Daverio1933: three generations of sculptural jewelry from Bergamo

"The roots of Franco Daverio sink into the Italian twentieth century, in that the tradition of making sculpture that was able to look at the history of art as the source of narrative themes." (Sculptor and mentor Fausto Melotti, 1901-1986)

The Daverio tradition

Three generations of Daverio, each with their own visions and strengths.

Franco

The premise by Fausto Melotti opens our eyes to the Daverio tradition: a vocation towards art and beauty that began in the early decades of the twentieth century through the impetuous artistic vein of Franco, who, from childhood, expressed his inner and dreamlike world by creating instinctive and emotional images. Franco was one-of-a-kind, refusing to exhibit his many sculptures even though consistently invited to do so. While his peers became famous, Franco remained true to his integrity and values.

Luca

The creative legacy and family sculptural tradition shape Luca's creations, leading him to undertake a career as a sculptor of jewels. After having worked and learned from his father the processing techniques and creative freedom, since the early 1980s he has been making innovative jewelry: the art of a small scale, an expression of a millenary artistic world, a tradition and a body of work accumulated over decades of passionate making.

Pablo

With Pablo's arrival, the new generation breathes freshness and novelty into the collections. Remaining faithful to the corporate philosophy of expressive freedom, the sculptural designs embrace an even more innovative character, with unique lines and combinations, always striving for originality.

How the Daverio1933 story started

In 1933, a sixteen-year-old named Franco Daverio began his studies at the School of Applied Arts in Cantu. That decision set in motion a creative and craft lineage that would carry through three generations.

Fast forward to the 1980s. Franco's son Luca, driven by the desire to carry forward his father's legacy, opened a store and goldsmith workshop in the center of Bergamo. Inside, collections came to life under names like Sculptors of Jewel and Heritage. 

The Daverio1933 jewelry store

A few years later, Luca set up his workshop in Valenza, Italy's foremost goldsmithing town. There, the centuries-old craft intertwined with cutting-edge technologies, and collaborations with Italy's finest goldsmiths shaped the brand's production approach. Today, Luca and his son Pablo welcome visitors into their jewelry boutique in Bergamo.

The third generation: Pablo Daverio

Pablo Daverio made a conscious decision in stepping into the footsteps of his father and grandfather. "The inner vocation towards art and beauty, the curiosity leading to new compositions, and the artistic heritage I grew up with stimulated my interest in drawing and designing jewelry," he says. The sculptural dimension of Daverio is, and will always remain, central to the brand.

"To me, it is the artistic heritage that surrounded me daily at home during my youth, which is still present in the brand's showroom today, where I have the privilege of working alongside my father. My role as a jewelry designer is intricately connected to all the other responsibilities I undertake both within and outside the showroom. Not only do I focus on designing jewelry pieces, but I also delve into various creative realms. I oversee photography, videography, and graphic design."

A glimpse inside the showroom

Pablo continues: "On the other hand, my father, in his own artistic way, ventures into sculpting and has meticulously attended to every facet of the brand's identity for over three decades. He oversees elements such as the design, packaging, display cabinets, and much more. Each aspect of our design work becomes a canvas through which we express our inner experiences and create our artistic visions."

Esther asked Luca what he finds most fascinating in creating a jewel

Luca: "The most fascinating thing for me is materializing ideas into tangible objects and the pleasure I get from sculpting. It's also rewarding to see how happy people are to own a unique piece of jewelry."

What is the most complex aspect?

Luca: "The craftsmanship in creating jewelry is more complicated than one might imagine. The precision required to execute specific details or set gemstones can be on the scale of hundredths of a millimeter. It is also challenging to harmonize different materials in a single piece and enhance the distinctive features of gemstones with the volumes and contrasts of metals. These design phases require sensitivity and expertise."

Have you ever considered pursuing other professions besides being a goldsmith?

"After completing my studies and trying out various unsatisfying jobs, I found myself in my father's workshop to help him with his goldsmithing work. From the very first strike of the hammer, I was captivated by the pleasure of sculpting. It was love at first sight, and I haven't stopped creating and experimenting with new techniques ever since," says Luca.

Where do you see the company in the future?

Pablo: "Knowing that our artistic tradition continues with the third generation, I envision the work being passed down continuously, following the same philosophy of uniqueness. Remaining a small company allows us to pursue creative and artistic work, sometimes customized like a haute couture garment.

Sapphire ring from the Masterpiece collection

"Inspiration and passion have always motivated us to create sculptures and objects from the heart. The search for new beauty is an inherent instinct in human nature. Capturing changes in trends and design and being able to interpret them with ever-new forms and objects is a gratifying goal. Fortunately, there is always more to explore and experiment with."

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The Ricci collection

Luca: "I find immense joy exploring imagery and observing the world around me. Within these experiences, the inspiration for the Ricci Collection took shape. I wanted to create something extraordinary: three-dimensional and irregular forms that would capture the essence of nature itself.

Hedgehogs and sea urchins inspire the stunning Ricci collection.

The Ricci Collection was crafted to create a chiaroscuro effect, mirroring the interplay of light and shadow in the natural world. The goal was to evoke the materiality and spontaneity within nature's embrace. Each piece is a testament to this vision.

Through countless hours of dedicated handcrafting and sophisticated techniques, the jewelry within the Ricci Collection takes on a distinctive appearance, radiating a unique beauty that combines the artistry of light and shadow.

"The Ricci Collection is not merely jewelry but wearable art that tells a story. My passion is to create pieces beyond mere adornment, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world and evoking a sense of awe and wonder in every creation."

The Daverio1933 showroom and store in Bergamo

More about Daverio1933: daverio1933.it | Via T. Tasso 25, 24121 Bergamo, Italy | 48 Burj Gate, Downtown Dubai (UAE)