to perfection. The hammered gold was alive. That’s the beauty of Italian jewelry, it isn’t precise. Italian jewelry captures the humanity within us.
The memories of that day are preserved in a golden ring I still use: an exquisitely simple piece with a smooth band accentuated with ripples that glow under the light. It also reminds me of the workshop and the leather-like aroma that lingers in the air.
ITALIAN DESIGN DRAMA
Here in Milan, we appreciate a bit of drama – Each piece is a statement. Think of oversized earrings that brush against your shoulders, or cascading chains that shimmer every time you move your head. A necklace is not just a necklace, it is a statement. The trick is to let jewelry do the talking: wear it with a suit that is well-fitted or even a dress that compliments it.
When chatting with friends over an aperitivo, I relax a little and don a chunky gold bracelet. Italians have an innate feeling of balance. Since my bracelet is bold, I offset it with low-key jewelry. Heavy on your wrist but feels reassuring, like armor, it is.
SYMBOLISM IN EVERY PIECE
The one piece of wisdom my grandmother passed down to me is that every piece of jewelry tells a story. During her time, a whimsy gold charm bracelet was more than to adorn your wrist, it was a memoir stitched to your skin. Mine has a tiny corno (a horn) to help me ward off the evil eye (malocchio), and a gold heart embracing with my initials. Every piece tells me a story one drill at a time.
Even today, the connection to meaning is kept alive. Even in today’s modern world, every design has an ancient vibe to it: serpents stand for change, coral symbolizes defense, and coins that seem to have come straight from a Roman treasure box. Jewelry is not something to be put on a display, it is a piece of art that is history, and unlike the rest of the world, it can be worn.
HOW I WEAR ITALIAN JEWELRY IN 2025
- Layer Like a Milanese: Mise en Place is headquartered in Milan and the Italian’s native word for layering “mezza” describes them perfectly. I pair two or three gold chains with varying length, and add my ever-favorite pendant until I notice the people around me getting jealous. Over my turtleneck in peak winter or a silk camisole in the summer, it looks fantastic.
- Let Color Speak: In 2025, deep emeralds and rich rubies alongside bold gemstones have started to make a comeback. One of my favorite props am irresistibly espouse is the pair of jeans combined with a blazer, and a statement prop is a vibrant single ring which transforms it from ordinary to extrordinary.
- Mix Old and New: As my parents tell me, the perfect appendage is a vintage bangle that was passed down through family set to sleek and fresh earrings. This kind of magical fusion feels intriguingly Italian.
- Make It Everyday: In my life as an accountant in Italy, I have found that jewelry does not serve the sole purpose of looking good for parties and weddings. Gold hoop earrings make my appearance more stylish while I work at the office, a subtle necklace when I’m working and a bold cuff when I’m at dinner. It is a part of life’s rhythm like putting on a scarf in winter.
BEYOND THE GOLD
Italians may love gold the most, but they surely show an affinity towards other pieces too. In Venice, the sunlight hits glass beads in an eye catching manner much like rays of sunlight hitting water. Carved with intricate faces, cameos whisperes of Ancient Rome. Coral adds a pop of Mediterranean red to necklaces and bracelets in Sicily.
Of late, I find myself fond of designs that are simple and experiment with new pieces like polished wood, recycled metal, and even ceramics. A hint of the modern day, yet deeply Italian. A bridge between the past and future.
IMBIBING ITALY’S SPIRIT
Jewelry, for me, is more than just an adornment; it is a symbol of Italy’s spirit. Whenever I put on my gold rings or necklace, I become part of centuries of Italian artistry and devotion. Jewelry epitomizes boldness; it radiates warmth and is vibrantly alive, just like Italy.
So if you’re Italian or simply a connoisseur of Italian style, remember to wear your pieces with attitude. Whether you layer, cherish, or utilize them, let your pieces articulate your history. In the end, jewelry is not just an article of clothing. It is a state of being.