Jewels Re-Imagined
True to tradition, the nobles sought out the most exquisite and sparkling gems that were the environmentally of all. After all: What’s the point of wealth if one cannot indulge? The social scene in Roma was populated by such noble surnames as Colonna, Odescalchi, Agnelli, Franchetti, Carraciolo, Torlonia, Crespi, Borghese, Pallavicini. Joining in and basking in the glow of power and prominence were elite newcomers, including diplomats, intellectuals, business tycoons, international jet-setters, and nouveau riche Americans. The Roman parties and balls of the post-war years are now the stuff of social legends. Glamour, intrigue, and seduction defined the era, and Petochi jewelry was displayed, decorating more than a few swan-like necks at all of these occasions.
A collection of modern jewels with exquisite and sparkling gems paying homage to the Petochi Family Royal Warrant and the Italian Dolce Vita.
The Crown Jewels
Over the centuries, the Savoia family had undoubtedly crossed paths countless times with the patrician Petochi clan, not only influential Roman aristocrats, but also among the most prominent religious leaders of the Church, closely tied to the Vatican. The Petochi archives reveal, however, that their extraordinarily long and loyal jewelry relationship began with a simple yet exceptional order from the bachelor Crown Prince Umberto II that would change everything. In a royal letter delivered to Petochi at Palazzo Torlonia in 1926, the jewelry-loving 22- year-old Italian Crown Prince requested that a tie clip be designed that he could wear at formal state occasions.
For that original design on behalf of the dapper future king, Petochi sought to balance reverence
for the monarchy with centuries of history enveloping the Savoia family. But there was
also a strong desire for Petochi to showcase its modern craftsmanship, representative of the
modern era. After all, it was in the middle of the Roaring 20s. The resulting Petochi creation was
an Art Deco reinterpretation of the double-sided knot on the Savoia family coat of arms. The
design and craftmanship were a commanding success in the eyes of the stylish Crown Prince,
who immediately commissioned Petochi to fashion a set of cufflinks and additional tie clips
incorporating precious stones.
SPESSARTITE GARNET AND DIAMOND RING
Oval mixed-cut spessartite garnet of 15.35 carats, circular-cut diamonds, 18k white gold; revealing pavè diamond Savoy “love knot” under the gemstone