Designer Spotlight: Sabbadini Milano

Photo © EraGem Crafted of solid 18k yellow gold, this wide-band bracelet features two indented rows of black champlevé enamel which border a centered row of 28 very high-quality diamonds. Crafted by the Italian firm Sabbadini, this retro-style bracelet, weighing 40.8 grams, is of extraordinary manufacture, just as one would expect from one of Italy's premiere gioiellieres. Based in the heart of Milan, Italy, Sabbadini is headquartered in via Montenapoleone, "one of the most important 'streets in fashion'" {cited}. On this street in 1783, a financial institution was established in the Palazzo Marliani. Later, this same bank re-opened under Napoleonic rule and was renamed the Monte Napoleone, after which the street was named. Prior to World War II, via Montenapoleone was home to Milan's most elite, living luxuriously in palatial castles up and down the avenue. The final palace standing was the Palazzo Marliani, which succumbed to the Allied bombing campaign of 1943. After the war ended, the via was reinvented to encompass Milan's fashion center. It is here, in 1940, among the best of the best in Italian fashion, that Bruno Sabbadini wisely established himself as an expert in the trade of high-quality gems. Later, Bruno's son, Alberto Sabbadini, began designing exquisite jewels into which he set his father's most beautiful stones. Soon after, he and his father expanded the business to include a manufacturing firm and a network of small craft shops dedicated exclusively to the creation of Sabbadini jewels. For over 40 years, Alberto Sabbadini, with his wife Stefania, has governed the design and manufacture of Sabbadini jewels in Milan. In 1983, they opened their first showroom in New York, and in 2007, a boutique in St. Moritz. Together with their children, Pierandrea and Micol, the Sabbadinis continue to make history with their bold and enticing designs. Probably their most delectable pieces are their panther bracelets. Hinged cuffs ornamented with intensely colored gemstones feature "hand-textured feline made of sterling silver" {Fourtane}. "Belly-crawling across the top at the crest...muscles bulging, emerald eyes sparkling and with an open-mouth snarl, grips the bracelet with sharpened claws and lays, poised to spring forth and capture his " {Fourtane}. Design genius! Today, the Sabbadini's work together to maintain the prestigious legacy handed down from founding father, Bruno Sabbadini. His son, Alberto, serves as President of the company, working closely with his wife to oversee and promote the brand internationally. Their son, Pierandra, oversees the company's boutiques in Milan, St. Moritz, and New York. He also organizes the company's exhibitions, which tour annually to high-end locations, such as Palm Beach, the Hamptons, Montecarlo, Sardinia, and more. Their daughter, Micol, works alongside her father, designing many of the firm's contemporary collections. An artist through and through, Micol studied art, and with a style all her own has brought a contemporary edge to the firm's creations. She credits her brother for the courage she demonstrates daily as an artist. He once told her, "Stop being afraid and start showing the world what you can do" {cited}. As is always the case, the world is better because the artist listened to the mentor and chose to shine. If you love Made in Italy, or if you're an avid collector of all things retro, this magnificent Sabbadini bracelet will do you no harm!