Bringing out the special essence within ... About
My fascination with metals started a long time ago, when as a child I was secretly pleased every time a temperature thermometer fell, breaking and releasing its mercury inside. Despite knowing it was dangerous, I loved playing with it, separating the mercury into little spheres and hypnotically watching them merge together.
However for many years afterwards I did not pursue any path which involved working with metals, stones, fire or soldering. It was only when I was playing with my daughter in a park in Italy, making necklaces and little crowns by joining daisies together, as I used to do as a child, that I suddenly realised I wanted to learn how to make jewellery. Although it was challenging to retrain in a field where I did not have any experience or knowledge, a part of myself felt immediately very comfortable and at ease.
In March 2013, when I was still a student, I won a Commended Award in Fashion Jewellery (QVC Special Award) by The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council (GC&DC) also known as the Oscar of the Jewellery Industry. This gave me the confidence of pursuing a career in Jewellery Design and Making, hence Quinta Essenza was born.
Following a commission of medals by Perth Cathedral, I entered a medal called “Look after the Land” to the GC&DC’s competition, winning a Bronze Award.
My work I design tactile and textured jewellery, recreating a sensation of fairy-tale elegance and enchantment by delicately brushing colours over my work. My creations are influenced by an intertwining of Italian culture and Scottish environment, having lived in Scotland for more than 20 years. I love organic shapes and think nature is an endless source of inspiration. I enjoy observing wood, stones, cracks, leaves, lichens and seaweeds, and find beauty where it is not always appreciated.
My Philosophy I do not want my jewellery to be perfect. There is no such thing as perfection. After years of struggling, chasing perfection, I finally understood that this is not possible and that I needed to let it go. I like my jewellery to spring into life, showing vulnerability and transformation. I love when it oxidises and colours fade and change, showing the mutation of time. The only thing we can be sure of is that nothing stays the same. We are surrounded by constant change, evolution and transmutation. Nevertheless, I see real beauty in this. The beauty of imperfection, the beauty of authenticity...