As dusk settles over the southern coast of Sardinia, a gathering of 400 guests, adorned in couture and jewels, assemble on a terrace overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. This is no ordinary gathering; it’s the launch of Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Gioielleria, a four-day extravaganza celebrating the art of high jewelry. The air is abuzz with anticipation, the candlelight catching the sparkle of diamonds and emeralds, and the distant twinkling of mega yachts anchored offshore adds a touch of opulence.
July is a busy month for high jewelry launches across Europe. Luxury houses compete for the attention of discerning collectors, vying to showcase their latest creations. Yet, Dolce & Gabbana holds a unique allure. “At first it was the clothes that drew me in,” confesses an American guest, her green crochet caftan perfectly complementing a pair of magnificent golden micro mosaic earrings. “Then I fell in love with the one-of-a-kind jewels because they are so different from any other jewelry. It’s the hand craft element. Maybe it’s their Italian-ness that I love.”
For seasoned jewelry buyers, diamonds and emeralds can seem commonplace. They crave something more. Alta Gioielleria provides that extra layer of depth. Each piece is steeped in the culture, folklore, and artistic traditions of specific Italian regions, woven into exquisite gold and gemstones. “I have to say, I recognize Italy in these pieces,” enthuses Naomi Campbell, who has flown in to grace the event. “From hints of baroque architecture and renaissance paintings to the vibrant sun-drenched colors of the Mediterranean. When I wear one of their creations, I feel like I’m carrying a piece of Italy with me.”
This year, the collection draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Sardinian history. Ninety new jewels, each a masterpiece of woven gold, showcase intricate filigree, hammered chains, fringed collars, and papal-style crosses. A 2,000-year-old legend recounts how Sardinian witch-fairies, known as janas, pioneered the art of filigree, twisting fine wires of gold into delicate lace-like patterns. This ancient technique is beautifully incorporated into the collection, forming intricate decorative ‘baskets’ that cradle egg-sized stones.
Dolce & Gabbana’s signature love of color shines through in the vast gemstones, many weighing between 50 and 100-carats, shimmering in shades of Brazilian quartz, green beryl, kunzite, rubellite, and amethyst, echoing the vibrant hues of Sardinian sunsets and turquoise waters lapping on pink sand.
Ornate golden ‘buttons,’ inspired by the Sardinian tradition of wearing buttons as symbols of prosperity and family heritage, adorn chains and bracelets, suspended alongside ancient pieces of Sciacca coral, cameos, a gem-set bear, and an octopus.
“This is art,” sighs a pharmaceutical entrepreneur from Bucharest, marveling at the craftsmanship as she selects a piece for her collection. The intricate details hidden within each piece are a testament to the dedication of the artisans. One young woman in the Dolce & Gabbana Milan workshop has spent countless hours hand-crafting hundreds of delicate leaves, meticulously drawing veins and life-like elements onto the gold before cutting and polishing them.
This attention to detail, this commitment to artistry, is what sets Dolce & Gabbana’s jewelry apart. These aren’t mere baubles; they are wearable works of art, each piece telling a story of history, culture, and passion.
The exclusivity of these pieces adds to their allure. Each design is unique, making the decision to purchase a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience. The successful buyer will be rewarded with a piece of history, a tangible link to Italian craftsmanship and tradition, and the satisfaction of owning a piece of art. Back at the dinner, a Texan guest, wearing a stunning gem-studded necklace spelling “Sicilia,” sums it up perfectly. “You see the jewelry has a soul,” he tells me, “which is difficult to interpret but what I mean is when I look at a Dolce jewel is you can tell there is a history—it’s almost like you can see there’s something behind the pieces. No other brand can do that.”
Perhaps the secret to Dolce & Gabbana’s success lies in their unwavering passion. The designers’ joyful obsession with their craft is palpable, and it translates into every piece. Their jewels aren’t just adornments; they are vessels for stories, for history, for the very essence of Italian culture. And it’s this passion that draws collectors from around the world, eager to capture a piece of the magic.
