A journey through Calabrian goldsmithing

Although relatively recent compared to other forms of traditional craftsmanship, Calabrian goldsmithing quickly established itself among connoisseurs of the genre and on the national and international market as a mark of excellence.

Calabrian master jewellers are among the most highly regarded in the world and their creations, with their unmistakable style, adorn the big names in fashion, entertainment and culture.

Let's take a closer look at the secrets of Calabrian goldsmithing on a glittering journey that takes us from the mountains to the sea, visiting prestigious workshops and showrooms.

Unlike other art forms and crafts, which have their roots in Magna Graecia, Calabrian goldsmithing is characterised by its relatively recent development, which makes it a cutting-edge model, capable of skilfully combining tradition and innovation. The oldest origins of Calabrian jewellery are mainly found in the family gold jewellery of long tradition (brillòcchi), which embellishes the folk costumes handed down from mother to daughter, with particular reference to those of the Pacchiana and Arbëreshë (Italo-Albanian) communities.

Drawing on these forms and those of more remote antiquity, with the desire to surpass them and explore more innovative techniques, since the 1960s Calabrian goldsmithing has seen the triumph of some big names in local goldsmithing: Calabrian master goldsmiths who have made a name for themselves on the international stage, 'dressing in gold' the stars of cinema and fashion, creating sacred art and unique pieces awarded at important events.

From the north to the south of the region, passing through the central hub of the city of Crotone, which is the true 'capital' of regional jewellery, the art of goldsmithing has grown over the years to become one of the excellences of "Made in Calabria". Let's discover together the 'golden places' of Calabrian workshops and goldsmiths!

Our journey in the footsteps of Calabrian goldsmithing art cannot but start from the city of Crotone, home to two of the greatest master goldsmiths: Gerardo Sacco and Michele Affidato, masters of world-class jewellery. We are in a region that by definition evokes the splendour of Magna Graecia and Rome, and which still today inspires the shapes, motifs and references of a jewellery craft that has evolved on a global scale. While the story of Calabrian master goldsmith Gerardo Sacco began in 1963 and spread throughout Italy with his unmistakable creations, that of Michele Affidato is an example of tenacity, commitment and hard work. Their goldsmith workshops in Calabria express the best of jewellery and sacred artworks made entirely by hand, with modern sensibility enriched by personal experience and accuracy.

Calabrian goldsmithing in the province of Cosenza is evident in the beauty of the works of master craftsman G. B. Spadafora, who has his workshop in San Giovanni in Fiore, at the entrance to the Sila National Park. Spending a few hours in his workshop means discovering the most refined secrets of contemporary Calabrian jewellery: the history of the company coincides with that of the family and the territory, which inspires them to create true 'pieces of history to wear', as in the case of the collections dedicated to the 'Liber Figurarum' by the philosopher and theologian Gioacchino da Fiore, an example of excellence in Calabrian goldsmithing.

Moving to the province of Catanzaro, the more classic and refined Calabrian goldsmithing tradition meets the tastes and techniques of the new generations. This happens between the villages of Davoli, on the Ionian coast, and Cardinale, in the Preserre hinterland, where master craftsman Enzo Riverso and the young brand Officina Orafa, founded by Nicola Macrì, operate respectively. The first one is an established name, a guarantee of refinement and technique for over forty years, loved by personalities such as Lucio Dalla and Roberto Benigni; the second one represents a challenge to remain in small inland towns and promote innovative forms of craftsmanship, exhibiting at Vicenzaoro, the most important international trade fair in the sector, with a gold and diamond ring selected from among the trendy creations by Vo.inspiration.

Finally, the Magna Grecia brand, created in 2001 from the passion of Massimo Colica and his wife Emilia Napoli for Ancient Greek jewellery, takes us straight to the province of Reggio Calabria, to Polistena. A benchmark in Calabrian and Italian jewellery, with creations made entirely by hand, the Colicas produce not only jewellery but authentic pieces of history to wear. Timeless creations, inspired by the places and legends of the Strait of Messina.